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Guide Certification

Is guide certification mandatory in Georgia?

For high-risk activities like mountain guiding, certification is mandatory under the new law. For cultural guides, it is currently voluntary but highly recommended for credibility and museum access.

How can a freelance guide pay taxes?

Freelance guides usually register as Individual Entrepreneurs with "Small Business" status, paying 1% tax on their turnover, which is very favorable.

Can I guide tourists in my own car?

Yes, but you need to ensure your car has the appropriate insurance, mandatory technical inspection, and you act as both a guide and driver, assuming liability for passenger safety.

Do I need a specific badge to enter museums?

Most state museums and heritage sites require an accredited guide badge to allow you to conduct tours inside; otherwise, you may be treated as a regular visitor.

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Guide Certification and Legal Status: Regulations for Professional Activity

The activity of guides in Georgia, which was largely unregulated for a long time, is now coming under a new legislative framework. The new "Law on Tourism" defines the profession of a guide and establishes mandatory certification for high-risk categories (e.g., mountain guides, alpine guides). For cultural heritage guides, certification serves as a mark of quality and a competitive advantage. The legal aspect of guide certification involves not only passing exams but also obtaining professional liability insurance, managing labor relations with tour operators, and regularizing tax status (Individual Entrepreneur). Legal assistance helps guides navigate bureaucratic procedures and protect their professional rights.

What Does This Service Cover?

Specialists on Legal.ge assist guides and guide associations with the following issues:

  • Certification Process: Consulting on certification criteria, preparing necessary documentation, and submitting it to accredited bodies or the Tourism Administration.
  • Status Registration: Registering as an Individual Entrepreneur and obtaining "Small Business" status (1% tax), which is the most beneficial tax regime for guides.
  • Contracts with Tour Operators: Signing service agreements with tourism companies that protect the guide's interests, payment terms, and working conditions.
  • Liability Insurance: Selecting and obtaining a professional liability insurance policy, which is becoming mandatory for certain categories of guides.
  • Legalization of Foreign Guides: Obtaining residence permits and work rights for foreign guides wishing to work in Georgia.
  • Copyright: Protecting intellectual property rights for unique routes and texts created by the guide.

Common Situations When You Need a Lawyer

The guide profession involves legal risks where lawyer assistance is essential:

  • Certificate Revocation or Refusal: The competent body refused to issue a certificate or suspended it, and you want to appeal this decision.
  • Accident in the Group: A tourist was injured during a hike and accuses you of negligence. You need defense against potential criminal or civil liability.
  • Delayed Payment: A tourism company has not paid the agreed fee for conducted tours.
  • Illegal Guiding: A competitor guide or company is operating without a license in a protected area or museum where it is prohibited, and you want to report it.
  • Relations with Museums: Problems regarding accreditation for entering museums with groups.

Georgian Legal Framework

Guide activities are regulated by the Law of Georgia on Tourism. For mountain and adventure guides, government decrees on safety standards are important. Labor and contractual relations are governed by the Civil Code of Georgia and the Labor Code. In terms of taxation, the Tax Code of Georgia (Small Business section) applies. Rules for guide access to national parks and museums are set by the administrative acts of the respective agencies.

Process: How Collaboration with a Specialist Works

The legal assistance process includes:

  1. Consultation: Determining your qualification and the type of certificate needed.
  2. Documentation Preparation: Filling out applications, obtaining criminal record and health certificates, and compiling documents for certification.
  3. Legal Registration: Registering as an Individual Entrepreneur at the Justice House and opening a tax cabinet.
  4. Contract Revision: Reviewing contracts to be signed with clients (agencies).
  5. Representation: Defending interests in case of disputes.

Why Choose Legal.ge?

On Legal.ge, you will find lawyers specializing in labor and administrative law who are well-versed in the new regulations of the tourism sector. Our specialists will help guides go through the certification process painlessly, regularize their tax status, and work in a protected environment. Raise your professional standard and protect your rights with the help of Legal.ge.

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