Remote Work Visa Available

The situation

Georgia launched a remote work visa allowing foreign nationals from 95 countries who can enter Georgia without a visa to apply to work for a company outside Georgia for at least 180 days.

A closer look

• Eligibility. Eligible freelancers, full-time employees of foreign companies or business owners (entrepreneurs) who can stay in Georgia for at least 360 days without a visa according to their passport or other travel document can apply for this program.
• Application. Applicants must complete an application form and obtain preapproval for entry from the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development. The application requires personal details; proof that the applicant has the financial ability to pay taxes while in Georgia; proof of health insurance during the stay; and a minimum monthly salary of at least USD 2,000.
• Quarantine. Entrants under the program must quarantine at a hotel for eight days at their own expense, and must undergo a COVID-19 PCR test. Those with a negative test result will be able to remain in Georgia.

 

Background

• Restoring Georgian economy and global trends. The program was established to build the Georgian economy following the economic impacts of COVID-19. Georgia follows several other countries that have recently implemented remote work visas, including Bermuda, Barbados, and Estonia.
• Remote work visa warning. In countries where remote work is unregulated, workers and employers may unknowingly put themselves at risk of noncompliance with many aspects of the law, exposing them to possible fines or other penalties, depending on the country. Importantly, noncompliance with regulations could result in employers losing their rights to hire foreign labor. It will become increasingly important as such policies are developed (and in many countries where remote work is unregulated) for employers to analyze strategies and assess risks associated with implementing and/or continuing remote work policies with a trusted immigration partner.

 

Impact

The program opens the door to a work authorization route for a new set of foreign workers that were previously unregulated under Georgian immigration law.

Looking ahead

As the non-traditional workforce grows and countries focus on post-COVID-19 economic remobilization, more governments will likely start to slowly adapt and update remote work policies. Fragomen will report on related developments.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].