From March 1, 2026, the rules for employing foreigners in Georgia have changed.
If you are living in Georgia and planning to work here – whether as an employee, freelancer, or independent contractor, these changes will directly affect you. It is important to understand what is required and how to act under the new regulations.
In this article, we will briefly and clearly explain the main changes and the key details you should pay attention to.
What was the process before?
Until now, the system in Georgia was quite flexible. Foreign nationals legally staying in the country could carry out paid work without any additional permits – no work authorization and no residence permit specifically for employment were required.
Because of this, Georgia was particularly attractive for:
- freelancers
- IT specialists
- remote workers
- independent contractors
What changes from March 1?
Under the new rules, any foreigner who wants to work in Georgia either for a local employer or independently must have:
- a Work Authorization (issued by the Labour Migration Agency)
- a D1 visa or a work / IT residence permit
This means that employment is now formally regulated, and working without proper authorization is no longer allowed.
Who do these changes apply to?
The new rules apply to the following categories:
- Labour immigrant – a foreigner employed by a local company (on-site or remotely)
- Self-employed foreigner – a person independently carrying out commercial activities (services, trade, contracting, etc.)
- Local employer – a legal entity or individual entrepreneur
- Service provider / contracting party – anyone entering into agreements with a self-employed foreigner
Who is exempt?
The new requirements do not apply to:
- holders of permanent residence or investment residence permits
- refugees and individuals with temporary or humanitarian protection
- asylum seekers
- individuals employed in diplomatic missions, consular offices, or international organizations
- accredited foreign journalists
- individuals covered by international agreements with different regulations
Where and how to obtain the permit?
For employed foreigners:
- The employer publishes a vacancy on worknet.moh.gov.ge
- The agency attempts to find a local candidate within 10 working days
- If no suitable candidate is found, the employer submits an application on labourmigration.moh.gov.ge
- The foreign employee then obtains a D1 visa or a residence permit
For self-employed foreigners:
- Submit an application on labourmigration.moh.gov.ge
- Complete a video interview with the agency
- Obtain a D1 visa or a work residence permit
Required documents
For employees:
- employment contract
- copy of passport
- employer’s confirmed application
For self-employed individuals:
- proof of annual income/turnover
or - business plan + proof of financial resources (for new activities)
Permit validity
| Category | Initial validity | Renewal |
| Standard | 6 months – 1 year | Up to 1 year per renewal (first 5 years) |
| IT sector | 3 years | Up to 3 years per renewal |
To extend the permit, an application must be submitted at least 30 calendar days before expiration.
IT sector – special conditions
Foreigners working in the IT sector may obtain an IT residence permit instead of a standard work permit.
Additionally, companies with international company status or innovative startup status may skip the job vacancy publication stage.
Transition periods
- Labour immigrants registered before March 1 must obtain the required permits by January 1, 2027
- Self-employed foreigners already operating before March 1 must comply by May 1, 2026
What happens in case of non-compliance?
Penalties are strict:
- 2,000 GEL – for working without proper authorization (applies to both the foreigner and the employer)
- 1,000 GEL – for failure to notify authorities about changes or termination of employment
Repeated violations result in increased fines.
Summary
The new legislation significantly changes how foreigners can work in Georgia. While the process used to be simple and less regulated, it is now more structured and controlled.
It is important to understand the requirements in advance and act accordingly to avoid legal issues and financial penalties.
