Georgia Launches Special IT Residence Permits from 2025
- ibccstax
- Oct 3
- 4 min read
Georgia has taken a big step to attract international tech talent. As of September 1, 2025, a new type of temporary residence permit became available specifically for IT specialists and their families. This move aims to make Georgia more competitive in the global tech market and easier for skilled professionals to live and work in the country
Who is Eligible for Georgia’s Special IT Residence Permit?
The Special Residence Permit is open to:
IT employees working under a local employment contract, including their family members.
Small business owners in IT registered in Georgia, along with their families.
Executives and representatives of international IT companies, together with their family members.
This new permit gives Georgia a strong advantage in attracting tech professionals in the region.
It’s also worth noting that by March 1, 2026, all foreigners working in IT who do not have any type of residence permit as defined by Georgian legislation will need either a standard work residence permit or the new IT residence permit. This helps both specialists and companies plan ahead.
Required Documents for IT Residence Permit in Georgia
Applicants need to submit documents to the Public Service Development Agency, depending on their role:
For IT employees and small business owners:
Proof of at least two years of IT experience.
Confirmation that annual income is at least $25,000 USD (or equivalent in GEL).
Proof of possession of small business status in Georgia and evidence of conducting labor or economic activities in the field of information technology (IT).
For executives and company representatives:
Proof of authority to manage or represent an international IT company.
These requirements ensure that professionals coming to Georgia are highly qualified and actively contribute to the local economy.
In practice, applying for the permit means completing an application form,, and for executives, proof of their role in the company. The government may update requirements later, but these are expected to be the core documents.
Duration of Georgia’s IT Residence Permit
The permit is initially issued for three years. It can be extended in three-year increments, up to a maximum of twelve years.
Maintaining Your IT Residence Permit in Georgia
The Special Residence Permit will be canceled if the holder is absent from Georgia for more than 183 days in any 12-month period, except for medical treatment. This ensures that IT professionals live and contribute locally.
Why Georgia Simplified IT Residence Permits
These amendments were introduced to address a key challenge: retaining foreign IT specialists. After the war in Ukraine, many tech professionals moved to Georgia. However, the previous residency rules were too rigid, and many ended up relocating to countries like Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, or Portugal.
The new Special Residence Permit makes it easier for IT professionals to stay, work, and contribute to Georgia’s growing tech ecosystem, helping the country remain competitive and attractive for international talent.
Recent insights show how international Georgia’s IT sector is. About 75% of IT employees are non-residents, and 84% of IT companies have foreign capital. In other sectors, foreign ownership is only around 16%. These figures highlight why flexible residency rules are essential for Georgia’s growth.
Economic Impact of IT Residence Permits in Georgia
The changes are expected to bring both direct and indirect benefits for the Georgian economy:
Direct: More IT specialists will pay income tax in Georgia.
Indirect: High-income professionals will spend locally, which will also boost the local economy.
With this permit, Georgia is not just attracting international talent—it’s also creating long-term growth opportunities for the tech sector and the wider economy.
Key Points to Remember
Special IT Residence Permits start on September 1, 2025.
Eligible applicants: employees, small business owners, and executives in IT.
Income requirement: minimum $25,000 USD per year.
Duration: 3 years initially, renewable up to 12 years.
Absences over 183 days per year may cancel the permit.
An employee in the field of information technology (IT) is defined as:
A foreign national engaged in any activity classified under code 25 and its corresponding subcodes of the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-08);
A foreign national registered in Georgia as an entrepreneur with small business status, carrying out any activity classified under codes 58.21, 58.29, 62.01, 62.02, 62.03, 62.09, 63.1, and 63.12 of the National Classifier of Economic Activities of Georgia.
Georgia is now open to the world’s IT professionals, offering flexible residency and a clear path to build a successful career from within the country.
How IBCCS TAX Georgia Helps You:
Navigating taxes and residency in Georgia can be complex for IT professionals and business owners. IBCCS TAX Georgia provides expert guidance on income and corporate taxes, residency permits, and local compliance, helping you optimize obligations and avoid penalties. With our support, you save time and stress, so you can focus on growing your IT business in Georgia.
Take advantage of Georgia’s new IT residence permit - contact our team at helloGeorgia@ibccs.tax to start your application and secure your legal status!