Georgia Business Visa - Definitive Guide

There are different kinds of business activities that are done when you have business bonds in companies abroad. In order to be able to enter Georgia for carrying out any of the business activities, you will have to acquire a business visa for Georgia. There are several benefits to this permit. With this visa, you can visit Georgia to attend business meetings, exhibitions and conferences, business meetings for a branch of your own company or a sister company, or attend client meetings and other business errands. The validity offered by the visa varies starting from 6 months and the stay permitted per visit will vary from 30 days to 90 days, and 180 days in certain cases. It generally allows you multiple entries to Georgia as well.

The procedure of getting a Georgia business visa is mainly online and you can apply through the Georgia e-visa portal online. But first, you need to fulfil the eligibility criteria for the visa application process. The steps for the procedure of getting a business visa for Georgia are as follows:

• Online procedure

1. You can start by creating an account on the Georgia e-visa portal.
2. You can then go to the application section. 
3. Start filling out your details on the business visa application form.
4. Fill out your nationality and citizenship details on the first step.
5. Then select your travel period and the dates.
6. Go through the terms and conditions of the visa and agree for the next step.
7. Fill out your personal details and including the purpose of the visit.
8. Submit the required documents online.
9. Pay the visa Georgia business visa fees online.
10. Wait until you get the documents and your information verified.

• Offline procedure

1. You can start by downloading the application form.
2. Fill out the form thoroughly and sign it.
3. Attach a recent photograph as per the specifications.
4. Collect the required supporting documents.
5. Submit the application form and the copies of the documents.
6. Pay the required visa fee.

It is also important to note that the information you are filling out in the form is correct and that it matches the information in the documentary proof that is being provided. If any kind of errors are found or if there are any issues found in the application or with the applicant, there are chances that the visa may get rejected. Such a visa rejection can affect future applications to get a business visa for Georgia or any other kind to any other country.

When applying for the visa, there are eligibility criteria that you need to match. The criteria vary depending on the type of visa. The requirements for the business visa for Georgia are given as follows:

• You must have proof of business ownership and purpose of visit

• You must have proper proof of your business enterprise to show it to the authorities.
• If you have been invited to a business conference or to attend a business or client meeting, an invitation letter from the company must be provided to the embassy.
• You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Georgia.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.
• You must meet the character requirements

• You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Georgia.
• You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds

• You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Georgia.
• Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are different kinds of documents required as per the type of visa and certain other factors. Some of the common Georgia business visa requirements for Indian citizens are listed as follows:

• An original passport valid for at least 6 months ahead of the date of travel.
• Coloured photographs as per the photo specifications
• A cover letter with all the required details
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Income Tax Returns proof
• Travel Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Proof of accommodation - invitation letter, hotel reservation, etc. (scanned copies)
• Proof of purpose of visit - invitation letter, exhibition or conference pass, etc. (scanned copies)
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statement or any other equivalent document. (scanned copies)

• Two copies must be provided
• Photo size: 35mm x 45 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 70-80% of the frame.
• Head should well-centred.
• A gap of 2mm to 6mm must be kept between the top of the head and the frame.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white
• Neutral expressions
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The processing time required for the issuance of the business visa for Georgia is about 7 to 9 days. The time will still vary depending on certain factors like the workload at the embassy office, the staff availability, whether the documents are complete or the rest of the documents are yet to be submitted and others. The time increases and decreases affected by these parameters. 

The business visa cost will depend on several factors which include the type of visa, whether the visa is single or multiple-entry, or the purpose of the visit. The fee to get a business visa for Georgia applicants is to be paid at the time of submission of the form. It is to be paid using a credit or debit card.

When the form has been submitted, 

• Your application and the information that you have provided will be verified. 
• If there are any changes to be made or if the visa is going to be delayed, you will be updated accordingly. 
• This is also the period when you can cancel your visa if there is a change of plans. 
• When the process is complete, you will receive the visa on your registered email. 
• You can then print your visa at the time of travelling to Georgia.
• It must be noted that the visa fee will not be refunded. 

Since a business visa for Georgia follows an online procedure, it can be tracked online. If you have applied through a visa application centre or a professional agency, you can visit their website for visa tracking. Else, you can even do a visa status check online on the Georgia e-visa portal.

When you finally get the visa, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind. Some of the most important ones are listed as follows:

• Before you travel

• Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• Ensure that you set a reminder for the expiry date of your visa as you won’t legally be permitted to stay in the country for business post your business visa validity.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.
• At the Border
• Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
• Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
• Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Georgia

• Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
• The business visa does not permit you to employ or reside as a citizen in the country.
• It is a permit that allows you to only perform business and business-related operations in the country. You are still permitted tourism.
• The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
• Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.