Right to Labor Activity in Georgia: Labor Immigrants & Self-Employed Foreigners - Frequently Asked Questions

Based on the Order of the Government of Georgia on Approving the Rules for Granting the Right to Labor Activity

General Provisions

Q1: Who is considered a labor immigrant under Georgian legislation?

A labor immigrant is a foreign national or stateless person who comes to Georgia for the purpose of carrying out paid employment activity on the basis of a labor contract with an employer.

Q2: Who is a self-employed foreigner?

A self-employed foreigner is a foreign national who carries out independent economic activity in Georgia - without an employer, in their own name and at their own risk.

Q3: What is the difference between a labor immigrant and a self-employed foreigner?

A labor immigrant works under a formal employment contract with a Georgian employer, whereas a self-employed foreigner operates independently, running their own business or providing services without an employment relationship.

Obtaining Work Authorization

Q4: Who may apply for the right to labor activity?

The right to labor activity may be requested by: (1) a foreign national holding a work visa, residence permit, or other appropriate legal status; or (2) an employer on behalf of the labor immigrant they wish to hire.

Q5: Which authority issues the right to labor activity?

The Service Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia (LEPL) is responsible for reviewing applications and issuing the right to labor activity.

Q6: How long does the review process take?

Applications are generally reviewed within 30 working days of submission. In urgent cases, an expedited review procedure may be available at an additional fee.

Q7: Where can the application be submitted?

Applications can be submitted at the Service Agency (Public Service Hall) branches across Georgia. In some cases, electronic submission through official government portals may also be available.

Required Documents

Q8: What documents does a labor immigrant need to submit?

Required documents include: proof of state fee payment; completed application form; copy of passport; labor contract or its draft; information about the employer (registration certificate, identification code); and a photograph.

Q9: What additional documents must a self-employed foreigner provide?

In addition to standard documents, a self-employed foreigner must submit: a business plan or description of activities; proof of income or a financial guarantee; and information about the scope and scale of the intended activity.

Quota and Restrictions

Q10: Is there a quota for labor immigrants in Georgia?

Yes. The Government of Georgia sets an annual quota for labor immigrants. Once the quota is exhausted, new applications may be suspended until the quota is renewed for the next period.

Q11: In what cases is the right to labor activity denied?

The right to labor activity will not be granted if: (1) the vacancy can be filled by a Georgian citizen; (2) the activity contradicts Georgian legislation; or (3) the applicant is on the list of persons expelled from or banned from entering the country.

Q12: Are there any sectors or professions restricted for foreigners?

Certain regulated professions and sensitive sectors may require additional permits or qualifications. Foreigners may also face restrictions in roles that are reserved for Georgian citizens by specific laws or national security considerations.

Terms and Renewal

Q13: For how long is the right to labor activity granted?

The right to labor activity is generally granted for 1 year, in accordance with the term of the labor contract, and may be extended up to a maximum of 6 years within the framework of a residence permit.

Q14: Can the right to labor activity be renewed?

Yes, the right to labor activity is subject to renewal (prolongation) before its expiry date, upon submission of the relevant application and supporting documents. The renewal process mirrors the initial application procedure.

State Fees

Q15: What are the applicable state fees?

State fees depend on the type of review: standard processing is charged at the established tariff, while expedited processing incurs a higher fee - typically 2 to 3 times the standard amount.

Liability and Penalties

Q16: What liability does an employer face for violating the law?

An employer who employs a foreigner without the required right to labor activity is subject to administrative sanctions in the form of a fine. In case of repeated violations, the sanctions may be increased.

Q17: What are the consequences for a foreigner working without the right to labor activity?

A foreigner who works without the required authorization may face: administrative liability and fines; deportation from the country; and a ban on re-entering Georgia in the future.

Q18: Can the right to labor activity be revoked?

Yes. The right to labor activity may be revoked if the holder violates the terms under which it was granted, engages in activities not covered by the permit, or if the underlying legal basis (e.g., employment contract or residence permit) ceases to exist.

Practical & Advisory Questions

Q19: Can IBCCS Tax Georgia assist clients with this process?

Yes. IBCCS Tax Georgia provides full support for labor immigration compliance, including document preparation, application submission, quota monitoring, and ongoing compliance management. Our legal and tax advisory team guides both employers and foreign nationals through every step of the process.

Q20: What is the recommended first step for a company wishing to hire a foreign employee?

The recommended first step is to consult with a qualified legal or tax advisor to assess eligibility, check current quota availability, prepare the required documentation, and ensure full compliance with Georgian immigration and labor law before proceeding with any employment arrangements.

Ensure full compliance before hiring a foreign employee. For additional information, please contact us at: helloGeorgia@ibccs.tax or +995 32 24 24 837 to ensure compliance with the new regulations.