Is your company planning to expand to or outsource operations in Georgia? If so, you’ll most likely need to put together a talented team of employees who are willing to move overseas to make sure the transition goes smoothly for your business. Unfortunately, hiring an international staff is just one of the hurdles you’ll face during your company’s expansion. You’ll also need to make sure all of your employees have the necessary visas and permits to live and work in Georgia legally.
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Types of Work Visas in Georgia
Foreign nationals who plan to travel to Georgia will need to begin the process by deciding which type of visa they require as well as what status of residence they should apply for. Categories of visas in Georgia include:
- Diplomatic visas (Type A)
- Special visas (Type B)
- Ordinary visas (Type C)
- Immigration visas (Type D)
- Transit visas (Type C)
Within these categories, applicants can choose either a short-term or a long-term visa. Short-term visas are available with single or multiple entries, while long-term visas allow multiple entries by default.
Foreign nationals who want to work in Georgia will need to obtain a long-term visa, which functions as a work permit and also allows the holder to get a residence permit after arriving in Georgia.
Requirements to Obtain Georgia Work Visas
Visa requirements can vary from one embassy to another. That said, some of the general requirements include:
- A completed and signed visa application form
- A valid passport with at least one blank page for any entry stamp
- An employment contract with a company based in Georgia
- Payment of the visa fee
Application Process
Foreign nationals should begin the visa application process by getting in touch with the nearest Georgian consulate or embassy. The officials at the embassy will be able to provide an accurate, up-to-date list of the requirements for the visa.
Foreign employees can apply for a visa online through Georgia’s e-application submission process. Applicants should gather all necessary supporting documents before beginning their visa application. After applying online, the applicant will need to submit an additional hard copy of the completed application form along with the required documents to the embassy. In some cases, the applicant can mail these documents to the embassy. Otherwise, they should take them to the embassy and submit them in person.
Upon approval of the visa application, the employee can travel to Georgia. Once there, they’ll need to obtain a residence permit from the Public Service development agency. Spouses and dependents who travel to Georgia with the employee will need residence permits as well. Residence permits for foreign workers are valid for one year, after which they are eligible for renewal for up to five years.
Other Important Considerations
The processing time for a long-term visa is typically 30 calendar days, so employees should consider their intended start date in Georgia and plan accordingly.
Foreign employees should also be aware that they cannot work in Georgia with a tourist visa or other short-term visa. It was possible to do so in recent years, but the visa policy has since changed.
Learn More About Globalization Partners
Need to onboard international employees right now? We can help with your global hiring needs. Contact us and request a proposal.
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At this moment, Globalization Partners does not offer support processing work visas or permits in this particular location.
For any other inquiries about our global employment platform, contact us today.
