Existing migrants should:

1. Check your current status in the electronic labor migration database.
2. Apply for a new work activity permit well before the January 1, 2027 deadline.
3. Submit the residence application (Work permit in Georgia for foreigners, residence card, or relevant permit category) in time.
4. Ensure your employer (if applicable) updates their documentation in Georgia’s system.

Failing to obtain both the work activity permit and a matching residence permit by the end of 2026 will mean working without authorization, which could result in fines or other administrative actions under the new law.

Requirements for New Foreign Nationals After March 1, 2026

Foreign nationals intending to start working or conducting business in Georgia after March 1, 2026 must:

Step 1 – Obtain Work Activity Permit

Before entering Georgia (or working within Georgia), the foreign national must secure a work activity permit from the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health, and Social Affairs. This authorization defines:

• The type of work (employee, self-employed, entrepreneur)
• Scope and field of permitted activity

Step 2 – Obtain a Proper Visa or Residence Permit

Once the work activity permit is issued:

• If you are outside Georgia, you must apply for a D1 work visa for entry.
• Once in Georgia, or if already inside, the foreign national must apply for an appropriate work or labor residence permit (including the new three-year IT specialist residence permit if applicable).

Both conditions must be satisfied simultaneously.
Working without a permit will constitute a legal violation under the amended Law of Georgia on Labour Migration.

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Penalties for Non-Compliance With Georgia’s Work Permit Law

The new law introduces meaningful enforcement measures:

Fines for violations include:

• GEL 2,000 for each foreign worker/employer that engages in work without a valid permit
• GEL 2,000 for self-employed foreigners operating without authorization
• Repeat offenses can lead to higher fines (double or more), deportation procedures, and further administrative measures.

Employers and agents are jointly liable if they facilitate unauthorized labor activity.

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Important Notes for Specific Groups

 

According to the information of the Ministry of Economy, one of the largest international chemical production companies – Indorama Corporation – entered Georgia.

As mentioned in the information released by the Ministry, the Singaporean company has been studying the investment climate and opportunities of Georgia for years, in which the investment team of the “Enterprise in Georgia” agency was actively involved.

“With the active involvement of the agency of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, “Enterprise in Georgia”, one of the largest international chemical production companies, Indorama Corporation, entered Georgia.

The Singaporean company, which has more than 160 enterprises in 38 countries of the world and employs more than 45,000 people, acquired the Rustavi nitrogen fertilizers enterprise.

The Singaporean company has been studying the investment climate and opportunities of Georgia for years, in which the investment team of the “Enterprise in Georgia” agency was actively involved,” the information states.

According to Mikheil Khidureli, director of the agency “Enterprise in Georgia” of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, with the introduction of the largest Singaporean corporation, the investment potential of Georgia has been demonstrated with another large-scale project. According to him, by introducing one of the leaders of world-scale chemical production to the Georgian market, the agency exceeded all the indicators outlined in the strategy.

“With the support of the Georgian government, this project was completed and the said investment will be one of the largest in the country. In the coming years, the corporation plans to invest significant financial resources in the direction of modernization, development, and expansion of production of the enterprise”, said Mikheil Khidureli.

Source: GEORGIAN PUBLIC BROADCASTER

Translated By I&D Consulting.

Starlink belonging to the richest man on the planet, Elon Musk, is preparing for operations in Georgia.

On June 29, Starlink Holdings Netherlands established a subsidiary “Starlink Georgia” in Georgia and applied to the Communications Commission for authorization. The regulator plans to review the documentation submitted by the company on July 14.

Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency broadband Internet access worldwide, including in areas where Internet access is expensive, unreliable, poor quality, or completely unavailable. SpaceX has launched more than 2,700 Starlink low-orbit (LEO) satellites to date.

In the context of Georgia, Starlink is especially important and interesting in mountainous regions and in settlements without broadband internet coverage.

No large infrastructure is required to receive Starlink Internet. Only a power source and receiving device are required. As a result, it is possible to use the Internet anywhere in the world.

“SpaceX is currently working on the study of interesting niches in the Georgian market and is preparing for the commercial launch of Starlink operations in Georgia. I think this fact is a very important event for the country and the telecom sector, since after the introduction of Starlink, satellite Internet will become available in Georgia, and this will open a window to the innovative digital future.” for the development of the services market”, said Ekaterine Imadedze, a member of the Communications Commission, on June 21, after a meeting with the representative of SpaceX.

Source: Business Media Georgia, TV Imedi

The British company is leaving Russia – part of the team is already in Tbilisi

The British electric car manufacturing company Arrival, which was founded by the Russian billionaire, the former head of Yota and the former deputy minister of communications of Russia, Denis Sverdlov, will stop operating in Russia. The Financial Times reports on this. The publication writes based on the vice-president of Arrival, Tom Elvidge, that the company does not plan business activities in Russia in the future. According to him, part of the team of developers has already been transferred to Tbilisi.

He says that the company started the process of leaving Russia in the first days of the war in Ukraine. Elvidge said the company has a team in Russia working on software for electric cars. According to his own words, Sverdlov opposed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine from the beginning.

“Dennis has come out publicly and made it clear that he and Arrival are opposed to what’s happening in Ukraine,” Elvidge said when asked about the possibility of sanctions against the company. According to him, most of the Russian team of the British company is already in Georgia and an office has been opened for them in Tbilisi. According to Arrival’s vice president, the process of completing operations in Russia will continue for several more months.

I will tell you that Arrival was founded in 2015 by Denis Sverdlov, the former Deputy Minister of Communications of Russia and the former head of Yota. Among the company’s investors are Hyundai, Kia, and the BlackRock fund. Among its clients is the largest shipping and delivery company United Parcel Service, which signed a contract with the manufacturer for the purchase of 10,000 electric cars. In 2021, Arrival was estimated at 13.6 billion dollars. As of December 28 of the same year, Arrival’s capitalization on the Nasdaq was $5.1 billion, and Sverdlov’s fortune was estimated by Forbes at $3.7 billion.

Source: Commersant.ge

1. Visa Requirements

There are new latest COVID19 Regulations in Georgia which will come into force from 01 June 2021. Foreigners who seek to enter Georgia generally must first obtain a Georgian visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport (a visa blank) or is issued electronically (electronic visa). Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to Georgia without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. While planning travel to Georgia, learn about visa requirements here: https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/

In case of crossing the border and re-entering Georgia, the period of staying without a visa will also increase.

2. Entry rules for COVID-19 vaccinated visitors

Citizens of all countries, traveling from any country are able to enter Georgia, if they:

While traveling by air present the document confirming the full course (two doses, one dose in case of Johnson&Johnson) of any COVID-19 vaccination at the border checkpoints of Georgia.

While crossing the land and sea border of Georgia present the document confirming the full course (two doses, one dose in case of Johnson&Johnson) of any COVID-19 vaccination at the border checkpoints of Georgia, as well as the negative PCR test taken in the last 72 hours prior to the visit to Georgia.

* Except for any person traveling from the Republic of India (regardless of citizenship and full course of vaccination) as well as persons having a history of travel to the Republic of India for the last 14 days. They are subject to a negative PCR test conducted in the last 72 hours prior to the visit to Georgia at the border and then – a mandatory 14-day quarantine (in the case of foreigners, at their own expense).

3. Entry rules for non-vaccinated visitors

Georgian nationals:

1. Georgian citizens presenting the negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours prior to the visit, will be subject to either 8-day self-isolation or to the optional PCR examination at their own expense on the 3rd day of their stay in Georgia. If self-isolation is not possible, they will be subject to a mandatory quarantine;
2. If Georgian citizens fail to submit the document confirming the PCR examination at the border, they will be placed in self-isolation for 8 days, and if self-isolation is not possible, they will be subject to a mandatory quarantine.

For foreigners:

Citizens and residence permit holders of the following states may enter Georgia by air, land and sea under the conditions mentioned below:

1. European Union Member States
2. State of Israel
3. Republic of Turkey
4. Swiss Confederation
5. Kingdom of Norway
6. United States of America
7. Canada
8. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
9. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
10. State of Qatar
11. State of Kuwait
12. United Arab Emirates
13. Kingdom of Bahrein
14. Republic of Armenia
15. Republic of Azerbaijan
16. Ukraine
17. Republic of Moldova
18. Republic of Kazakhstan
19. Russian Federation
20. Republic of Belarus
21. Republic of Uzbekistan
22. Republic of Tajikistan
23. Republic of Kyrgyzstan
24. Turkmenistan
25. People’s Republic of China
26. Japan
27. Republic of Korea
28. The Sultanate of Oman

• They must travel directly from the above-mentioned countries, including transit travel through third countries;
• At the border checkpoint of Georgia they must present a PCR-examination certificate conducted in the last 72 hours prior to the travel to Georgia;
• On the 3rd day of their stay, they are obliged to undergo PCR-examination at their own expense;
• Before crossing the state border, they must complete the special application form, indicating the travel history of the last 14 days, contact details (address, phone number, email etc.) https://registration.gov.ge/pub/form/8_protocol_for_arrivals_in_georgia/tk6157/​;
• All individuals who have travelled to the Republic of India within the last 14 days will be placed in a mandatory quarantine for 14 days upon entry at their own expense. In this case, PCR-examination on 3rd day of their stay will be waived.

A curfew is set throughout the country from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Except for the above-mentioned categories, the restrictions on entry to Georgia do not apply to:

1. Representatives of the diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to Georgia and their family members;
2. Family members of Georgian citizens, despite their nationality.
3. Persons arriving in Georgia as part of humanitarian mission – if a trip of such mission (doctors, volunteers, etc.) to Georgia becomes a necessity;
4. Individuals who have been granted the status of stateless person by the respective authorities of Georgia;
5. Individuals holding status-neutral ID card or travel documents;
6. Individuals having a refugee status in Georgia;
7. Members of official delegations (will be decided on a case-to-case basis);
8. Train and truck drivers, involved in international road traffic, international railway personnel, involved in in the carriage of goods by rail, as well as the members of the aircraft crew.

 

See also:

– Procedures for foreign students entering Georgia
– Information on foreign citizens traveling to Georgia on business purpose
– Information regarding the project “Remotely from Georgia”

For additional questions please contact us.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) is considering launching a publicly available Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to leverage new technologies to enhance efficiencies of the domestic payment system and financial inclusion. The CBDC is a direct liability of the central bank that can be used to settle payments, or as a store of value and will have legal tender status. In this journey, NBG is inviting technology firms, fintech companies, and interested financial institutions to join efforts to explore the frontiers of financial technology and solve technological, regulatory, and financial issues facing CBDC adoption through a public-private-partnership (PPP).

NBG has the mandate to maintain price and financial stability. The key instrument through which these policies are maintained is central bank money – the Georgian Lari (GEL). The rise of digital technologies underscores the necessity to update central bank money – by creating a digital version of the GEL – to better serve the digital economy and increase public policy efficiency. 

CBDC holds the promise to unlock the tremendous value of innovative business models for the benefit of society. The introduction of CBDC could increase financial intermediation efficiency, help introduce new financial technologies, facilitate financial inclusion, and reach previously unbanked populations. It could also increase monetary policy efficiency by improving monetary policy’s monetary transmission mechanism and welfare effects for the society.

NBG shares the principles outlined in BIS (2020) and aims to develop CBDC technology based on the following features:

Due to the completely new and potentially disruptive technology of CBDC, it is essential to ensure sound risk management during the development process. There are many risks that theoretical literature attributes to CBDC. There may be even more new and unforeseen risks, which will only be found in a live and controlled environment. NBG aims to use its Open Regulatory Framework tools, to facilitate CBDC development. For example, NBG’s RegLab facilities and its principles can be utilized to insure a regulatory sandbox approach for CBDC developers. Rapid live testing in a controlled environment should enable the agile development of CBDC technology and an impetus to develop underlying technology to full potential, enhancing risk management and user experience. Interaction with the RegLab should also help NBG to develop its regulatory approach and update legal framework to enable smooth and sustainable CBDC technology operation. Furthermore, as an option, the Digital Bank Framework, could be utilized to facilitate CBDC development.

CBDC’s may become essential for the financial ecosystem and spur private innovation and development of new financial technologies. Therefore, full private sector involvement in technology choices, interface design, customer management, KYC and AML/CFT, regulatory compliance, and data management will be crucial. If you are developing CBCD technology and are interested in joining us in this ambitious journey, please contact us via the Financial Innovation Office at InnovationOffice@nbg.gov.ge. Please title the subject “PPP on CBDC” and provide a brief introduction about your company and your technology. Also, indicate whether you would like to offer solutions to a CBDC operator or be an operator of CBDC. NBG will consider range of proposals that facilitates the direct management of the CBDC by either the NBG or by a regulated private company.

Source: National Bank of Georgia

After a 10-year pause, Georgia has successfully returned to the international securities market and was able to place a Eurobond at an unprecedentedly low price for the country. The demand of investors was four times more than the amount of the bond, which once again underscores their confidence in the Georgian economy.

The issuance of Eurobonds by the state is important for the development of the capital market in the country, as well as for Georgian companies that are going to raise money from international markets.

The government Eurobond will be a benchmark for other Georgian current and future securities. The low benchmark will significantly help other Georgian companies to place securities in international markets at a better price.

“It is very gratifying that the state has placed Eurobonds on the London Stock Exchange on such unprecedentedly good terms. Positive investor sentiment was reflected primarily in increased demand and low interest rates, which are historically the lowest in the region. In the future, it will help develop the capital market in the country and Georgian companies to place bonds on international or local exchanges, “- said Vakhtang Butskhrikidze, CEO of TBC.

The eurobond volume is 500 million dollars, term 5 years, coupon 2.75%. This improtant deal was done with the help of international banks: JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and ICBC, as well as, Georgian investment banks TBC Capital and Galt & Taggart.

Source: TBC Capital, Ministry Of Finance of Georgia

1. Visa Requirements

There are certain restrictions for those wishing to visit Georgia during COVID-19 pandemic . Foreigners who seek to enter Georgia generally must first obtain a Georgian visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport (a visa blank) or is issued electronically (electronic visa). Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to Georgia without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. While planning travel to Georgia, learn about visa requirements here: https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/

In case of crossing the border and re-entering Georgia, the period of staying without a visa will also increase.

2. Entry rules for COVID-19 vaccinated visitors

Citizens of all countries, traveling by air from any country may enter Georgia if they present the document confirming the full course (two doses) of any COVID-19 vaccination at the border checkpoints of Georgia. Visitors vaccinated with full course (two doses) can visit Georgia during COVID 19 pandemic freely without restrictions.

3. Entry rules for non-vaccinated visitors

Georgian nationals:

1)  Georgian nationals presenting the negative result of the PCR test conducted within 72 hours prior the visit, will be subject to either 8-day self-isolation or to optional PCR examination at their own expense on the 3rd day of their stay in Georgia. If self-isolation is not possible, he/she will be subject to mandatory quarantine;

2)   If Georgian national fails to submit the document confirming the PCR examination at the border, he/she will be placed in self-isolation for 8 days, and if self-isolation is not possible, he/she will be subject to mandatory quarantine;

All individuals who have travelled to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland within the last 14 days will be placed in mandatory quarantine for 12 days.

For foreigners:

Citizens and residence permit holders of the following states may enter Georgia by air under the conditions mentioned bellow:

• European Union Member States
• State of Israel
• Republic of Turkey
• Swiss Confederation
• Kingdom of Norway
• United States of America
• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• State of Qatar
• United Arab Emirates
• Kingdom of Bahrein
• Republic of Armenia
• Republic of Azerbaijan
• Ukraine
• Republic of Kazakhstan
• Russian Federation
• Republic of Belarus
• Republic of Uzbekistan
• Republic of Tajikistan
• Republic of Kyrgyzstan
• Turkmenistan

For entering Georgia, they must comply with the following conditions:

• They must travel by air directly from the countries mentioned above, including transit travel through third countries; (Land and Sea borders remain closed).
• At the border checkpoint of Georgia they must present PCR-examination certificate conducted during 72 hours prior to travel to Georgia;
• On the 3rd day of their stay, they are obliged to undergo PCR-examination at their own expense;
• Before crossing the state border, they must complete the special application form, indicating the travel history of the last 14 days, contact details (address, phone number, email etc.)
• All individuals who have travelled to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland within the last 14 days will be placed in mandatory quarantine for 12 days upon entry. In this case, the obligation of presentation of PCR test negative result on the border as well as PCR-examination on 3rd day of stay will be waived.

A curfew is set throughout the country from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

For additional questions please contact us.

1. Introduction

Georgian Government has ruled new COVID-19 restrictions coming into force on November 28, 2020 and apply until January 31, 2021.

The movement of persons throughout the country from 21:00 to 05:00 is prohibited, both on foot and by transport, as well as being in public space. Exception will be made on the New Year’s and Orthodox Christmas days – respectively December 31, 2020 and January 6, 2021.

2. Public Services

The following public services are stopped:

• Transportation of passengers by rail, except for official railway traffic, within the framework of which, for the purpose of uninterrupted cargo transportation, the staff is moved / transferred from the place of residence to the place of work and vice versa in accordance with the operational headquarters;
• Regular transport of intercity passengers by vehicles of M2 (so-called minibus) and M3 (so-called bus) categories;
• Functioning of public transport in Tbilisi Municipality and in the administrative borders of Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi, Gori, Zugdidi, Poti, Telavi municipalities, including the functioning of the metro in Tbilisi municipality as well.

Restriction does not apply to light vehicles (including taxis);

3. Regulation of economic activity

All economic activities are allowed, except:

• Operation of ski slopes and ski lifts;
• Organizing / conducting activities of entertainment establishments and entertainment events;
• The provision of early upbringing and education services and / or the provision of pre-school and education services and / or the implementation of a school readiness program;
• Sports / gymnasiums, saunas and other spa procedures, as well as swimming pool activities.

Also, the Government has ruled to introduce the following restrictions in large cities and within their administrative boundaries: Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi, Gori, Poti, Zugdidi and Telavi, as well as at skiing resorts of Bakuriani, Gudauri, Goderdzi and Mestia:

In the following cities: Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi, Gori, Zugdidi, Poti, Telavi, Bakuriani, Borjomi Municipality, Kazbegi village, Gudauri village, Khulo municipality, Goderdzi resort and Mestia municipality, the sale of any goods / products, both retail and wholesale, is carried out remotely, without access to the user’s sales space.

This restriction does not apply to:

• Sale of food / animal feed, animal, animal and plant products, household chemicals and hygiene, veterinary preparations, pesticides and agrochemicals, seed and planting materials;
• Supply of electricity, electricity, natural gas, water, gasoline, diesel, liquefied gas;
• Sale of medical goods, pharmaceutical products;
• Press booths.

Food Facilities

The operation of food facilities / restaurants / bars / cafes is allowed only with delivery service and product delivery (so-called “Take Away” and “Drive”). It is permissible to operate restaurants / bars / cafes, gyms and swimming pools in hotels and similar accommodation only to serve guests of the hotel and similar accommodation.

Markets / Fairs

In the following cities: Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi, Gori, Zugdidi, Poti, Telavi, Bakuriani, Borjomi Municipality, Kazbegi village, Gudauri village, Khulo municipality, Goderdzi resort and Mestia municipality, open and closed markets / fairs are allowed only remotely. This restriction does not apply to the activities of agrarian markets / fairs.

Hotel Services

The activities of the hotels in Bakuriani, Borjomi Municipality, Gudauri village of Kazbegi Municipality, Goderdzi resort in Khulo Municipality and Mestia Municipality in Mestia are allowed only for the arrangement of quarantine spaces. It is permissible to operate restaurants / bars / cafes, gyms and swimming pools in hotels and similar accommodation only to serve guests of the hotel and similar accommodation;

4. Public Institutions

Public institutions should provide remote delivery of services to persons, except for those services, the remote delivery of which is impossible or related to an urgent need. Public institutions should ensure the remote transfer of employees, unless it is necessary to be physically present / announced in the service of a specific position / official.

5. Cultural and sports events

• It is not allowed for the spectator to attend any type of cultural event.
• It is allowed to hold a sports event without spectators under the auspices of the relevant international and / or national sports federation.
• Activities of sports, artistic and cultural circles / studios are prohibited.

6. Regulation of the educational process

Schools, vocational training centers and higher education institutions (except for health and medicine education programs) will be transformed entirely into a distance learning.

• Should be suspended the implementation of early upbringing and education services and / or the provision of preschool and education services and / or school readiness programs. Other educational institutions should carry out the training process in accordance with the order of the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia on “Approval of Recommendations to Prevent the Spread of New Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Workplace”.
• The educational process in educational institutions may be carried out only as a result of inspections carried out at the workplaces of Georgia directly by the Department of Labor Inspection of the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia. Based on the positive conclusion issued on the implementation of the recommendations of the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs.
• The higher education institution is authorized to provide practical / laboratory / clinical work and examinations non-remotely (physically). In accordance with the order of the Minister of Defense.
• In the following cities Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi, Gori, Zugdidi, Poti, general education, vocational, special vocational and higher education institutions in Telavi can carry out educational activities only using various forms of distance learning / communication.
• The activities of vocational education institutions and special vocational education institutions are permitted. Based on the positive conclusion issued on the implementation of the recommendations of the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia.
• The educational institution is obliged to carry out activities in electronic form, remotely, through the administration of collegial bodies In accordance with the rules established by the legislation of Georgia for production (determination of quorum for decision making, voting, production of protocol, etc.).
• An educational institution is obliged to transfer all persons employed in educational institutions to a remote mode of work, unless the presence / announcement of a specific position / official on the territory of an educational institution is related to the specifics of this position / position. These individuals carry out activities in accordance with the order of the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia on “Approval of Recommendations to Prevent the Spread of New Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Workplace”.
• Training, conference, seminar is allowed only remotely. This restriction does not apply to seafarers ‘training centers recognized by the LEPL – Maritime Transport Agency of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and to the mandatory exercises to be conducted by them on the basis of the Law of Georgia on Seafarers’ Education and Certification.

7. Conclusion

COVID restrictions do not apply to the following in the entire period:

• All other economic activities, including the following:

1. Public and private construction and repair works;
2. Banking and financial intermediation;
3. Groceries, pet/animal food stores, pharmacies, veterinarian drug stores, household chemistry and hygiene stores, printed media kiosks;
4. So called delivery and take-away services;
5. Beauty parlours, barber shops and aesthetic medicine centres;
6. Vehicle repair and technical inspection services;
7. Repair services of household appliances;
8. Fruit and vegetable markets;
9. And others.

• Mobility with light vehicles (including taxes) will not be restricted.

In addition, it is worth noting that COVID restrictions will be eased nation-wide from December 24, 2020 through January 2, 2021 and namely and only shopping malls, open and closed fairs and markets will be permitted to operate.