Obtaining a residence permit for an Individual Entrepreneur (often referred to as a self-employed residence permit) is one of the most effective ways for foreign citizens wishing to run a small business and live legally in Georgia. Georgian legislation allows a person to create a place of employment independently, without a local employer, based on their own entrepreneurial activity. This status is particularly attractive for small business owners, consultants, craftsmen, and those employed in trade. However, the process is not simple: the state strictly controls whether the business is genuine and not merely a means to obtain residence. The applicant must prove financial stability and the legally required turnover. Legal.ge offers full legal support for self-employed individuals to help them structure their business correctly and meet all criteria necessary for immigration purposes.
What does this service cover?
The self-employed residence permit service includes legal and accounting components:
- Individual Entrepreneur (IE) Registration: Going through the registration procedure at the Public Service Hall, correctly selecting the field of activity, and registering.
- Tax Registration: Registering with the Revenue Service and choosing the optimal tax regime (e.g., Small Business Status).
- Turnover Verification: Auditing bank statements and tax declarations to confirm the statutory annual turnover of 50,000 GEL.
- Business Plan and Activity Description: Preparing a detailed description for the Public Service Development Agency, confirming the reality and viability of the activity.
- Income Source Legalization: Legally structuring contracts, invoices, and acceptance acts with clients.
- Immigration Procedures: Preparing and submitting the application and providing legal representation during the review process at the Agency.
Common Scenarios and Needs
This service is designed for a wide range of individuals wishing to run their own business in Georgia:
- Small Business Owner: A foreigner who has opened a cafe, bakery, beauty salon, or clothing store and wants to obtain residence based on this business.
- Expert Consultant: A specialist in marketing, management, or technical fields consulting local companies based on contracts.
- Craftsman or Artist: A person creating handmade items, furniture, or artworks and selling them on the local market or for export.
- Real Estate Agent: An individual broker working independently and receiving commissions from real estate sales.
Georgian Legal Framework
A residence permit for self-employed individuals is issued based on the Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons as a Labor Residence Permit. Since the person is both the employer and the employee, Government Resolution No. 280 applies, requiring an annual turnover of at least 50,000 GEL per foreigner (in this case - for oneself). The Tax Code of Georgia is also important, defining taxation rules for Individual Entrepreneurs. The Agency pays special attention to ensuring that the turnover results from real economic activity and not artificially created transactions.
Step-by-Step Process
The first step is registering as an Individual Entrepreneur and opening a bank account. In the second stage, the entrepreneur must conduct active economic activity and accumulate the necessary turnover (or show turnover from a previous period). In the third stage, official certificates regarding turnover and paid taxes are requested from the Revenue Service. In the fourth stage, the lawyer prepares the full package and uploads it to the Public Service Development Agency portal. An Agency representative may visit the place of activity (e.g., store or office) to verify the actual situation. Upon a positive decision, a residence card is issued.
Why Legal.ge?
The refusal rate for self-employed residence permits is significant because it is often difficult to prove the genuineness of the business. Legal.ge connects you with experienced lawyers who know how to present your small business convincingly to the Agency. Our specialists will help you not only fill out the application but also organize business processes so that they fully comply with immigration requirements.
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