Amendments to Georgia’s Law

In this legal update, REVERA Georgia experts review the key changes introduced by Law No. 1509-Vმს-XIმპ, which entered into force on 15 April 2026.

Key Changes:

1. The list of exemptions from the scope of the law has been expanded The law now does not apply to foreigners who:

• hold a special residence permit issued at the written initiative of a member of the Government of Georgia;
• engage in short-term professional activities as defined by a Government resolution;
• work for a state institution or a state-owned enterprise;
• work entirely remotely for a local employer, without the need to enter Georgia;
• provide services to a non-resident as part of their activities outside Georgia;
• carry out executive/management activities in companies of categories 1–3 (under the Accounting Law) or work on an audit committee;
• are engaged in the conservation, restoration, or rehabilitation of cultural heritage sites.

2. The definition of “self-employed foreigner” has been clarified.

The wording has been expanded: it now includes independent contractors in the fields of trade, services, and other activities aimed at obtaining financial gain.

3. A new concept has been introduced “short-term professional activity”

This refers to a foreigner’s professional activity or service in Georgia that:

1. is carried out within the timeframe established by law;
2. does not constitute long-term employment in the local labor market;
3. is related to a specific short-term project, event, or service.

4. New Article 13⁹ — Procedure for Short-Term Professional Activity

A foreign national is entitled to engage in such activity without a work permit or residence permit if:

1. the activity is carried out as part of a temporary visit;
2. it is related to a specific short-term project or event.

5. Grounds for refusal have been tightened

New grounds for refusal have been added: failure to provide documents confirming compliance with the criteria for labor or entrepreneurial activities as defined by a Government resolution.

Authors: Melano Svanidze, Nino Zautashvili.