D1 visa in Georgia: work immigration visa for foreigners

A D1 visa is a Georgian immigration work visa issued to foreigners who plan to work or conduct business in the country.

Starting in 2026, the rules for obtaining a D1 visa will change: it will now be directly linked to obtaining a work permit in accordance with the updated labor migration law.

Let’s take a look at who is eligible for a D1 visa, what documents are required, and how the application process works.

What is a D1 visa?

A D1 visa is a long‐term immigration visa intended for foreigners coming to Georgia for the purpose of working or doing business.

It is regulated by:

• The Georgian Law “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons”;
• Government Decree No. 280 on visa procedures.

The main purpose of the visa is to ensure legal entry into the country for further processing of a residence permit (RP).

Who is eligible for a D1 visa

According to Article 7 of the law, a D1 visa may be issued to the following categories of foreigners:

1. Employees. Foreigners who come to work for a Georgian company on the basis of an employment contract.
2. Representatives of foreign companies. Managers, consultants, and other company employees sent to Georgia to perform their duties.
3. Contract specialists. Foreign specialists working in the country on a contract basis.
4. Entrepreneurs. Foreigners who come to Georgia to do business or register a company.

Important change from March 1, 2026

From 2026, the updated Law on Labor Migration will come into force, introducing a mandatory requirement:

Before applying for a D1 visa, you must obtain a work permit.

This means:

1. The employer must register the foreign employee.
2. The data is entered into the system of the Ministry of Labor of Georgia.
3. After receiving the permit, you can apply for a D1 visa.

Without this document, it will be impossible to obtain a visa.

Where to apply for a D1 visa

You can submit your documents:

• at the Georgian consulate,
• at a diplomatic mission,
• via the electronic system.

Official application portal: www.geoconsul.gov.ge.

What documents are required

To obtain a visa, you must prepare the following set of documents:

• Visa application form — to be completed online.
• Foreign passport — must be valid for at least 3 months after the visa expires.
• Work permit — required from March 1, 2026.
• Document confirming the purpose of the trip — employment contract or business registration.
• Proof of financial means — bank statement or other documents.
• Medical insurance — coverage for the entire visa period.
• Proof of payment of the consular fee — receipt.

How long does it take to process a visa?

According to Georgian law, the processing time is up to 30 calendar days.

In practice, in some cases, the decision is made faster.

Visa validity period

The D1 visa has the following parameters:

• Type: multiple entry.
• Validity period: up to 90 days.
• Purpose: entry into Georgia to apply for a residence permit.

It is important to understand that this visa is not intended for long‐term residence. It is used as a transitional stage before obtaining a residence permit.

Is it possible to extend a D1 visa?

No. According to Decree No. 280, there is no provision for extending a D1 visa within the country.

Only the following visas can be extended:

• D3 (student),
• D5 (investment).

Therefore, after entering the country, you must apply for a residence permit.

What is the typical procedure?

The standard process is as follows:

1. The employer obtains a work permit.
2. The foreigner applies for a D1 visa.
3. Obtains a visa and enters Georgia.
4. Applies for a residence permit for work or business.

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Assistance in obtaining a D1 visa

ESPERO assists foreigners in:

• obtaining a work permit,
• preparing documents for a D1 visa,
• obtaining a residence permit for work or business purposes.

We accompany the process at all stages — from preparing documents to submitting them to government agencies.