The ICT Association warns that new regulations, effective 1 March, making residence permits mandatory for foreign IT specialists in Georgia, are slowing sector growth.
Tornike Sulaberidze, Chairman of the Association’s Supervisory Board, explained that the new law requires both a work permit and a residence permit for foreign employees.
“Previously, hiring an international IT specialist was fast - relocation could happen within days. Now, even with expedited processing, obtaining a work permit takes 10 days and an IT residence permit another 10. Without expedited procedures, this can take up to four months. Many foreign specialists cannot wait that long, and bureaucratic hurdles make the process even harder,” Sulaberidze said.
He noted companies are hesitant to hire new specialists, and some existing foreign employees are reconsidering their long-term plans in Georgia due to uncertainty about maintaining their residence status.
The association stressed that if the government does not simplify residence permit procedures, the IT sector’s growth could slow significantly in 2026, putting Georgia’s ambitious IT export targets at risk.
Sulaberidze also highlighted practical challenges, such as the requirement for apostilled employment contracts for freelance or international employees, which is often unrealistic for remote workers collaborating with foreign companies.
