Georgia: Amendments to the Law on Labor Migration

The Georgian Parliament is considering draft amendments introducing a new legal concept — short-term professional activity — and expanding the list of exemptions from the permit regime for foreigners.

Key Proposed Changes Include:

• New exemptions from the work permit requirement 

The following categories may work without a permit: 

1. individuals holding a special residence permit issued at the initiative of a government member;
2. employees of state agencies and state-owned enterprises;
3. remote workers who do not physically enter Georgia;
4. individuals providing services to non-residents abroad;
5. managers and auditors of Category 1–3 enterprises.

• New definition of “self-employed foreigner” 

Expanded to cover any foreign national engaged in entrepreneurial or employment activities for remuneration—including independent contractors and freelancers.

• The concept of “short-term professional activity” 

Work performed within the framework of a specific project or event that does not constitute long-term employment. The list of types and durations will be established by the Government in a separate resolution.

• New grounds for denying a permit 

A permit may be denied in the absence of documents confirming compliance with the criteria for employment or entrepreneurial activity. The criteria are defined at the level of secondary legislation.

• New Article 13⁹: Short-term activity regime 

A foreign national may work without a work permit or residence permit if the activity is temporary and related to a specific project. Such a person is not considered a labour migrant or self-employed.

Key Risk:

 
The amendments will enter into force upon publication—but key lists and criteria will be defined later by subordinate legislation. Legal uncertainty persists until their adoption.

Author: Nino Zautashvili.