Employment in Georgia: What Will Change for Foreigners in 2026

Starting from March 1, 2026, foreign nationals working in Georgia will be required to obtain a work permit. The new rules will apply to both employed workers and the self-employed, including entrepreneurs.

New Legislation

On June 26, 2025, the Parliament of Georgia approved amendments to the Labor Migration Law in the third reading. The changes were adopted through a fast-track procedure with 84 votes in favor. The updated law outlines the procedure for obtaining a work permit, introduces grounds for refusal and cancellation, and establishes liability for violations.
The amendments will come into force on March 1, 2026. Foreigners already registered in the labor migration system must obtain a work permit and a visa or relevant residence permit by January 1, 2027.

The permit will be a mandatory condition both for employment in Georgian companies and for conducting individual entrepreneurial activities. Employers must apply on behalf of their employees, while the self-employed must do so independently. Applications will be evaluated according to quotas for different sectors, notes Bm.ge. The law is not retroactive and will not apply to actions committed before the new provisions come into force.

Georgia Plans New Residence Permit for IT Specialists: What’s Known About the Reform

Who Needs a Work Permit in Georgia

Legal experts from Just Advisors analyzed the legislative amendments and offered clarifications. They stressed that the requirement applies to all foreigners without permanent residence who are employed or engage in income-generating activity.
The following categories are defined:

Labor Migrant – a foreigner without a residence permit who works for a local employer (including remotely);

Self-Employed Foreigner – a foreigner without a residence permit who conducts commercial activity (trade, services, etc.) in Georgia for financial gain.

The law does not apply to investors with an investment residence permit.

The amendments also exclude refugees and individuals under temporary or subsidiary protection, as well as:

Employees of embassies, consulates, and international organizations;

Accredited journalists of foreign media;

Foreigners with a status regulated by international treaties with Georgia.

Many are concerned about changes for individual entrepreneurs—a common path to legal employment. Georgia offers favorable tax conditions for small businesses (1%) and numerous benefits for IT and tourism-related activities.

Individual entrepreneurs fall under the new law.
Foreign individual entrepreneurs are classified as self-employed and must obtain a permit for labor or entrepreneurial activity.

Gonio: Future of a Black Sea Resort and Georgia’s Investment Hub

Right to Work and Reside: How the Process Works

The process involves two stages. To legally work in Georgia, a foreigner needs both a work permit and a relevant visa or residence permit.

Work or Entrepreneurial Activity Permit

Who applies: local employer (for employees) or self-employed foreigner. Where to apply: Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs. Processing time: up to 30 calendar days. Fee: up to 500 GEL. The exact amount will be determined by the government.

Obtaining a Visa or Residence Permit

If outside Georgia, the foreigner must apply for a D1 immigration visa within 30 days. If already in Georgia, an application for both work and residence must be submitted within 10 days. Labor migrants do not need a D1 visa or residence permit if they already hold any type of residence permit or work fully remotely and do not need to be physically present in Georgia.

Reasons for Refusal

According to the draft law, a work permit may be denied for the following reasons:
Incomplete application or missing documents not submitted within 10 calendar days;

Late application for permit extension (less than 30 days before expiration);

Mismatch between the foreigner’s profession/qualification and the Georgian labor market needs or restricted professions;

Deportation proceedings initiated or a deportation decision issued.

A permit may also be revoked after expiration, termination of the employment contract, or deportation. Other grounds include:

Self-employed foreigner leaving Georgia for more than 6 months;

Expiration or cancellation of D1 visa or residence permit;

Late submission of required applications.

Georgia’s Economy: GDP Growth and Slowing Inflation

Fines for Violations

The law imposes clear penalties for employers and foreign workers.
For employers:

Hiring a foreigner without a permit – 2,000 GEL per worker;

Breach of contract terms – ₾200–1,000 depending on activity type;

Failure to report contract termination or changes – ₾1,000–2,000.

For labor migrants:

Working or doing business without a permit – ₾2,000;

Repeat offense – double or triple fine;

Breach of permit conditions (e.g., changing jobs without reapplying) – ₾2,000 or more.

Fines also apply in other cases such as obstructing inspections, failing to show ID documents, or violating visa terms.

Tourism in Georgia 2025: Russia, Turkey, Armenia and Israel in the Lead

Why the Changes and What Are the Benefits?

In 2022–2023, over 239,000 foreigners stayed in Georgia for more than six months, but fewer than 42,000 were officially employed. Before that, the number hadn’t exceeded 3,800 in eight years. Lack of registration poses risks to both the economy and migrants. The reform aims to strengthen oversight and introduce transparent registration procedures. This will help gather accurate statistics, understand labor market needs, and guide workforce development.
Shalva Berekashvili, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy, believes the reform lays a foundation for protecting the national labor market. It will help identify skill shortages, invest in retraining local staff, and support better integration into the national economy.

Legal analysts from Just Advisors also pointed out several issues revealed during the legislative process:

No mechanism for rejecting employment;

Possibility of working without permits when entering visa-free;

Rise in unqualified labor lacking legal protection.

The reform will systematize the labor market and clarify the status of foreign workers. Legally employed migrants will gain protection under Georgian law, access to social and pension programs, and reduced risk of deportation or fines. They will also enjoy better access to banking and healthcare services and integrate more effectively into Georgia’s legal and economic systems. Similar practices are standard globally.

The law does not impose direct taxes or levies on foreigners for now—it only introduces new obligations for permits, visas, or residence. Legal experts recommend reviewing employment contracts and staying updated on new rules. It may be wise to begin preparing relevant documents.

By Tatiana Borodina

Georgia’s Economic Leap and Ambitious Plans: Annual Prime Minister’s Report