Georgia’s D5 visa gives remote workers a clearer path

Georgia’s C5 visa is now on the books. Parliament approved it in third reading on April 16 and it creates a multiple-entry short-term visa for people working remotely for non-Georgian employers while they stay in the country, which, surprisingly, also covers spouses and minor children.

The basic setup is simple, but the fine print matters. Holders can stay for up to 12 continuous months, the visa can remain valid for up to 5 years total and it’s aimed at citizens of “safe countries” who are visiting for tourism while earning abroad, so long as they stay out of Georgia’s local job market, honestly that’s the whole point.

Who it affects

This is good news for digital nomads, remote employees and expats who’ve been using Georgia’s long visa-free stays but wanted something more formal. It also matters for families, because dependents are included and for travelers who want a clearer status while working online, not just a handshake with border control.

Not cheap.
Still manageable.

Fees are reported at $20 to $500, depending on the route and processing type and expedited handling is possible under government acts, so the bill can move fast or slow, frankly that depends on how you apply and what the authorities want to see. The catch is that officials can refuse the visa on “state immigration policy” grounds and there’s no appeal mentioned in the reporting.

What to do

If you’re planning a move, line up proof that your income comes from a non-Georgian employer, keep your travel purpose framed as tourism plus remote work and check the e-Visa process once the application channel is live. Weirdly, the new setup also sits alongside Georgia’s tighter work permit rules for local activity, so don’t assume remote work and local work are treated the same way.

Read our full Georgia guide for the complete picture and keep an eye on visa updates as the rollout details firm up.