Do foreigners now need a work permit to work in Georgia?
Yes. From March 1, 2026, most foreign nationals without a permanent residence permit must obtain a Right to Labour Activity permit before starting any paid work, freelance activity, or business operation in Georgia. This requirement applies regardless of whether the foreigner already holds a valid visa or temporary residence permit. The permit is issued by the State Employment Promotion Agency under the Law on Labour Migration of Georgia.
Who is exempt from Georgia's new work permit requirement?
Exemptions under the Law on Labour Migration of Georgia apply to recognized refugees, asylum seekers, employees of accredited diplomatic missions and international organizations, accredited foreign journalists, and holders of valid investment residence permits or permanent residence permits. Foreign nationals performing work entirely remotely with no Georgian economic footprint — no local clients, no Georgian business registration — may also fall outside the scope of the requirement, though this distinction is pending full regulatory clarification.
How do I apply for a work permit in Georgia as a self-employed foreigner or individual entrepreneur?
Self-employed foreigners apply independently through the electronic Labour Migration portal at www.labourmigration.moh.gov.ge. The application requires personal and professional documentation, a business plan or proof of existing business activity, and payment of the service fee. Applicants must also complete a mandatory video interview with the State Employment Promotion Agency. The standard processing time is 30 calendar days; an expedited 10-working-day track is available at double the fee.
What are the fines for working in Georgia without a work permit?
Under the Law on Labour Migration of Georgia, both the foreign worker and the employing company face fines of 2,000 GEL for a first offence. Penalties increase for repeated violations within a 12-month period, doubling on the second offence and tripling thereafter. The same fines apply to self-employed foreigners operating without the required permit.
What is the deadline for foreigners already working in Georgia to get a work permit?
Foreign nationals who were registered in Georgia's Labour Migration system with active status as of March 1, 2026 have until January 1, 2027 to regularize their status by obtaining the Right to Labour Activity permit and corresponding residence documentation. Self-employed foreigners already conducting business as of March 1, 2026 face enforcement from May 1, 2026 onwards under the transitional provisions of Government Decree №70.
Does a valid Georgian residence permit automatically allow a foreigner to work?
No. Under the rules effective March 1, 2026, holding a residence permit does not automatically confer the right to work or conduct business. A separate Right to Labour Activity permit is required unless the foreigner holds a permanent or investment residence permit. Simply having a temporary residence permit is no longer a sufficient legal basis for employment or entrepreneurial activity.
Can an employer hire a foreigner in Georgia without going through the local labor market test?
In most cases, employers must first post the vacancy on the national jobs portal for at least 10 working days to demonstrate that no suitable local candidate is available. However, the labor market test does not apply to companies holding International Company status under the Tax Code of Georgia, accredited academic institutions, or positions where the monthly salary exceeds 15,000 GEL and a relevant higher education degree is objectively required.
How can Legal.ge help me navigate Georgia's new work permit requirements?
Legal.ge connects individuals and employers with qualified Georgian lawyers specialising in immigration, labour law, and business registration. Whether you need help preparing a work permit application, assessing your exemption status, or ensuring your company complies with the Law on Labour Migration, you can browse verified specialist profiles and contact a lawyer directly through the platform.
