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Work Permit for Foreigners in Georgia
Whether you are a company registering foreign workers in Georgia, or a Foreigner Individual Entrepreneur, we will assist you to work in Georgia legally
DETAILED REVIEW
OVERVIEW
Starting March 1, 2026, Georgia is implementing a comprehensive new legal framework governing the rights of foreigners without permanent residence permits to engage in remunerated work. These regulations introduce a structured system of conditions, criteria, and enforcement mechanisms designed to align foreign labor with the needs of the Georgian labor market. Under these rules, the path to legal employment is divided into two distinct streams: the employer-driven procedure for hired labor and a direct application process for the self-employed.
Starting March 1, 2026, Georgia is implementing a comprehensive new legal framework governing the rights of foreigners without permanent residence permits to engage in remunerated work. These regulations introduce a structured system of conditions, criteria, and enforcement mechanisms designed to align foreign labor with the needs of the Georgian labor market. Under these rules, the path to legal employment is divided into two distinct streams: the employer-driven procedure for hired labor and a direct application process for the self-employed.
The Entrepreneurial Path: Self-Employed Foreigners
Quotas and Restrictions
Self-employed individuals must be mindful of annual quotas. For 2026, certain fields such as passenger transport, courier services, and tourist guiding have a quota of zero, effectively restricting new foreign entrants in these sectors. Conversely, sectors like mountain and tour services have specific caps (e.g., 200 units).
Self-employed individuals must be mindful of annual quotas. For 2026, certain fields such as passenger transport, courier services, and tourist guiding have a quota of zero, effectively restricting new foreign entrants in these sectors. Conversely, sectors like mountain and tour services have specific caps (e.g., 200 units).
The Video Interview Requirement
In addition to submitting financial documents, business plans, and professional credentials (as outlined in Annex 2), self-employed applicants must undergo a video interview with the Agency. This interview serves as a final verification step before the electronic application is formally confirmed and considered for approval.
In addition to submitting financial documents, business plans, and professional credentials (as outlined in Annex 2), self-employed applicants must undergo a video interview with the Agency. This interview serves as a final verification step before the electronic application is formally confirmed and considered for approval.
Foreigners acting as partners, independent contractors, or entrepreneurs must manage their own applications. Unlike the employer-driven track, the self-employed applicant interacts directly with the Agency to obtain a work-right that specifies their field of activity and specialty.
Application and Processing
The application is handled through a specialized electronic system (labourmigration.moh.gov.ge). Employers must submit a qualified electronic signature, proof of fee payment (200 GEL for standard 30-day processing or 400 GEL for a 10-day expedited review), and the documentation required by Annex 1 of the regulations.
The application is handled through a specialized electronic system (labourmigration.moh.gov.ge). Employers must submit a qualified electronic signature, proof of fee payment (200 GEL for standard 30-day processing or 400 GEL for a 10-day expedited review), and the documentation required by Annex 1 of the regulations.
Pre-Application and the "Local First" Principle
Before an employer can even apply for a foreign worker’s permit, they must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by the local workforce. This involves:
Certain entities—such as those with International Company status, innovative startups, or those hiring high-salary experts with higher education—are exempt from this preliminary search.
Before an employer can even apply for a foreign worker’s permit, they must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by the local workforce. This involves:
- Vacancy Posting: The job must be advertised on the official Worknet platform for at least 10 working days.
- Agency Mediation: If the Agency cannot provide suitable local candidates within that window, the employer may then proceed with the foreign application.
- Justification: If an employer rejects candidates proposed by the Agency, they must provide a written justification within three working days, which the Agency then reviews to decide if the process may continue.
Certain entities—such as those with International Company status, innovative startups, or those hiring high-salary experts with higher education—are exempt from this preliminary search.
For foreigners seeking to work for Georgian entities, the responsibility for securing legal work-rights rests primarily with the employer. This "work-right," issued by the State Employment Promotion Agency (the Agency), is strictly tied to a specific position and a specific employer; it is non-transferable and remains valid only as long as that specific employment relationship exists.
The Employer-Driven Path: Foreigners in Local Employment
WHO WILL ASSIST YOU?
- David AlievMain Lawyer
- Giorgi ChavleishviliLawyer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The rules apply to all foreigners without a permanent residence permit who wish to perform remunerated work in Georgia. This includes those employed by local companies and self-employed individuals (entrepreneurs and contractors). It does not apply to refugees, diplomatic staff, or holders of active investment residence permits.
- Self-employed: Enforcement of the new rules begins on May 1, 2026.
- Employed foreigners: Those already registered in the Agency’s database must obtain their new work-right and residence permit by January 1, 2027.
Generally, no. Employers must first post the vacancy on www.worknet.moh.gov.ge for at least 10 working days. Only if the State Employment Promotion Agency cannot provide a suitable local candidate can the employer apply for a foreigner’s work-right.
Note: Exemptions apply to "International Companies," innovative startups, and specific high-salary positions requiring higher education.
Note: Exemptions apply to "International Companies," innovative startups, and specific high-salary positions requiring higher education.
No. The work-right is issued for a specific position with a specific employer. It cannot be transferred. If the employment contract ends early, the employer must notify the Agency within 5 calendar days, and the work-right will be terminated.
Yes. According to Annex 3, some professions have a "0" quota, meaning no new work-rights will be issued for those roles. These include:
- Courier services
- Passenger transport
- Tourist guides
The work-right is only the first step.
- If you are outside Georgia: You must apply for a D1 Immigration Visa within 30 days.
- If you are already in Georgia: You must apply for a work residence permit within 10 days of receiving the work-right.
Initial work-rights (except for the IT sector) are valid for 6 to 12 months. For the first five years, they can be renewed annually. After five years of continuous legal work, renewals may be granted for 1 to 5 years. For the IT sector, both initial rights and renewals can last up to 3 years.
If the Agency refuses your application, you may appeal the decision in court within one month. However, filing an appeal does not grant you the right to work in the interim, nor does it delay any ongoing deportation proceedings. You may reapply for a work-right no sooner than one month after the refusal.
The State Employment Promotion Agency conducts monitoring. If they find you are working in a different sector than what was authorized, or if you have left the country for more than 6 months (as a self-employed person), your right can be terminated. Violations are reported to the Labour Inspectorate for potential penalties.