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Georgia continues to develop a separate regime for foreign IT specialists. New changes to the rules for obtaining temporary residence permits (TRPs) clarify the requirements for applicants and make the process more formal.
While previously the criteria were largely assessed on a case‐by‐case basis, specific conditions have now been introduced that must be supported by documentation.
Let’s look at what has changed and how it impacts the practice of obtaining TRPs.
Who is eligible for the new IT residence permit?
The updated rules apply to foreign citizens who:
- work in the information technology field;
- receive income from IT activities (including remotely);
- operate as employees or entrepreneurs.
Special mention is also made of:
- managers and representatives of international IT companies;
- IT specialists working as sole proprietors (including small businesses).
The main requirement is proven experience
At least two years of IT experience is now mandatory.
It’s important to understand that this isn't just a formal entry on a resume, but rather a metric that should be supported by:
- contracts;
- recommendations;
- project portfolio;
- profiles on professional platforms;
- other documents demonstrating actual work experience.
The better the experience verification is structured, the fewer questions will arise during the review process.
Income requirements: key filter
A clear financial criterion has been introduced: income for the last year must be at least the equivalent of $25,000.
It is important not only to meet the required amount but also to correctly confirm the income structure.
How income is verified
The new rule adds an important detail:
- Income must be received in at least two tranches;
- there must be at least 30 days between receipts.
This is done to prevent applicants from “faking” income in a single transaction before submitting.
Practical conclusion
The following are suitable:
- Regular payments from an employer;
- Income from clients;
- Stable freelance income.
The following may raise questions:
- A large one‐time payment;
- Unconfirmed transfers;
- Irregular income without a history.
Residence permit for IT entrepreneurs (IP)
The changes directly affect those operating in Georgia as individual entrepreneurs (including those with small business status).
In this case, additional proof will be required:
- IP status;
- Compliance of the activity with the IT sector;
- Actual conduct of business.
In practice, this means:
- Registered activity (foreign economic activity);
- Account activity;
- Contracts or invoices;
- Tax reporting.
Managers and representatives of IT companies
If the applicant is acting as:
- director;
- representative;
- top manager of an international IT company,
then they will need to provide a document confirming their authority:
- appointment;
- contract;
- power of attorney or other official document.
This is a separate category, and the requirements here differ slightly from the classic “freelance IT” case.
Simplification: when a work permit document isn’t required
One positive change is that in some cases, it is no longer necessary to provide a separate document confirming the right to work.
If the data is already available through state electronic systems, the agency can verify it independently.
This reduces the bureaucratic burden, but does not eliminate the need to comply with the requirements.
Where problems most often arise
In practice, difficulties arise not from the requirements themselves, but from their verification.
Typical mistakes:
- lack of structured evidence of experience;
- income, but no clear history of its receipt;
- inconsistency between the declared activities and the documents;
- poorly developed case for individual entrepreneurs;
- attempt to “gather documents at the last minute.”
How to prepare for the application
To increase the likelihood of residence permit approval, it’s best to prepare in advance:
- a clear resume emphasizing IT experience;
- project and work confirmation;
- financial documents with income history;
- contracts, invoices, or payment confirmations;
- individual business documents (if applicable);
- a logical and consistent “history” of your activities.
It’s important that all documents complement each other and avoid any contradictions.
Frequently asked questions
What income is required to obtain a residence permit for an IT specialist in Georgia?
At least the equivalent of $25,000 over the past year.
Can I obtain a residence permit as a freelancer?
Yes, if you work in IT and can prove a stable income and experience.
Are sole proprietors (small businesses) eligible for a residence permit?
Yes, but you must prove your activity, income, and compliance with the IT sector.
Do I need to prove my work experience?
Yes, at least two years of experience in IT is required.
Can I prove my income in a single payment?
No, the income must be received in at least two installments, at least 30 days apart.
Summary
The new rules make the residence permit process for IT specialists in Georgia more transparent, but also more demanding regarding the quality of the documents.
The main principle now is this: you must not simply declare that you are an IT specialist, but convincingly prove it — through experience, income, and business structure.
If the case is prepared correctly, obtaining a residence permit remains a viable tool for legalizing life and work in Georgia.