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With the launch of the system for obtaining work permits for foreigners in Georgia, many entrepreneurs are faced with the same question: how to prove their economic activity if they work as individual entrepreneurs (IE).
The practice of applying the new rules is still being developed. However, based on the first applications and consultations with government agencies, several important principles can be identified that will help you prepare a stronger application.
Let’s take a look at the key points.
1. Main document — tax statement
If you are already operating in Georgia as a sole proprietor, the main proof of your economic activity will be a statement from the tax system (RS.ge).
This document confirms:
- the entrepreneur’s actual turnover,
- declared income,
- the legality of your activities in Georgia.
It is important to understand that no alternative documents can replace this statement.
The following are not acceptable:
- bank statements,
- account movement statements,
- transaction screenshots,
- contracts with clients.
Only data from the tax service is taken into account by the application review system.
Therefore, before submitting documents, you should make sure that:
- your income is correctly declared,
- your turnover is reflected in the tax system.
2. What to do if you don’t have any turnover yet
This is a common situation for:
- newly registered sole proprietors;
- entrepreneurs who are just starting out;
- freelancers who haven’t received their first payments yet.
In such cases, the application system provides a solution.
You can add a business plan.
The portal allows you to upload both:
- a tax statement,
- a business plan.
This approach helps show the government that:
- the business is real,
- the entrepreneur understands their business model,
- turnover will appear in the near future.
3. What language can be used to prepare documents
It has already been confirmed in practice that resumes (CVs) can be submitted in English.
This is convenient for:
- IT specialists;
- consultants;
- international freelancers;
- entrepreneurs working with foreign clients.
As for the business plan, there are no official explanations about the language yet.
However, since the system allows documents to be uploaded without a strict template, in practice, many specialists also prepare it in English.
4. What a business plan should be like
The government has not established a strict format for this document.
This means that a business plan can be written in any format.
The main purpose of the document is to show the inspector that the entrepreneur:
- understands their business model,
- is familiar with the market,
- is capable of generating income.
In other words, the document should answer a simple question: why will this entrepreneur really be able to work and earn money in Georgia?
5. What to include in your business plan
To strengthen your application for a work permit, the document should describe several key areas.
1. Sources of income
You need to clearly explain:
- who your customers are,
- what services or goods you sell,
- what exactly you are paid for.
For example:
- software development,
- marketing services,
- consulting,
- online services.
2. Target audience
It is worth describing:
- who your customers are,
- which countries they are located in,
- why they need your product.
3. Understanding the market
It is important to show:
- why your business is relevant in Georgia,
- what advantages working from Georgia offers.
These could include:
- tax regime,
- international work,
- development of the IT sector,
- access to markets.
4. Marketing strategy
Reviewers want to see how exactly you will find clients.
You can describe:
- working through Upwork or other freelance platforms,
- personal website,
- advertising,
- partnerships,
- client referrals.
5. Financial forecast
It is useful to add a simple calculation:
- expected income,
- basic expenses,
- estimated turnover.
This shows the realism of the entrepreneur’s plans.
6. Development plan for 6—12 months
In this section, you can describe:
- growth of the customer base,
- increase in turnover,
- possible expansion of activities.
6. Why a business plan strengthens an application
Even if you already have turnover, a business plan can significantly strengthen your case.
It demonstrates:
- the entrepreneur’s strategic thinking,
- long‐term plans for working in the country,
- the seriousness of their intentions.
For government agencies, this is an important signal that the applicant really plans to conduct business, rather than just formally registering as a sole proprietor.
Conclusion
When applying for a work permit for an individual entrepreneur in Georgia, it is important to prepare the documents correctly.
Key rules:
- confirmation of turnover — only through a tax statement;
- bank statements are not accepted;
- if there is no turnover, a business plan can be attached;
- there is no strict form for a business plan;
- a resume can be submitted in English.
A correctly prepared set of documents significantly increases the likelihood of successfully obtaining a work permit.
Need help with obtaining a work permit?
ESPERO specialists help foreign entrepreneurs:
- prepare documents for a work permit,
- register as a sole proprietor in Georgia,
- prepare a business plan for application,
- assist with the process of obtaining a D1 visa and residence permit.
We know the application process and will help you prepare a strong case to avoid rejection.