Work Permit in Georgia from 2026 - New Rules for Foreign Employees and Self-Employed Individ

Advokati | lawyer / ადვოკატი / iuristi / ადვოკატის ნომერი / ადვოკატი / სტატიები / სიახლე

Starting March 1, 2026, new regulations on the employment of foreign nationals in Georgia will come into force. The rules, approved by the Government of Georgia under the Law on Labour Migration, introduce updated procedures for obtaining the right to work in the country.

The changes apply to both Georgian employers and foreign citizens who plan to work or engage in self-employment in Georgia.

Who Will Be Affected?
The new regulation applies to foreign nationals who:

Do not hold permanent residence in Georgia;
Intend to work for a local employer (including remote work);
Plan to be self-employed and generate income in Georgia.

The authority responsible for granting work authorization will be the State Employment Support Agency.

Key Dates

March 1, 2026 – The new regulation enters into force.
May 1, 2026 – Enforcement mechanisms apply to already self-employed foreigners.
January 1, 2027 – Foreign employees with active registration status must obtain work authorization and the relevant residence permit by this date.

Employer’s Obligation: Vacancy Publication Requirement

Before hiring a foreign national, an employer must:

Publish the vacancy on the official portal worknet.moh.gov.ge at least 10 working days in advance;
Allow time for the agency to assess whether a qualified local candidate is available.

If no suitable Georgian candidate is identified within 10 working days, the employer may then apply for a work permit for the foreign candidate.

Exceptions

The vacancy publication requirement does not apply to:

International companies and innovative startups;
International experts in the field of education;
Positions where:
- The gross monthly salary exceeds GEL 15,000; and
- Higher education is required.

Self-Employed Foreigners

Foreign nationals who are self-employed must apply directly to the Agency and undergo a mandatory video interview. Supporting documentation regarding their business activity must be submitted.

Duration of Work Authorization

In general, work authorization is granted for a period between 6 months and 1 year.

Extensions:

During the first 5 years – renewable for up to 1 year at a time;
After 5 years of continuous lawful employment – renewable for 1 to 5 years.

Special Rules for the IT Sector

Foreign nationals employed in the IT sector may receive:

An initial authorization of up to 3 years;
Extensions for periods of up to 3 years at a time.

Government Fees

Standard processing (within 30 calendar days): GEL 200
Accelerated processing (within 10 working days): GEL 400
Extension of work authorization: GEL 200

For employed foreign nationals, the fee is paid by the employer.
For self-employed individuals, the fee is paid by the applicant.

Monitoring and Compliance

The Agency will conduct compliance monitoring. Work authorization may be revoked if:

The foreign national works in a different position than approved;
The individual does not carry out the declared activity;
Visa or residence permit requirements are violated.

Oversight may also involve the Labour Inspection Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Early Termination of Employment

If an employment contract is terminated before its expiration, the employer must notify the Agency within 5 calendar days.

Grounds for termination may include:

Expiration of the employment contract;
Employment in a different position;
Expiration or refusal of visa/residence permit;
Deportation decision;
Absence from Georgia for more than 6 months.

Extension Procedure

A foreign national wishing to extend their work authorization must apply no later than 30 calendar days before the expiration date. Updated documentation must be submitted.

Visa and Residence Permit Requirements

If the foreign national is outside Georgia:

They must apply for a D1 work visa at the relevant Georgian diplomatic mission within 30 calendar days.

If already in Georgia:

They must apply within 10 calendar days to the Public Service Development Agency for a work residence permit (or IT residence permit where applicable).

This obligation does not apply if the individual already holds a relevant residence permit or performs work entirely remotely.

The Agency will issue its decision electronically within 30 calendar days.

Who Is Exempt?

The regulation does not apply to:

Individuals with refugee or humanitarian status;
Asylum seekers;
Diplomats and employees of international organizations;
Accredited foreign journalists;
Holders of investment residence permits.

From 2026, employment of foreign nationals in Georgia will be subject to clearer procedures and stricter compliance mechanisms. Employers and foreign professionals are advised to plan ahead, review eligibility requirements, and ensure timely submission of documentation to avoid legal risks or disruptions in employment.

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