Foreign Nationals Prohibited from Working as Couriers and Taxi Drivers in Georgia - Government Establishes Zero Quota

Overview of the New Regulatory Framework

The Government of Georgia has introduced substantial amendments to the legal framework governing the employment of foreign nationals within its jurisdiction. Pursuant to a recently enacted governmental decree regulating the issuance of work authorization to labor immigrants and self-employed foreign citizens, specific sectors have now been subjected to a zero-quota regime.

This regulatory measure effectively prohibits foreign nationals who do not hold permanent residence status in Georgia from engaging in certain categories of economic activity.

Mandatory Work Authorization Requirement

Under the new regulatory scheme, any foreign national lacking permanent residency who intends to carry out professional or entrepreneurial activity in Georgia is required to obtain a formal Work Authorization Permit.

The authority responsible for reviewing and issuing such permits is the State Employment Promotion Agency.

However, the Government has simultaneously implemented a quota allocation mechanism across designated occupational sectors. Where the quota is set at zero, the competent administrative authority is legally bound to refuse the issuance of work authorization.

Professions Subject to Zero Quota

According to the annex accompanying the governmental decree, the following sectors are subject to a zero quota allocation:

• Courier services

• Passenger transportation services (including taxi operations and similar transport activities)

• Tour guide services

A zero quota signifies that no work authorization permits may be granted in these occupational categories to foreign nationals without permanent residence status.

In practical legal terms, this constitutes a complete administrative prohibition of employment within the aforementioned sectors for the affected category of foreign citizens.

Legal Consequences of the Zero-Quota Mechanism

The governing regulation expressly stipulates that the Agency shall deny an application where the relevant occupational category falls within a quota-restricted list and the allocated limit has been exhausted or established as zero.

Given that the quota for couriers, taxi drivers, and tour guides has been fixed at zero, the issuance of work authorization in these fields is legally impossible.

Only foreign nationals holding permanent residence status may continue to lawfully engage in such activities.

Exception for Highly Qualified Specialists

The regulatory framework provides a narrowly tailored exemption for highly qualified professionals. Specifically, simplified access to work authorization may be available where:

• The gross monthly remuneration exceeds GEL 15,000; and

• The position requires higher education qualifications.

However, due to the intrinsic nature and remuneration structure of courier, taxi driving, and tour guiding services, these occupations do not realistically fall within the scope of the highly qualified specialist exemption.

Accordingly, no alternative lawful pathway remains available for foreign nationals seeking employment in these sectors.

Transitional Provisions

Recognizing that certain foreign nationals are currently engaged in the affected professions, the Government has introduced transitional measures:

• Self-employed individuals (couriers and drivers): Enforcement mechanisms shall become applicable as of May 1, 2026.

• Registered labor immigrants already listed in the official database: A compliance period has been granted until January 1, 2027, for the regularization of their legal status.

Following the expiration of these transitional deadlines, non-compliance may trigger administrative sanctions under applicable legislation.

Quotas in Other Sectors and Applicable Fees

While certain sectors have been closed under the zero-quota model, others remain subject to limited quota allocations. For example, mountain guides are subject to a capped allocation of 200 permits.

In such cases, the issuance of work authorization is subject to administrative fees:

• Standard review (30 calendar days): GEL 200

• Expedited review (10 working days): GEL 400

Exemptions from Vacancy Publication Requirements

The decree further exempts certain categories of employers from the obligation to publicly advertise vacancies prior to employing foreign nationals. These exemptions apply to:

• International companies and innovative startups;

• International experts engaged in the field of education;

• Highly remunerated positions (exceeding GEL 15,000 gross) requiring higher academic qualifications.