Business Residency in Georgia: Process, Options, and Benefits
July 14, 2025
Giorgi Urtmelidze
Overview
In an increasingly interconnected world, the concept of business residency has gained momentum as traditional borders shift and Georgia is positioning itself to leverage these opportunities.
Georgia is recognized as an attractive hub in the region for businesses and entrepreneurs due to its tax system, its straightforward business registration and streamlined procedures. This guide on Georgia residency provides a comprehensive analysis of the various residency types available, the application process and key considerations for foreign investors seeking to establish a presence in Georgia.
Benefits of choosing Georgia for residency
The appeal for the residency in Georgia for business migration stems from various comparative advantages:
Ease of granting residency: Georgia’s legal framework is designed to facilitate residence permits for those who contribute to the Georgia’s economic development.
Straightforward procedures: The application process is clear, minimizing bureaucratic hurdles and reducing the reliance on intermediaries.
Fast processing: The Service Development Agency (SDA) processes applications effectively, thereby allowing applicants to quickly settle and begin business operations.
Digital convenience: The procedures can be initiated and managed online, reducing the need for physical presence in the country.
Types of residencies in Georgia
According to the Service Development Agency Georgia offers various types of residencies for foreign individuals catering to various profiles:
Work residence permit
Eligibility: Issued to labor migrants, who are registered with the Ministry of Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs, or foreigners engaged in entrepreneurial activities in Georgia.
Income requirements: Monthly income/remuneration from entrepreneurial or labor activities in Georgia must not be less than five times the average consumer’s subsistence minimum (52.6 GEL as of 2025).
Employer turnover: The annual turnover of the employer’s enterprise/founded enterprise (excluding educational or medical institutions) must not be less than GEL 50,000 per foreign applicant. For educational/medical institutions, it is GEL 35,000 per applicant.
Validity: Is issued for 6 to 12 months.
Investment residence permit
Eligibility: Issued to foreigners and their family members who have invested at least USD 300,000 equivalent in GEL in Georgia, or own real estate (excluding agricultural land) with a market value exceeding USD 300,000 equivalent in GEL.
Valuation: The market value of real estate is determined by a certified appraiser accredited by the Accreditation Center of the Unified National Accreditation Body.
Recommendation: Requires a written recommendation from a member of the Government of Georgia or three Georgian citizens with representative authority of an entrepreneurial entity operating in Georgia.
Obligations: Year 1: Annual turnover from entrepreneurial activity of at least USD 50,000 equivalent in GEL. Year 2: Annual turnover of at least USD 100,000 equivalent in GEL. Year 3-5: Annual turnover of at least USD 120,000 equivalent in GEL.
Note: applicants with real estate-based permit, must maintain ownership.
Short-Term residence permit
Eligibility: Issued to foreigners who own real estate (excluding agricultural land) in Georgia with a market value exceeding USD 100,000 equivalent in GEL, as well as their spouse and children.
Valuation: The market value of real estate is determined by a certified appraiser accredited by the Accreditation Center.
Validity: The permit can be issued and extended for 1 year each time
Online application process
Georgia facilitates online application process for residency in Georgia for several types of residence permits, thereby enhancing convenience for applicants inside and outside the country.
Foreigners aged eighteen and over with legal capacity can apply for an initial residence permit online only if they are currently in Georgia. However, applications for extension of a residence permit can be submitted online by individuals both within and outside Georgia.
To register an online application for a Georgia residence permit without leaving home, you must complete an electronic application, upload all necessary documents electronically, and then connect with a remote service operator via video call to confirm your intent. Note that within 10 days of online registration, physical submission of original documents in Georgia is required. Documents issued abroad need to be translated into Georgian, notarized, and, if applicable, legalized, or apostilled.
Conclusion
Residency in Georgia is supported by increasingly digitized framework for business migration and offers a compelling proposition for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. However, while the process is designed for efficiency and ease, understanding the specific requirements for each residency type and adhering to submission guidelines is crucial for a smooth experience. By leveraging the streamlined procedures and digital tools available, international businesspersons can effectively navigate their path to establishing a long-term presence in Georgia.
At SGBA, our legal team supports members throughout these procedures — from identifying the appropriate residency type to handling documentation, translation, and coordination with the relevant authorities — ensuring the process is handled with clarity and confidence.
Overview