Right to Work Verification is a procedure that determines whether a foreign citizen has the right to engage in paid legal activities in Georgia. Although Georgia is known for its liberal immigration policy, not all types of visas grant the right to work. For example, employing a person on a short-term tourist visa may carry risks if their status is not subsequently transformed into a work residence permit. It is critical for employers to know that an employee's illegal status not only creates problems for the employee but also exposes the company to the risk of fines from the Labor Inspection.
This service covers a deep check of the legal status of foreign candidates and employees. The service includes: analyzing the visa category (C or D) and its compatibility with work activities; verifying the validity and expiration of residence permits; auditing immigration history (e.g., overstays); and issuing recommendations for status legalization. Lawyers help companies develop internal policies (HR Compliance) to ensure that all new employees undergo a "Right to Work" check before starting work.
In real life, this service protects companies from unforeseen problems. For example, an international company hired a manager who held an old residence permit. The company did not verify the document's status. It turned out the permit had been revoked because the previous employer terminated the contract. As a result, the manager faced the threat of deportation, and the company lost a valuable employee and time. Another scenario: a student works part-time, but due to discontinuing studies, their residence permit was cancelled. The employer did not know this and continued to employ them, which the Labor Inspection considered a violation.
The legal framework relies on the "Law on Labor Migration" and the "Law on the Legal Status of Aliens." In Georgia, the right to work is held by permanent residents, temporary residents (including work, study, family reunification), and foreigners who are present legally and meet the requirements of the labor migration law (e.g., registered in the database). Working on a tourist visa is a grey area, and obtaining a D-category visa or residence permit is recommended for long-term employment.
The process begins with submitting documents to the lawyer. Passport stamps (entry date), visa type, and residence card are checked. The lawyer calculates the remaining days of legal stay. If a flaw is detected, an action plan is issued: how to correct the status (e.g., leaving the country and re-entering with a new visa, or applying for residence locally). In the final stage, a written confirmation (Verification Report) is issued stating that the person has the right to work.
Legal.ge is your partner in managing HR risks. We help employers be confident in the legal status of their team. Do not risk non-compliance with the law—verify the right to work with Legal.ge experts.
Updated: ...