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Self-Employment Visa

Do I need a physical office?

No, an Individual Entrepreneur does not require a physical office. You can register at your residential address or use a virtual legal address service.

Is the 1% tax rate guaranteed forever?

The 1% tax rate applies as long as your annual turnover is below 500,000 GEL. If exceeded, the rate becomes 3%.

Can I work for foreign clients?

Yes, most freelancers in Georgia work for foreign clients. Income received from abroad is eligible for the 1% tax regime.

How long is the residence permit valid?

Initially, work residence permits are usually issued for 6 months to 1 year. Renewals can be for up to 5 years, leading to permanent residency.

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Self-Employment Visa and Residence Permit (for freelancers and individual entrepreneurs) is a special immigration pathway for those wishing to live and work legally in Georgia without being dependent on an employer. In recent years, Georgia has become an attractive destination for digital nomads and independent contractors due to its liberal tax system ("Small Business" status, 1% tax) and simple bureaucracy. This service is designed for foreigners who register as Individual Entrepreneurs (IE) and prove their grounds for residing in Georgia through their income. A qualified lawyer assists the client throughout the process: from business registration to obtaining a residence permit and opening a bank account.

What Does the Self-Employment Visa Service Cover?

The service covers the full cycle of IE legalization:

  • IE Registration: Registering Individual Entrepreneur status at the Public Service Hall, providing a legal address, and selecting economic activity codes.
  • Tax Status: Obtaining "Small Business" status from the Revenue Service, reducing income tax to 1% (for turnover up to 500,000 GEL).
  • Residence Permit: Preparing documentation for a work residence permit, including proof of turnover (minimum 50,000 GEL annually) and bank statements.
  • Bank Account: Assisting in opening personal and business accounts, often difficult for foreign residents due to strict AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations.
  • Residency Renewal: Managing procedures for extending existing residence permits.

Real-World Situations When You Need This Service

Self-employed individuals often face the following challenges:

  • Digital Nomad: A freelance IT specialist arrived in Georgia and wants to stay for more than 1 year. They need legal status and low taxes.
  • Online Trading: A foreigner sells items on Amazon or Etsy from Georgia. They need IE registration and residency to legalize income.
  • Bank Refusal: A bank refused to open an account due to "insufficient ties." The lawyer prepares a justification and business plan for the bank.
  • Proof of Turnover: To renew residency, turnover must be shown, but funds come via Payoneer or PayPal. Proper declaration of this income is needed.

Georgian Legal Framework

Self-employment immigration is regulated by the "Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons" (Article 15 - Work Residence) and the "Law on Entrepreneurs". Tax benefits are regulated by the "Tax Code" (special tax regime for Small Business). To obtain residency, proof of legal income is mandatory, which for an IE is bank turnover.

Process: How a Specialist Works

The lawyer's work includes:

  1. Registration: Activating IE status and tax regime.
  2. Documentation: Preparing the package for the Public Service Development Agency (PSDA) (turnover, recommendations).
  3. Representation: Attending interviews (if necessary) and managing additional requests.

Why Legal.ge?

Legal.ge offers lawyers specializing in immigration and tax law. We will help you take advantage of Georgia's unique tax benefits and obtain residency rights without unnecessary complications.

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Specialists for this service

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