Authorization and residence permits for foreign teachers in Georgia require a specific approach that differs from standard labor migration. Educational institutions (schools, universities, language centers) often invite foreign staff to improve the quality of teaching. The state encourages this process and has established preferential financial criteria for the education sector. However, there are parallel strict requirements regarding the recognition of a teacher's qualifications, especially when involved in authorized educational programs. Legal.ge offers comprehensive legal services for both educational institutions and individual teachers to ensure their activities in Georgia are fully legal and uninterrupted.
What does this service cover?
Our service covers the full cycle of foreign teacher legalization:
- Qualification Recognition: Managing the procedure for recognizing foreign diplomas and qualifications at the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement, which is necessary for involvement in formal education.
- Employment Contract Preparation: Drafting a specific contract that considers the peculiarities of the educational sector (hourly load, academic year) and immigration requirements.
- Financial Documentation Audit: Preparing turnover documents for the school or university (note that a preferential threshold applies to educational institutions - 35,000 GEL per foreigner).
- Visa and Residence: Obtaining a D1 category visa (work) and subsequently a labor residence permit.
- Resource Center Relations: Supporting the registration process at local Educational Resource Centers if necessary.
Common Scenarios and Needs
Teacher legalization is relevant in many directions:
- Foreign Language Teachers: Native speaker teachers teaching English, German, or other languages in private schools.
- University Professors: Visiting lecturers delivering lecture courses in international programs.
- International School Staff: Foreign teachers at schools authorized for IB (International Baccalaureate) or other international programs.
- Sports and Arts Instructors: Foreign coaches or art teachers employed in specialized institutions.
Georgian Legal Framework
Labor migration of teachers is regulated by the Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons and the Law on General Education. A significant benefit is established by Government Resolution No. 280: educational institutions are required to have an annual turnover of only 35,000 GEL per foreign employee, instead of the standard 50,000 GEL. This promotes the internationalization of education. However, for employment in academic positions, confirmation of the authenticity of the diploma is necessary, which is carried out by the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement.
Step-by-Step Process
The process begins with checking the teacher's qualifications and translating/apostilling the diploma. Then, diploma recognition takes place (if needed). In parallel, an employment contract is signed, where the salary must meet five times the subsistence minimum. The school issues a certificate regarding turnover. The lawyer fills out the application and uploads documents to the Agency portal. The residence card is usually issued within 30 days.
Why Legal.ge?
The specifics of the educational field require knowledge not only of immigration law but also of educational law. Specialists presented on Legal.ge will help you avoid misunderstandings in the qualification recognition process, which often causes delays in residence permits. We ensure that your school or university's HR processes are streamlined and compliant with the law.
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