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

 

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

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

As part of the strategy to gradually open the country and to boost the tourism industry the Georgian Government has decided to allow foreign citizens to enter Georgia under a special regime. A new platform ” Remotely from Georgia” has been launched for foreign citizens wishing to work remotely in Georgia. The project is aimed at foreigners who are freelancers (self-employed); are employed and work remotely, or can run their own business from anywhere in the world. According to the developed project, the Government of Georgia will exceptionally allow the crossing of the border of citizens of all countries, who will have the right to live on the territory of Georgia for at least six months.

2. Requirements of Remotely From Georgia project

The status of a small business is granted by the tax authority, in particular the Revenue Service of Georgia, and if the application is approved, it issues a small business certificate within a reasonable time after receiving the application.
The status of a small business is granted to a person from the first day of the month following the month of the application for the status of a small business to the tax authority and the person is considered to have the status from that date.

The project Remotely from Georgia is applicable for all travelers (up to 95 country nationals and residents including United States, EU, Gulf countries, etc.) who could visit Georgia and can stay in the country for up to a year without visa. Relevantly, there will be no special visa category issued for travelers willing to remotely work from Georgia. Complete list of approved countries can be found here. According to the project, there are three categories: self-employed, those currently employed with distance work allowance from their employers, business owners and entrepreneurs, who will be able to fill out an application, indicate simple and clear personal information, where they must prove that they have financial ability and will be able to pay all taxes and cross the border during their stay in Georgia in order to obtain prior confirmation of a country border crossing. The participants in the project will undergo an 8-day mandatory quarantine, the costs of which will be reimbursed by foreign citizens themselves. Despite the project being informally called “Digital Nomad Visa” – it is just an entry permit and no visa is required and the visa issuance procedures are avoided.

These are the current requirements to be able to apply for the Remotely from Georgia project:

The application are reviewed within 10 working days and the communication takes place and the approval is sent via email. After approval you can enter Georgia through the ‘Remotely from Georgia’ Project.  Make sure you to check the list of government-approved flights before booking your tickets here. Getting on the flight and then into the country requires just a few temperature and paper checks

3. Taxes applicable to Remotely From Georgia project

Depending on your citizenship/residence, you may have to pay taxes in your country as well, but if you spend 183 days in Georgia in 12 months, you’ll have to register and pay taxes in Georgia according to Georgian tax legislation. Foreign individuals who become Georgian resident can apply for and obtain Small Business Certificate and pay only 1% income tax. Also, opening a bank account is also extremely easy in Georgia as you can walk into a bank with just your passport and open an account.

4. Conclusion

A growing number of foreign remote workers in Georgia are in fact likely to give a little boost to an economy that is very dependent on tourism and foreign investment. According to the statistics at the beginning of November, more than 1.200 applications were received, 800 of them have already been approved and 274 applicants have already entered Georgia.

Visiting Georgia within the Remotely From Georgia project could be greatest opportunity visitors can enjoy Caucasus mountain views or hiking in national parks and protected areas while searching for inspiration, celebrate success by sipping world’s famous Georgian wine made in clay pot and taste Georgian cuisine. This to live and work from World’s safest destination, which also turns out to be one of the most exciting places to visit.  According to Numbeo, Georgia is in fact the 4th safest country in the world.

If you have any questions regarding the above project please do not hesitate contact us.

 

Photo Credit: Government of Georgia; Ministry Of Economy And Sustainable Development of Georgia

1. Visa Requirements

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. Restrictions and conditions of border crossing

At this stage because of COVID-19, the state border of Georgia is unconditionally opened for 5 countries out
of 27 EU member states (Germany, France, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania). Citizens of the above 5 countries / persons with permanent residence permits can come to Georgia for all types of visits only by air, in case of departure from the indicated 5 countries. For example: a Latvian citizen / resident’s resident from Germany will enter Georgia unconditionally.

Before crossing the Georgian border, they must fill out a specially designed, electronic form here: https://stopcov.ge/en/Protocol, which must indicate the history of the trip during the last 14 days before  entering Georgia, the location specified during the visit to Georgia, contact information, etc. With their consent, they will undergo a PCR test at the airport (at state expense).

As a result of passing the thermal screening at the border, in case of temperature above 37 degrees, the person will be taken to a medical facility.

Citizens of EU countries (Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Sweden, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Croatia) who entered Georgia in the so-called In the green list (except for the 5 countries listed above) or various restrictions have been imposed, you can enter Georgia under a 14-day mandatory quarantine, the costs of which will be covered by yourself.

If a citizen / resident of the above 5 countries arrives by air from the EU country with which Georgia opens the border by reservation (Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Sweden, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania), From the countries with which Georgia does not have a border, as well as if it has a travel history of the last 14 days in countries other than the mentioned 5 countries, is subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine, at its own expense.

In relation to other EU member states (Slovenia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Malta, Slovakia, Finland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Croatia), which did not open the border with Georgia, we still maintain the current regime.

It should be noted that business visits from all over the world will be carried out smoothly in advance, by filling in the relevant form and in agreement with the relevant industry agency. Guests arriving in Georgia on a business visit are required to take a PCR test at COVID-19 every 72 hours at their own expense, or to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine, also at their own expense. This does not apply to citizens of 5 EU member states / holders of residence permits with whom Georgia unconditionally opens its borders.

3. Conclusion

Foreigners who plan to visit Georgia are required to fill out a special application form, after which they will receive a reply to the e-mail within 10 working days about the possibility of crossing the Georgian border, as well as instructions to be passed during their stay in Georgia. This could be a 14-day quarantine or PCR test every 72 hours or e.g. 5-day quarantine and PCR test every 72 hours at its own expense.

The Georgian government continues to actively cooperate with EU member states and partner countries, and in accordance with the recommendation, once every two weeks, the conditions for entry of both Georgians and Georgian citizens to these countries will be jointly reviewed.