Can Foreigners Still Work in Georgia Without a Work Permit in 2026?

 For most foreign nationals, the answer is now no.

Since 1 March 2026, Georgia has operated a formal work-authorisation system. A foreign national without permanent residence who works for a Georgian employer or carries out paid self-employed activity in Georgia will generally need a right to work—commonly referred to as a Georgia work permit.

Most importantly, lawful entry into Georgia, including visa-free entry, does not by itself grant the right to work. Immigration status and work authorisation are separate legal matters under the Law of Georgia on Labour Migration.

Who Needs a Georgia Work Permit?

The new rules generally cover:

• foreign nationals employed and paid by a local Georgian employer; and

• self-employed foreigners carrying out commercial, professional, service or independent-contractor activity in Georgia for financial benefit.

There are statutory exceptions, including certain holders of protected or investment status, qualifying fully remote work that does not require entry into Georgia, work performed for a non-resident in connection with activities outside Georgia, certain managerial roles, and properly registered short-term professional activity.

Because these exceptions are narrowly defined, each case should be checked before work begins.

How Does a Georgian Employer Obtain the Right to Work?

The employee does not normally apply alone. The Georgian employer applies through the special labour-migration system after concluding a written, fixed-term employment agreement containing the mandatory terms required by Georgian law.

As a general rule, the employer must first publish the vacancy on the state Worknet platform for at least 10 business days. If the State Employment Support Agency does not identify a suitable local candidate, the employer may proceed with the foreign employee’s application. Certain employers and highly qualified positions are exempt from this labour-market test.

The right to work is issued for a specific employer and a specific position. Changing the employer or moving to a different professional field normally requires a new authorisation.

Employers must also meet financial criteria. As a general rule, annual turnover must be at least GEL 50,000 for each foreign national for whom authorisation is requested. For educational and medical institutions, the threshold is GEL 35,000 per foreign national. Limited exceptions apply to recently established employers with no more than three foreign employees.

What About Self-Employed Foreigners?

A self-employed foreigner applies personally. Depending on whether the business is already operating or is being established, the application may require corporate or tax documents, evidence of turnover, information about the planned activity and financial resources. A video interview with the Agency is also mandatory.

The authorisation is tied to the approved profession or business field. Registering a company in Georgia or holding shares in a Georgian LLC does not, by itself, authorise a foreign national to perform remunerated managerial, professional or commercial activity.

Processing Time, Government Fees and Validity

The state service fees are:

• GEL 200 for a decision within 30 calendar days; or

• GEL 400 for expedited consideration within 10 business days.

For ordinary employment and self-employment, the first authorisation is generally valid for between six months and one year. Special rules allow authorisation of up to three years for qualifying IT professionals.

An extension application should normally be submitted at least 30 calendar days before expiry.

Applications are submitted through the official Labour Migration Portal. The detailed procedure is established by Government Ordinance No. 70 of 20 February 2026, including the July 2026 amendments.

Is a Work Permit the Same as a Visa or Residence Permit?

No. Obtaining the right to work is only the first stage.

• A foreign national who is outside Georgia must generally apply for a D1 immigration visa within 30 calendar days after receiving the right to work.

• A foreign national who is already lawfully present in Georgia must generally apply for a work residence permit within 10 calendar days.

Different rules may apply if the person already holds another type of Georgian residence permit or falls within a statutory exception. The relevant immigration rules are contained in the Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons.

What Is the Deadline for Foreigners Already Working in Georgia?

Foreign workers who had active registration in the former labour-migration database on 1 March 2026 benefit from a transitional period. They must obtain the new right to work and the appropriate residence status no later than 1 January 2027.

This transition does not create a general grace period for newly hired foreign employees or newly commenced self-employment after 1 March 2026.

What Are the Penalties for Working Without Authorisation?

Unauthorised employment may result in:

• a GEL 2,000 fine for the Georgian employer, for each foreign worker;

• a separate GEL 2,000 fine for the foreign employee; or

• a GEL 2,000 fine for a self-employed foreigner.

Repeated violations carry increased penalties. Employers must also report relevant amendments or early termination of a foreign employee’s agreement through the electronic system within five calendar days. Failure to report may result in an additional fine.

How Metreveli & Partners Can Help

Planning to employ foreign staff, relocate to Georgia or regularise self-employed activity?

Metreveli & Partners, a Tbilisi-based Georgian law firm, provides full legal support with Georgia work permits, D1 immigration visas, work residence permits, compliant employment agreements and employer-side labour-migration procedures.

We also advise foreign founders, investors and professionals on selecting the correct immigration and business structure before activities begin.

Contact our immigration lawyers for a case-specific assessment and end-to-end representation in Georgia.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration and labour-migration requirements may change and should be verified for each individual case.