Georgia introduces digital nomad visa in final parliamentary approval

Georgia’s parliament has approved amendments introducing a new visa category for remote workers, marking a push to attract high-earning foreign professionals to the country.

Under the legislation, adopted in its third and final reading, the new C5 visa will be available to foreign nationals employed remotely by overseas companies and intending to reside in Georgia for up to one year, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

The visa falls under the category of multiple-entry short-term permits, with a validity of up to five years. However, holders will be limited to a maximum continuous stay of 12 months.

Eligibility will be restricted to citizens of countries deemed “safe”, entering Georgia for tourism purposes while working exclusively for non-resident employers. The scheme will also extend to immediate family members, including spouses and minor children.

Lawmakers from the ruling Georgian Dream party said the measure is designed to boost the domestic economy by attracting financially secure foreign professionals. They added that the initiative aligns with policies adopted by other countries offering “digital nomad” residency schemes.

The amendments also introduce expedited application procedures. At the same time, authorities will gain a new discretionary ground for refusal based on “state immigration policy”, with such decisions not subject to appeal.

The cost of obtaining a C5 visa has been set between $20 and $500.

In parallel, parliament approved changes to labour migration legislation, exempting certain categories of foreign nationals — including remote workers and short-term project specialists — from its scope, provided they do not enter the local labour market.