Extending a work residence permit is a critical procedure for all foreigners already living and working in Georgia. Residence permits are initially issued for a limited period (usually 6 months to 1 year), and it is necessary to start the renewal procedure before the current one expires. Missing the deadline leads to illegal status, fines, and potentially deportation. The extension process is practically identical to the initial application, but special attention is paid to verifying the activities performed and taxes paid during the previous period. The Agency checks whether the person was genuinely working and whether the company maintained the appropriate turnover throughout the reporting period. Legal.ge offers proactive legal services to ensure your status renewal happens smoothly and on time.
What does this service cover?
The extension service focuses on maintaining and strengthening your existing status:
- Deadline Monitoring and Planning: Alerting the client before expiration and starting document preparation (recommended 40 days in advance).
- Income History Verification: Checking the Revenue Service database to ensure all income taxes were correctly declared in the previous period.
- Employer Turnover Update: Obtaining current turnover documentation from the company to confirm it still meets the 50,000 GEL threshold.
- Contract Renewal: Extending the term of the employment contract or signing a new one.
- Application Submission: Filling out and uploading the electronic application at the Public Service Development Agency.
- Card Collection: Organizing the procedure for collecting the ready document at the Public Service Hall.
Common Scenarios and Needs
Residence extension is needed by anyone whose document is expiring:
- Long-term Employee: A person who has been working for the same company for years and renews their residence annually.
- Job Changer: A person who still has a valid residence permit but changed employers and needs to get a new card with new details.
- Business Expansion: An Individual Entrepreneur who has increased turnover and wants to extend the residence term for a longer period (e.g., 2 years).
- Student to Employee: A person who had a study residence permit, finished studies, started working, and needs to change/extend status on a labor basis.
Georgian Legal Framework
The extension of a residence permit is regulated by the Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons. The law stipulates that a foreigner is obliged to apply to the Agency at least 40 calendar days before the residence permit expires. However, in practice, it is possible to apply until the last day of validity, but this increases risks. During extension, Government Resolution No. 280 regarding turnover requirements still applies. If it turns out that taxes were not paid during the past year or the company did not have sufficient turnover, the Agency has the right to refuse the extension.
Step-by-Step Process
The process should start about 2 months before expiration. First, the tax history is checked. Then, updated certificates from the employer and bank are prepared. The lawyer fills out the application based on "extension." It is important that the person was legally present in the country during the validity of the old card. The standard review period is 30 days. Upon a positive response, the person receives a new ID card for a new term.
Why Legal.ge?
Residence extension seems like a simple routine, but refusals often happen due to minor errors (e.g., late tax payments). Specialists at Legal.ge pre-check your financial and tax history to eliminate all risks before submitting the application. With our help, you won't miss deadlines and will maintain your legal status without unnecessary stress.
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