From 1 January 2025, the possibility of applying for the residence permit for employment and guest worker residence permit – which belong to the guest worker category – has been significantly restricted. These types of permits were introduced at the beginning of 2024 for guest workers and non-EEA citizens who do not have a higher education degree or otherwise do not meet the special requirements of the types of permits that can be requested by highly competent individuals.
According to the legislative amendment, the above two types of permits can only be applied for by citizens of countries on the list determined by the government.
Information on the change is available on the website of the National Directorate General for Aliens Policing.
Based on the list set out in the legislation, currently only Georgian and Armenian nationals may apply for employment purpose residence permits or guest worker residence permits.
The new nationality restriction does not apply to:
- if the applicant converts his/her valid work permit issued under the previous Aliens Act (applied for before 01.01.2024) into a residence permit for employment purposes or guest worker residence permit
- if the applicant already holds a valid residence permit for employment purposes or guest worker residence permit and extends it,
- if the applicant already holds a valid residence permit for employment purposes or guest worker residence permit and requests its reissue
In the cases listed as exceptions, residence permits for employment purposes can be applied for without nationality restrictions, while guest workers can be applied for on the basis of the previous citizenship list.
Residence permit applications validly submitted before 01.01.2025 will still be assessed based on the previous regulation.