C5 visa in Georgia: New rules for remote workers and freelancers (2026 bill)

Important: This is still a draft bill

The Georgian Parliament is considering amendments to two laws at once:

• “On Labor Migration,”
• “On the Legal Status of Foreigners.”

If the amendments are adopted, the rules for foreigners working in Georgia will be greatly simplified — but not for everyone.

The key idea behind the reform

The plan is to exclude from the “labor migrant” category foreigners who:

• work for foreign clients;
• receive income from outside Georgia;
• or work remotely for a Georgian company (in certain cases).

This means: a work permit (WP) may no longer be required for such individuals.

What is a C5 visa

At the same time, a new category is being introduced — the C5 visa.

This is a special short‐term visa for foreigners who:

• are in Georgia,
• but work exclusively for the foreign market.

Essentially, this is an attempt to legalize the classic model: “I live in Georgia — I earn money abroad.”

Who is eligible for a C5 visa

This visa is right for you if:

• you are a freelancer or remote worker;
• your clients or employer are based outside Georgia;
• your work is not related to the Georgian market.

The following individuals are also eligible for the visa:

• spouse,
• minor children.

Important: If you work with Georgian clients or businesses, the C5 visa is not suitable for you → you will need a WP + residence permit or a D1 visa.

How to apply for a C5 visa

There are two ways to apply:

• through Georgian consulates,
• online via the e‐VISA portal.

Cost: from $20 to $500 (set by the government).

Important risk: A visa denial cannot be appealed.

C5 visa entitlements

Key Benefits:

1. Long‐term stay

• up to 1 year in total during the visa’s validity period,
• the visa itself can be issued for up to 5 years,
• multiple entries.

For comparison: standard short‐term visas allow only 90 days within a 180‐day period.

2. Legal remote work

• you can work for foreign companies;
• no need to register with the labor migration system;
• no work permit required (if the amendments are adopted).

What will change in practice

If the law is passed:

Who the C5 visa is NOT suitable for

A visa is not the right solution if you:

• work with clients in Georgia,
• are starting a business in the local market,
• or want a full‐fledged residence permit.

In these cases, your options are:

• a work permit;
• a residence permit;
• or a D1 visa.

FAQ

Conclusion

The C5 visa is a step toward making Georgia an attractive jurisdiction for:

• digital nomads,
• IT professionals,
• freelancers,
• entrepreneurs with international clients.

But it’s important to note: this is not a one‐size‐fits‐all solution, but a tool for a specific income model — money earned outside Georgia = simplified status.