Documents for self‐employed foreigners in Georgia to obtain a work permit (from March 1, 2026)

From March 1, 2026, foreign citizens working in Georgia as self‐employed persons (individual entrepreneurs) are required to obtain a work permit.

The application is submitted through the electronic system of the State Employment Agency. A specific set of data and documents must be uploaded to the system.

Below is a complete list of the information that will need to be prepared.

What documents are required for a self‐employed foreigner

To obtain a work permit, you must provide 4 groups of data:

1. Personal data of the applicant.
2. Information about qualifications and experience.
3. Data on entrepreneurial activity in Georgia.
4. Proof of payment and completion of a video interview.

1. Personal data of a foreign entrepreneur

The following data must be entered into the electronic system:

• first and last name (in Georgian and Latin characters);
• date of birth;
• gender;
• citizenship;
• country of origin.

Information about the foreign passport is also required:

• passport number,
• issuing authority,
• date of issue,
• validity period.

A scan of the passport page with a photo and personal data must be attached to the application.

If the applicant already has status in Georgia, the following information must also be provided:

• 11‐digit personal ID number;
• details of the current residence permit (RP).

For self‐employed persons, the entrepreneur’s identification number obtained after registering as a sole proprietor in the Register of Entrepreneurs must be provided.

2. Qualifications, education, and professional experience

The state agency assesses whether the applicant has the skills required for the declared activity.

The questionnaire must specify:

• level of education,
• profession,
• qualifications.

Information about professional experience is also required:

• work experience or entrepreneurial activity,
• field of activity,
• functions performed,
• number of years of experience.

If available, you can additionally indicate:

• professional certificates,
• specialized skills,
• additional knowledge.

3. Information about activities in Georgia

The applicant must describe their activities in the country.

The following must be specified:

• field of activity,
• nature of work,
• location of activities.

Document requirements depend on whether the business is already operating or is only planned.

If the entrepreneur is already operating in Georgia

The following must be uploaded to the system:

• the individual entrepreneur’s or company’s identification number;
• a document confirming annual turnover issued by the Georgian Revenue Service.

This document confirms that the entrepreneur is actually engaged in economic activity.

If the entrepreneur is only planning to start a business

The following must be provided:

• a detailed business plan;
• the estimated amount of investment;
• the projected turnover;
• information about the resources needed to start the business.

A document confirming the applicant’s financial security will also be required.

4. Video interview and state fee

After submitting your application, the system may schedule an online video interview.

It is conducted by the State Employment Agency.

The purpose of the interview is to:

• confirm the applicant’s qualifications,
• verify the authenticity of the declared activity.

The interview is conducted in Georgian or English.

You must also pay a state fee:

• standard review — 200 lari;
• expedited review — 400 lari.

Payment is made by bank card directly in the application system.

Important to know

A work permit is issued for a specific profession and type of activity.

If an entrepreneur:

• changes their field of business,
• starts engaging in a different activity,

they must apply for a new work permit.

In short: what documents are needed for a work permit

• Personal data — passport, personal data, ID.
• Qualifications — education, profession, experience.
• Business — turnover or business plan.
• Administrative requirements — video interview and state fee.

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

The system for obtaining a work permit for self‐employed foreigners in Georgia requires the preparation of a fairly detailed set of documents.

The main requirements are:

• proof of identity,
• information about qualifications,
• documents on entrepreneurial activity,
• passing a video interview,
• payment of state fees.

Properly prepared documents allow you to obtain a permit much faster and without additional requests from government agencies.