New Work Permit Requirements in Georgia: Impact on Businesses and Foreign Employees
Georgia is introducing new work permit requirements for foreign nationals. The new rules significantly affect the employment of foreign employees and introduce mandatory work permits for a wide range of business activities.
Failure to comply may result in administrative penalties and other sanctions.
Who Must Obtain a Work Permit
A work permit will be required for:
- foreign employees hired by Georgian employers;
- self-employed foreign nationals and entrepreneurs;
- business partners, independent contractors and other individuals receiving income from entrepreneurial activities.
Working without a permit constitutes a violation of labour migration rules and may result in administrative penalties.
Who Is Exempt
The requirement does not apply to:
- refugees and persons under international protection;
- registered asylum seekers;
- staff of diplomatic missions and international organisations;
- accredited foreign journalists;
- holders of investment residence permit;
- individuals covered by specific international agreements.
Application Process for new employees
For foreign employees intending to start work:
Employers must publish the vacancy in the national labour system for at least 10 working days before applying for a work permit for the foreign employee.
If no suitable local candidate is identified, the employer may apply for a work permit.
The agency issues a decision within 30 calendar days (or within 10 working days under expedited processing).
Exemptions from the Labour Market Test
The above requirement does not apply to:
- companies with international company status under Article 23 of the Tax Code of Georgia, as well as companies with innovative start-up status under Article 151 of the Law of Georgia on Innovation;
- international experts who are members of the expert body responsible for authorisation of higher education institutions and accreditation of educational programmes at the National Centre for Education Quality Enhancement;
- cases where all of the following conditions are met:
- the monthly salary exceeds GEL 15,000 (gross);
- the position requires a higher education degree directly related to the work and objectively necessary for its qualified performance.
Self-Employed Foreign Nationals
Applications are submitted through the electronic system.
Applicants must provide supporting documents and complete a video interview.
The specific profession and business activity must be indicated.
The permit is tied to a specific activity and cannot be transferred. A separate work permit is required for each activity.
Fees and Validity
200 GEL — standard processing (up to 30 days)
400 GEL — expedited processing (up to 10 working days)
200 GEL — extension (up to 30 days; shorter periods are not available)
Validity period:
- generally 6–12 months;
- up to 3 years for IT professionals.
After five years of continuous renewals, subsequent permits may be issued for periods from one to five years.
Extension applications must be submitted at least 30 days before expiry.
Monitoring and Compliance
Authorities will monitor compliance with permit conditions.
A work permit may be revoked if:
- the foreign national changes employment or activity without a new permit;
- residence status or visa expires;
- employment is terminated;
- administrative or deportation proceedings are initiated.
Transition Deadlines
From 1 May 2026, enforcement measures will apply to self-employed foreign nationals already operating in Georgia, shareholders, independent contractors and other individuals receiving income from entrepreneurial activities.
Foreign workers who had an active registration on the Labourmigration.moh.gov.ge portal as of 1 March 2026 must obtain a new work permit and the corresponding residence permit by 1 January 2027.
Author: Melano Svanidze, Nino Zautashvili.
How We Can Help
REVERA lawyers assist employers and foreign professionals with:
- obtaining work permits in Georgia;
- residence permit applications;
- employment of foreign staff;
- international workforce structuring.
Contact us to discuss your work permit strategy in Georgia or to assess compliance risks for your business.
Contact a lawyer for further information
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