How to Get a Residence Permit in Georgia Through Your Company
Most people register a Georgian company for one reason: the 1% tax. But that same company can also get you a residence permit — and that's something a lot of entrepreneurs don't realise until much later than they should.
If you're already running an IE or LLC in Georgia, or planning to register one, you might be a lot closer to Georgian residency than you think. And residency opens up a whole other level of stability: a proper Georgian ID card, the ability to bring your family, and a path that eventually leads to permanent residency.
So let's talk through how it actually works.
The Basic Idea
Georgia issues a Labour Residence Permit to foreign nationals who can show they're actively running a business here. The main requirement is straightforward: your company — whether an IE or an LLC — must have turned over at least 50,000 GEL in the last 12 months.
That works out to roughly EUR 1,400 a month in invoiced income. For most freelancers and consultants who are actively working, that's a realistic target within the first year.
Who This Works For
| Your Situation | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Solo freelancer with a Georgian IE | Apply once your IE hits 50,000 GEL turnover over 12 months. You apply as the IE owner. |
| Foreign director of a Georgian LLC | Same threshold — the LLC needs 50,000 GEL per foreigner in the business. |
| Foreign employee of a Georgian LLC | The LLC sponsors your permit. Needs 50,000 GEL turnover, contract min. 6 months, salary min. GEL 1,000/month. |
| Education or medical company | Lower threshold — only 35,000 GEL turnover required per foreigner. |
One Thing That Changed in 2026
Before you can submit a residency application, there's now a step that didn't exist before: you need a Right to Labour Activity permit first. This came in with the March 2026 labour migration reforms.
It's not complicated — you apply online at labourmigration.moh.gov.ge, costs up to GEL 500, and takes up to 30 days. But it needs to happen before your residency application, so factor that into your timeline. Full details: Georgia Work Permit 2026: What Foreign Entrepreneurs Need to Know.
The Process
Register Your Company
An IE registers in 24 hours, an LLC in 1–3 days. Both can be done remotely via power of attorney. Legal Vista handles this.
Build 50,000 GEL in Turnover
Run your business, invoice your clients, file your monthly declarations. Once you've hit 50,000 GEL over 12 consecutive months you're eligible. Your 1% Small Business Status tax applies throughout — this doesn't change.
Get the Right to Labour Activity Permit
Apply at labourmigration.moh.gov.ge. Up to 30 days, up to GEL 500. Mandatory first step before the residency application.
Gather Your Documents
Apply at the Public Service Hall
Submit all documents, provide biometric data, pay the application fee. Legal Vista prepares and submits everything on your behalf.
Processing Fees
Do You Actually Need Residency?
Worth asking. Citizens of 90+ countries — all EU nations, UK, US, Canada, Australia — can already stay in Georgia for 365 days visa-free. If you're only here for a year or less, visa-free may be perfectly sufficient.
But if you're planning to stay longer, want a proper Georgian ID, want to bring your family, or are thinking ahead to permanent residency — the company route makes a lot of sense. You're already doing the business activity. Residency is just the next step.
If you're registering a new company today, the earliest you can apply for residency is roughly 12–13 months from now — 12 months to build turnover plus the work permit processing time. Plan accordingly if residency is part of your goal from the start.
Questions We Get Asked a Lot
Click any question to expand.
Does income from foreign clients count toward the 50,000 GEL?
Yes — fully. Income invoiced to clients anywhere in the world counts toward your Georgian company's turnover. It just needs to be documented through the Revenue Service or your Georgian business bank account.
Can I use a company I registered remotely?
Yes. A company registered via power of attorney is just as valid. As long as it has the required turnover and is in good standing with the Revenue Service, you're fine.
What if I have two foreign partners in my LLC?
The 50,000 GEL threshold applies per foreigner. Two foreign directors means the company needs 100,000 GEL in annual turnover. Worth factoring in before you structure the business.
Can my family come too?
Yes. Once you hold a Labour Residence Permit, your spouse and dependent children can apply for family reunification residence permits. They don't need to meet the turnover requirement — your status as the primary permit holder is enough.
Does getting residency change my 1% tax rate?
Not at all. Your Small Business Status and 1% tax are completely separate from your residency status. The two systems operate independently.
What happens after 6 years?
You can apply for Permanent Residency. After that, Georgian citizenship becomes an option — subject to language requirements and other conditions. It's a long road, but it starts with the same company you may already have registered.
