Введение
As of March 1, 2026, Georgia is introducing the most significant changes to its migration and labor framework in years. For foreign nationals seeking to work, run a business, or reside in Georgia, the legal landscape will be transformed—especially with the introduction of a mandatory work permit system in Georgia and tighter residence permit requirements.
This post explains:
- What is changing in the law
- Requirements for already registered foreign migrants
- What new migrants must do to work or start activities in Georgia
What Is Changing in Georgia’s Work Permit in Georgia for foreigners System in 2026?
Mandatory Work Activity Permits
Under the new legal amendments, no foreign national may carry out employment, self-employment, or entrepreneurial activity in Georgia without first obtaining a formal work activity permit.
This obligation applies broadly to:
- Employees under contract with Georgian employers
- Self-employed foreign nationals operating independently
- Entrepreneurs earning income in Georgia
- Remote workers serving Georgian employers
A residence permit or visa alone will no longer automatically grant the right to work.
Requirements for Already Registered Foreign Migrants in Georgia
Foreign nationals who are already registered in Georgia’s labor migration system (https://businessstatement.moh.gov.ge/) as of March 1, 2026 will not lose the right to work immediately; however, they must adapt to the new system:
Transition Period: Foreigners who are legally registered by March 1, 2026 have until January 1, 2027 to:
✔ Obtain a valid work activity permit
✔ Secure the applicable residence permit (e.g., work residence or IT permit)
This transition period is designed to give existing migrants time to comply without immediate disruption to their employment or business.
Existing migrants should:
- Check your current status in the electronic labor migration database.
- Apply for a new work activity permit well before the January 1, 2027 deadline.
- Submit the residence application (Work permit in Georgia for foreigners, residence card, or relevant permit category) in time.
- 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.
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.
Important Notes for Specific Groups
- IT Specialists & Remote Workers
Georgia has signaled that special residence permit tracks (e.g., new three-year permits for IT professionals) will be available—but these still require the work activity permit.
- Investors & Investment Residence
Holding an investment or real estate-based residence permit (e.g., minimum property investment) does not automatically exempt you from the work activity permit requirement if you intend to earn active income.
- Students
Foreign students who wish to work part-time or earn income will also be subject to the same permit requirements; having a residence permit alone (e.g., study permit) may not suffice for lawful work unless a work activity permit is obtained.
The government has not yet defined work permit requirements for foreigners в Грузии
At present, the Government of Georgia has not yet determined the specific criteria for obtaining the new work activity permit.
The following key elements remain pending:
- Minimum salary thresholds
- Employer eligibility standards
- Qualification requirements for foreign workers
- State fees
- Processing timelines
- Sector-specific limitations
We anticipate that these details will be established through secondary legislation or a governmental decree in the coming months.
Our Law Firm’s Commitment
Once official regulations are published, we will immediately provide the detailed legal analysis. We strongly recommend monitoring official announcements.
Legal Assistance for Work Permit for foreigners and Migration Compliance in Georgia
Our firm provides:
- Work permit application support
- Residence permit structuring
- Employer compliance audits
- Strategic immigration planning
Контакт us today for specialized legal support to ensure your migration, employment, or business activities in Georgia remain fully compliant from March 1, 2026 onwards.
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