Providing visa documentation by an employer (so-called "visa sponsorship") is a critical legal process for companies hiring foreign citizens in Georgia. The term "sponsorship" in the Georgian legal context implies the employer taking responsibility before the state for the legal employment of a foreign employee. Under the "Law on Labor Migration" effective from 2023, employers have been assigned new obligations: they must mandatorily register foreign employees in a special electronic database of the Ministry of Health. Failure to comply with this obligation results in substantial fines and makes it impossible for the foreigner to obtain a visa or residence permit. This service is designed for businesses that wish to comply with the law and ensure the legal status of their international staff.
Lawyers on our platform offer companies full HR and immigration support, which includes:
- Vacancy Registration: Announcing and registering the vacancy on worknet.gov.ge prior to hiring a foreigner, in accordance with legal requirements.
- Employee Registration: Registering the foreign employee in the Ministry of Health's unified electronic database of labor migration.
- Drafting Contracts: Preparing bilingual employment contracts that meet the standards of the Labor Code and the Immigration Service.
- Tax Consultation: Explaining the specifics of taxation for foreign employees (income tax, pension contribution).
- Official Invitation: Preparing and certifying a visa invitation letter on behalf of the company.
- Liaison with Government Bodies: Managing communication with the Labor Inspection and Migration Department in case of audits.
This service is essential in various business scenarios. For example: A hotel chain hires a foreign chef and managers — the company must ensure their paperwork. Second case: An IT company relocates employees to Georgia and needs mass registration in the database. Third: A construction company brings in a workforce and needs to harmonize labor safety and immigration documents. Fourth: An international non-governmental organization (NGO) hires foreign experts and needs to legalize them.
Legal framework: Article 17 of the "Law on Labor Migration" obliges local employers to reflect data in the electronic system within 30 days of concluding an employment contract. Also, the "Organic Law of Georgia Labor Code" regulates labor relations with foreigners. It is important to know that the salary of a foreign employee cannot be less than the statutory minimum for obtaining a visa. The employer is also responsible for the foreigner's insurance. Using unregistered foreign labor leads to fines for the employer ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 GEL.
The process begins with an audit of the company — whether it has the right to employ a foreigner (e.g., whether it has tax debts). Then the employment contract is prepared. Concurrently, registration takes place on the portal. The system issues a unique code or certificate, which the foreigner must present to the consulate for a visa or to the Public Service Hall for residency. Lawyer involvement ensures that the company avoids bureaucratic errors and fines from the Labor Inspection.
Legal.ge is a partner for business. We help employers navigate the complex procedures of labor migration with ease. Our specialists take on the bureaucratic burden so you can focus on your business activities and attracting foreign talent without risks.
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