Georgia work permit 2026 Archives - Tax Consulting Georgia

New 2026 Georgia Work Permit Rules: Labor Immigrant or Self-Employed Work Permit

taxconsulting — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:34:04 +0000

Introduction

The landscape for foreign professionals and entrepreneurs in Georgia is changing. On February 20, 2026, the Georgian government issued Resolution №70, introducing a rigorous new framework for obtaining a work permit in Georgia for foreigners. Whether you are a “Labor Immigrant” looking to join a local company or a “Self-Employed Foreigner” running your own business, these rules—effective March 1, 2026—will impact how you live and work in the country.

In this post, we break down the essential procedures, costs, and criteria you need to know to stay compliant with the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia.

Who is Affected?

The new rules apply to foreigners without a permanent residence permit who intend to:

Work for a local employer (on-site or remotely).
Engage in entrepreneurial or labor activities for financial gain (partners, independent contractors, or service providers).

Exemptions

Certain groups are exempt from these specific requirements, including:

Recognized refugees or those with temporary/additional protection.
Registered asylum seekers.
Diplomats and staff of international organizations.
Accredited foreign journalists.
Holders of a valid Investment Residence Permit.

The Two Paths to Working Legally

The State Employment Support Agency (the “Agency”) now distinguishes between two types of applicants:

Labor Immigrants (Employees)

If you are being hired by a Georgian company, the employer must initiate the process.

The Market Test: Before hiring a foreigner, the employer must post the vacancy on www.worknet.moh.gov.ge for at least 10 working days.
Agency Intervention: If the Agency cannot find a suitable local candidate within those 10 days, the employer can then apply for your work permit.
Specifics: The right is granted for a specific position at a specific company. If you change jobs, you must obtain a new permit.

2. Self-Employed Foreigners

Foreigners working for themselves must apply directly to the Agency.

The Interview: After submitting documentation, a video interview with the Agency is mandatory to confirm the application.
Business Evidence: Applicants must provide a business plan or proof of annual turnover if the business is already established.

Costs and Processing Times

The service fees are tiered based on how quickly you need the work permit in Georgia for foreigners:

Service Type	Processing Time	Fee
Standard Application	30 Calendar Days	200 GEL
Accelerated Application	10 Working Days	400 GEL
Permit Extension	30 Calendar Days	200 GEL

Note: Employers pay for labor immigrants, while self-employed individuals pay for themselves. All payments are handled via the www.labourmigration.moh.gov.g e portal.

Key Deadlines and Validity

Once you receive your Right to Work, the clock starts ticking:

If outside Georgia: You must apply for a D1 Category Immigration Visa within 30 days.
If inside Georgia: You must apply for a Labor Residence Permit within 10 days.

How long does it last?

Initial Permit: Generally valid for 6 months to 1 year.
Renewals: Can be extended annually for the first 5 years. After 5 years of continuous work, extensions can be granted for 1 to 5 years.
IT Sector: Professionals in Information Technology enjoy longer initial permits of up to 3 years.

2026 Annual Quotas: Restricted Professions

The government has established “Zero Quotas” (meaning permits are currently not being issued) for certain sectors to protect the local labor market:

Courier Services: 0 Quota.
Passenger Transportation: 0 Quota.
Tourist Guides: 0 Quota.
Mountain/Ski Guides: Restricted to a quota of 200 per year.

High-Earner Exception: Quotas and market tests generally do not apply if the monthly salary exceeds 15,000 GEL (gross) and requires higher education.

Important Transition Dates

Existing Self-Employed: If you were already working/operating a business before March 1, 2026, the enforcement mechanisms will apply to you starting May 1, 2026.
Currently Registered Immigrants: Those with an “active” status on the migration portal as of March 1, 2026, have until January 1, 2027, to obtain the formal Right to Work and residency.

Legal Assistance for Work Permit in Georgia for foreigners and Migration Compliance

Our firm provides:

Work permit in Georgia for foreigners application support
Residence permit structuring
Employer compliance audits
Strategic immigration planning

Contact us today for specialized legal support to ensure your migration, employment, or business activities in Georgia remain fully compliant from March 1, 2026 onwards.

For more information, please check:

The post New 2026 Georgia Work Permit Rules: Labor Immigrant or Self-Employed Work Permit appeared first on Tax Consulting Georgia.

New Migration Law Changes in Georgia: Work Permit Reform 2026

taxconsulting — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:10:02 +0000

Introduction

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 in Georgia

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

Contact us today for specialized legal support to ensure your migration, employment, or business activities in Georgia remain fully compliant from March 1, 2026 onwards.

For more information, please check:

The post New Migration Law Changes in Georgia: Work Permit Reform 2026 appeared first on Tax Consulting Georgia.