Employing foreign nationals in Georgia requires navigating the country's immigration framework, which includes specific requirements for visas and residency permits that grant the right to work. Understanding these procedures is crucial for ensuring compliance and facilitating a smooth transition for international employees. The process typically involves obtaining the appropriate long-term visa from a Georgian embassy or consulate abroad, followed by applying for a residency permit upon arrival in Georgia.
The residency permit is the document that officially authorizes a foreign national to reside and work in Georgia for a specified period. The type of visa and subsequent residency permit required depends on the purpose of stay, with specific categories designated for employment purposes. Adhering to the correct application procedures and documentation requirements is essential for both the employer and the employee.
Common Visa Types for Foreign Workers
Foreign nationals intending to work in Georgia typically require a long-term visa, specifically a D category visa. The most relevant types for employment purposes include:
- D1 Category: This visa is issued to individuals arriving in Georgia for employment purposes, including performing work based on a labor contract or entrepreneurial activities.
- D2 Category: This visa is for individuals arriving for scientific, sports, cultural, or educational activities. While not strictly "employment" in the traditional sense, it covers work-like activities in specific fields.
- D3 Category: This visa is for individuals arriving for educational purposes, including studying at authorized educational institutions. While primarily for students, it can sometimes have provisions related to part-time work under specific conditions, though the D1 is the primary work visa.
- D4 Category: This visa is for individuals arriving for family reunification. While not a work visa itself, it allows dependents of D1 visa holders (and certain other categories) to reside in Georgia, and they may be eligible to apply for work authorization or a relevant residency permit later.
The D category visa serves as the initial entry document allowing the individual to travel to Georgia and apply for a residency permit. The residency permit is the document that grants the legal right to reside and work long-term.
Work Permit Application Requirements and Procedures
Georgia does not issue a separate "work permit" document in the way some countries do. Instead, the right to work is typically granted through obtaining a relevant long-term residency permit, most commonly based on a D1 visa. The process generally involves:
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Obtaining a D Category Visa: The foreign national applies for the appropriate D category visa (usually D1) at a Georgian diplomatic mission or consular office in their country of residence.
- Eligibility: Requires proof of employment or entrepreneurial activity in Georgia.
- Documentation: Typically includes passport, visa application form, photo, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and crucially, documentation related to employment (e.g., labor contract, invitation letter from the Georgian employer, company registration documents).
- Sponsorship: The Georgian employer plays a key role by providing the necessary employment documentation and potentially an invitation letter.
- Fees: Visa fees vary depending on nationality and the specific embassy/consulate.
- Processing Time: Can vary, but typically ranges from 5 to 30 calendar days. Expedited processing may be available for higher fees.
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Applying for a Residency Permit: After entering Georgia with the D category visa, the foreign national must apply for a residency permit at the Public Service Hall or the Agency of Legal Aid within 45 days of arrival.
- Eligibility: Requires holding a valid D category visa and meeting the criteria for the specific type of residency permit (e.g., work residency permit).
- Documentation: Includes passport, application form, D category visa copy, proof of legal entry, proof of sufficient funds (sometimes required), health insurance, and documentation supporting the basis for residency (e.g., labor contract, employer's documents, proof of income).
- Sponsorship: The employer's documentation and ongoing employment relationship are critical for the work residency permit application.
- Fees: State fees apply for processing the residency permit application. Fees vary based on the desired processing time.
- Processing Time: Standard processing is typically 30 calendar days. Expedited options are available for 20 or 10 calendar days at higher fees.
| Document Type | Purpose | Key Requirement | Typical Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1 Visa | Entry to Georgia for work | Labor contract/Employer invitation | Up to 90 days |
| Work Residency Permit | Legal stay and work rights in Georgia | Valid D1 visa, ongoing employment in Georgia | 6 months to 1 year (initial), renewable |
Pathways to Permanent Residency
Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Georgia for a significant period based on a long-term residency permit, such as the work residency permit, may become eligible to apply for a permanent residency permit.
- Eligibility: Generally requires residing in Georgia legally and continuously for at least 10 years based on a temporary residency permit (like the work permit). Certain categories, such as those investing significantly in Georgia's economy or individuals of Georgian origin, may have different requirements or shorter timelines.
- Documentation: Includes passport, application form, proof of legal residency history (previous residency permits), proof of sufficient funds/income, proof of accommodation, and potentially other documents depending on the basis of application.
- Process: Application is submitted to the Public Service Hall or the Agency of Legal Aid.
- Processing Time: Can take several months.
Obtaining permanent residency is a pathway towards potential Georgian citizenship, which typically requires residing in Georgia for a certain period after obtaining permanent residency and meeting other criteria, including language proficiency and knowledge of Georgian history and law.
Dependent Visa Options
Family members (spouse, minor children, and sometimes dependent parents) of a foreign national holding a long-term D category visa or a valid residency permit in Georgia are generally eligible to apply for a D4 category visa for family reunification.
- Eligibility: Requires proof of relationship to the main applicant (the foreign worker) and proof that the main applicant holds a valid D category visa or residency permit and can financially support the dependents.
- Documentation: Includes passport, visa application form, photo, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates), and documentation related to the main applicant's status in Georgia (visa/residency permit copy, proof of income/funds).
- Process: Dependents typically apply for the D4 visa at a Georgian diplomatic mission or consular office abroad. After entering Georgia, they must apply for a residency permit based on family reunification at the Public Service Hall or Agency of Legal Aid.
- Residency Permit for Dependents: The residency permit issued to dependents is usually tied to the validity of the main applicant's residency permit. Dependents may have restrictions on their ability to work initially and might need to apply for a separate work authorization or change of status if they wish to seek employment.
Visa Compliance Obligations for Employers and Employees
Maintaining compliance with Georgian immigration laws is a shared responsibility between the foreign employee and the employer (or their EOR).
Employee Obligations:
- Maintenir un passeport valide et un permis de résidence.
- S’assurer que leurs activités en Géorgie correspondent à l’objet de leur visa/permis de résidence (par exemple, travailler uniquement pour l’employeur sponsor si le permis est lié à un emploi spécifique).
- Demander le renouvellement du permis de résidence avant sa date d’expiration.
- Informer les autorités compétentes de tout changement dans les circonstances personnelles (par exemple, adresse, statut marital).
- Respecter toutes les lois géorgiennes.
Employer (ou EOR) Obligations:
- S’assurer que le ressortissant étranger détient le bon visa et permis de résidence pour le travail qu’il effectuera.
- Fournir une documentation précise et véridique pour soutenir les demandes de visa et de permis de résidence de l’employé.
- Tenir des registres liés à l’emploi et au statut d’immigration de l’étranger.
- Informer les autorités compétentes si la relation d’emploi avec un ressortissant étranger détenant un permis de résidence basé sur le travail est résiliée.
- Veiller à ce que les conditions de travail de l’employé respectent le droit du travail géorgien.
- Éviter d’employer des ressortissants étrangers qui ne possèdent pas le droit légal de travailler en Géorgie.
Le non-respect des réglementations en matière d’immigration peut entraîner des sanctions pour l’employé (amendes, déportation, interdiction d’entrée) et pour l’employeur (amendes, répercussions légales, atteinte à la réputation). Par conséquent, une gestion diligente du processus d’immigration et une conformité continue sont essentielles.
