From September 1, 2025, a new type of residence permit for persons employed in the information technology (IT) field has been introduced into Georgian legislation. In this article, we will discuss specifically who can obtain this type of residence permit and what requirements are established by law.
On this basis, a residence permit is issued to three categories of persons: an individual employed under an employment contract, an Individual Entrepreneur who holds Small Business Status, and a person authorized to manage and represent an international company operating in the IT field, as well as to the family members of all these categories.
Below we review the legislative requirements for each of them:
1. A residence permit for a labor immigrant employed in the IT field under an employment contract, who is registered on the Ministry’s electronic portal, and their family members;
The main requirements are:
- · A document confirming at least 2 years of cumulative experience in carrying out labor or economic activity in the IT field. Such documents may include a service agreement or employment contract confirming your activity in this field. If the submitted documents do not clearly establish your experience in this field, it may be necessary to submit invoices, proof of remuneration received, written confirmation issued by a client, and other supporting documents.
- · A certificate confirming that during the last 1 year, the remuneration received as a result of IT activities is not less than the equivalent in GEL of 25,000 USD per year. The remuneration must have been received at least twice during the last year, with an interval of at least 30 days. A bank statement showing that the income was received from your IT activities will serve as proof.
- 2. A foreigner registered in Georgia as an individual entrepreneur with small business status, and their family members;
The main requirements are same:
- · A document confirming at least 2 years of experience in the IT field;
- · During the last 1 year, remuneration received from IT activities in an amount not less than the equivalent in GEL of 25,000 USD per year.
- 3. A person authorized to manage and represent an international company operating in the IT field, and their family members.
In this case, a document confirming the authority to manage and represent an organization with the status of an international company operating in the IT field must be submitted.
Who is considered a person employed in the IT field?
1. A foreigner engaged in any activity under Code 25 and its sub-codes of the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-08). These include:
- 25 Information and Communications Technology Professionals
- 251 Software and Applications Developers and Analysts
- 2511 Systems Analysts
- 2512 Programmers
- 2513 Web and Multimedia Developers
- 2514 Applications Programmers
- 2519 Software and Applications Developers and Analysts, not elsewhere classified
- 252 Database and Network Professionals
- 2521 Database Designers and Administrators
- 2522 Systems Administrators
- 2523 Computer Network Professionals
- 2529 Database and Network Professionals, not elsewhere classified
- 2. A foreigner registered in Georgia as an individual entrepreneur with small business status who carries out activities under codes 58.21, 58.29, 62.01, 62.02, 62.03, 62.09, 63.1, and 63.12 of the National Classification of Economic Activities of Georgia. These include:
- · Publishing computer games for all platforms;
- · Publishing ready-made (standard) software;
- · Activities related to writing, modifying, testing, and providing technical support for software, etc.
One of the main legal requirements is that a person employed in the IT field must stay in Georgia for 183 days or more during any continuous 12-calendar-month period. Otherwise, the validity of the residence permit will be terminated.
With the participation of our team, an IT residence permit was successfully obtained by a professional working in the computer game industry.
If you believe you meet the above criteria, contact us and we will assist you in preparing your application. We are ready to provide comprehensive legal support for obtaining an IT residence permit as well as a residence permit on any other legal grounds.
