Georgia Visa & Policy Updates
Georgia is implementing stricter immigration controls, including a new biometric Foreigners' Registry and mandatory Right to Labour Activity permits for foreign workers. Recent shifts include the introduction of the C5 visa for remote workers, a 20-credit threshold for students, and mandatory interviews for spousal residency applicants. While the government removed the 50,000 GEL turnover requirement, new documentation rules and language proficiency exams take effect in September 2026.
The country of Georgia ends immediate permanent residence for spouses in Sept. 1 rule shift
Starting Sept. 1, Georgia enforces stricter documentation rules for foreign nationals applying for residence permits. Applicants must now provide official proof of legal stay, and certain categories require verified evidence of in-country legal income sources.
Georgia launches Foreigners' Registry with biometric tracking on Sept. 1
Georgia will launch a centralized database in Sept. 2026 to monitor the legal status and entry of all foreign citizens. The system will link to public and private services, requiring expats and nomads to prove valid residency or visa status for daily transactions.
Georgia requires 20 credits for study-based residence permits
Georgia is tightening residency requirements for foreign students, including a mandatory 20-credit annual academic threshold and language proficiency certification. The new rules also introduce a D6 visa category for minors and stricter monitoring of student absences to prevent permit abuse.
Georgia mandates interviews for foreign spouses under new residency bill
The Georgian Interior Ministry is establishing a special commission to interview foreign nationals applying for residency through marriage. The new measure aims to verify the authenticity of unions and prevent fictitious marriages from being used as a path to legal status.
Georgia mandates language exams for international students applying to university
International students in Georgia must now provide a language certificate or pass a proficiency exam to secure admission. This new requirement applies to all applicants, even those enrolling in university programs taught in languages other than Georgian.
Georgia adopts C5 visa for remote workers with 365 day stay limit
Georgia adopts the C5 visa, a multiple-entry short-stay visa valid for up to five years that lets remote workers for foreign employers or clients stay up to a year.
Georgia requires a Right to Labour Activity permit for work starting March 1
Foreigners without permanent residency must obtain a specific work permit before freelancing or running a business in Georgia. Enforcement for self-employed individuals begins May 1 and includes fines for those working on standard tourist stays or residence cards.
Georgia requires Right to Work permit for local income starting March 1
Starting March 1, Georgia will end its permissive approach to remote work by requiring all foreign workers to obtain a mandatory work permit. Violators face 2,000 GEL fines under a new system that requires government approval before any employment activity begins.
Georgia now requires work permits for all foreign nationals doing paid work
Georgia is ending its hands-off approach to remote work by requiring all foreign workers to obtain formal government approval and work permits. This shift introduces compliance monitoring and mandatory employer-side registration for a destination previously known for its ease of entry.
Georgia drops the 50,000 GEL turnover bar
New legislative updates exempt remote workers with non-resident clients from requiring a formal work permit. Additionally, the removal of the 50,000 GEL turnover threshold makes it significantly easier for digital nomads to qualify for long-term residency.
Georgia trims the permit rules
New amendments exempt remote workers and company directors from the mandatory labor permit requirement introduced earlier this year. The government also removed the 50,000 GEL annual turnover threshold for business-based residence permits, significantly lowering the barrier for foreign entrepreneurs.
Georgia’s work-permit gate is now in front
Effective March 2026, Georgia has tightened regulations for foreigners engaging in economic activity, including remote workers and freelancers. Applicants must now secure a formal 'Right to Work' permit before they can apply for a D1 visa or a residence permit.