New Labour Migration Rules In Georgia - Everything You Need to Know

As of March 1, 2026, the landscape for foreign professionals and international businesses in Georgia has shifted significantly. The Georgian Parliament passed amendments to the Law on Labour Migration to align with European Union standards, creating a more regulated environment for the employment of foreign nationals. If you are an expat, a remote worker, or a business owner, understanding the new requirements for a work permit in Georgia is no longer optional - it is a legal necessity.

Previously, a "gap" in legislation allowed many foreigners to work or run businesses on a visa-free status without specific authorization. This loophole is now closed. Under the new framework, obtaining the official right to labor activity Georgia is the primary requirement for anyone wishing to contribute to the local economy.

Who Do These Rules Affect?

The updated laws on labour migration Georgia apply to almost all foreign nationals working in the country, with very few exceptions, such as those holding a permanent investment residence permit. The law categorizes foreign workers into two main groups:

• Labour Immigrants (Employees): This includes any foreign national employed by a Georgian company under a contract, including remote workers whose work is connected to Georgia;

• Self-Employed Foreigners: This broad category covers individual entrepreneurs (IEs), business owners, directors, consultants, freelancers, and independent contractors.

Whether you are looking to hire foreign employee Georgia services for your startup or you are a digital nomad, you must secure a work permit in Georgia before starting any paid activity.

The "Right to Labor Activity": Your New Requirement

The most critical change is the introduction of the "right to labor activity Georgia" permit issued by the State Employment Promotion Agency (SESA). It is essential to remember that this is a work permit required in addition to your visa or residence permit.

For employees, this work permit in Georgia is issued for a specific employer and a specific job. If you change your employer, you must apply for a new permit. For the self-employed, it is issued for a particular sector and type of business activity. Standard permits are valid for 6 months to 1 year initially, though renewals can eventually cover up to 5 years.

How to Hire Foreign Employee Georgia: A Guide for Employers

If you are a local or international company planning to hire foreign employee Georgia specialists, you must now follow a "local first" recruitment process.

Step 1: Post the Vacancy: You must advertise the job on the official government portal, Worknet, for at least 10 working days.

Step 2: SESA Search: During these 10 days, SESA will search for qualified local candidates. If they suggest a candidate you do not hire, you must provide a written justification.

Step 3: Permit Application: Once the local search is exhausted, you apply for the work permit in Georgia electronically via the labour migration portal.

There are exemptions to the vacancy posting rule if your company has "International Company" status, is an innovative startup, or if the monthly gross salary exceeds GEL 15 000. Even in these cases, the labour migration Georgia protocols require the employee to eventually secure a D1 visa or a Labour Residence Permit.

The Process for Self-Employed and Freelancers

For independent professionals, the right to labor activity Georgia does not require a vacancy posting, but it does involve a mandatory video interview.

Applicants must submit:

• A detailed business plan and proof of financial stability;

• Educational qualifications and professional experience;

• Existing business registration and turnover certificates if already operating.

The video interview is conducted in English to verify the information in your application. After approval, you have a limited window to apply for your Residence Permit in Georgia or D1 visa.

Special Provisions for the IT Sector

Recognizing the value of the tech industry, the government has introduced more favorable terms for those in IT. A work permit in Georgia for IT professionals is issued for a 3-year term instead of the standard 1-year. Furthermore, the IT Residence Permit is valid for 3 years and extends to family members. To qualify, you must meet a minimum annual income threshold of $25 000.

Deadlines and Compliance

The transition period for labour migration Georgia compliance is strict:

• New Arrivals: Anyone arriving after March 1, 2026, must comply immediately;

• Existing Self-Employed: If you were operating before March 1, you must obtain your permit by May 1, 2026;

• Active Portal Users: Those already registered on the migration e-portal have until January 1, 2027, to comply.

Failure to comply results in significant fines. Working without a work permit in Georgia carries a GEL 2 000 fine for the first offense, rising to GEL 12 000 for subsequent offenses.

Strategic Advice for Compliance

Navigating the new labour migration Georgia laws requires precision. Beyond the permit, you may need to reconsider your Company Registration in Georgia status to benefit from IT sector exemptions or seek Tax Advisory Services to ensure your $25 000 income threshold is documented correctly.

Government oversight has increased; all applicants must now provide biometric data, and decisions are published on public websites for transparency. Appealing a refusal is possible within one month, but it does not pause the agency's decision or prevent deportation.

Are you ready to secure your legal status?

Call us: +995 32 24 24 837 and Book a Consultation

Our team at IBCCS Tax Georgia provides full support for the right to labor activity Georgia, including document preparation, quota monitoring, and legal compliance. Don't risk your future in Georgia - ensure your work permit in Georgia is handled by experts today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a work permit in Georgia?

The review process for the right to labor activity Georgia generally takes 30 calendar days for a standard review. However, an expedited review is available for an increased fee, which shortens the timeframe to 10 working days.

Can a foreigner work in Georgia without a work permit?

As of March 1, 2026, it is no longer legal for foreign nationals to engage in paid work or business activities on a tourist visa or under a visa-free regime. You must obtain a work permit in Georgia before starting your employment or business operations. Failure to do so can lead to fines and deportation.

What is the difference between a work visa and a work permit in Georgia?

The right to labor activity Georgia (the work permit) is a new authorization from SESA that grants you the legal right to work. A work visa (Category D1) or a Labour Residence Permit is the document that allows you to legally stay in the country for that work. You generally need the work permit first to successfully obtain the D1 visa or residence permit.