Labour Migration Regulatory Reform in Georgia

19.06.2025

• Key Changes
• Recommendations for Businesses
• Contact our lawyer for more details

The Government of Georgia is initiating a reform of labour migration regulation aimed at:

• Strengthening control over the entry and employment of foreign nationals;
• Preventing the influx of unqualified and excessive labour force;
• Protecting the interests of the national labour market.

At this stage, committee hearings are taking place, and the issue is scheduled to be considered at the plenary session to be held on June 24–27, 2025.

Key Changes

Introduction of Work Permits:

• Foreign nationals will be required to obtain a special work permit to be employed in Georgia.
• Clear criteria for issuing work permits will be established.

Expansion of Regulation

• Oversight will apply not only to traditional employment but also to entrepreneurial activities carried out by foreign nationals.

New Enforcement Mechanisms

• Specific responsibilities will be assigned to designated government authorities;
• A new system for monitoring and imposing sanctions will be introduced.

Sanctions

• Increased fines for employers who hire foreign nationals without the required work permit;
• Fines for foreign workers who are employed without proper legal status.

If a foreign national is employed without complying with the new regulations, both the employer and the employee will be fined 2,000 GEL.

In case of repeated violations, the fines will increase to 4,000 GEL.

Mandatory Work Permit and Residence Permit

• Foreign nationals, even those entering Georgia under a visa-free regime, will be required to obtain both a work permit and a residence permit for employment purposes.

Recommendations for Businesses

• Conduct an audit of all foreign employees and their employment arrangements.
• Build an internal talent pool-consider local hiring for sensitive or critical roles.
• Monitor by-laws and implementing regulations, as they will define the criteria for obtaining work permits.
• Develop internal compliance procedures outlining who is responsible for document preparation, when, and how.
• If necessary, adapt contracts and cooperation models with foreign freelancers or self-employed individuals.

The above-mentioned changes to the permit application procedures are scheduled to come into effect on March 1, 2026.

Author: Nino Zautashvili

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