Changes for Foreign Nationals Seeking Employment in Georgia

The Law of Georgia “On Labour Migration” regulates the employment of foreign nationals who do not hold a permanent residence permit in Georgia, as well as the performance of labour activities in Georgia for remuneration or other financial benefits. Due to changes in the labour market and technological progress, it became necessary to amend the law and adapt it to updated circumstances. The following amendments concern the procedures of registration of a labour rights seeker, acquisition of the right to work, and termination of such right. This article reviews these changes.

Acquisition of the Right to Work

Under the previous version of the law, in order to engage in labour relations in Georgia, it was sufficient to register with the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, together with a labour contract concluded with a local employer and other personal data.

As a result of the amendments, which will enter into force on 1 March 2026, additional requirements will apply both to employed and self-employed persons (individual entrepreneurs). Furthermore, the labour contract must comply with Georgian legislation and the requirements of Article 13(2) of the same law. In addition, it is mandatory that the foreign national resides in Georgia on the basis of a residence permit or a D1 category visa.

The application for the right to work shall be submitted to the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia by:
a) A self-employed foreign national, who shall provide the documentation required under Georgian legislation;
b) A local employer, after signing a labour contract, who shall likewise provide the documentation required under Georgian legislation.

The overall period for consideration of the application for the issuance of the right to work shall not exceed 30 calendar days.

The registration of the contract, as well as any changes made to the labour contract, must be reflected on the Labour Migration Portal (https://labourmigration.moh.gov.ge/).

Grounds for Refusal of the Right to Work

The updated version provides an exhaustive (numerus clausus) list of grounds for refusal of the right to work. The list includes only one provision that is relatively subjective and gives the decision-making authority discretion in making its determination.

A foreign national may be refused the right to work if his/her profession/qualification and position do not correspond to the requirements and needs of the Georgian labour market, or if the profession is included in the restricted list established under subparagraph “e1” of Article 5 of this Law.

This provision is particularly significant as the authority itself will decide whether the profession or entrepreneurial field chosen by the applicant corresponds to the needs of the Georgian labour market.

New Developments for Persons Employed in the IT Sector

It is also necessary to highlight the innovation concerning individuals engaged in entrepreneurial activity in the field of information technologies (IT).

According to the amendments to the Law of Georgia “On Aliens and Stateless Persons”, effective from 1 September 2025, a substantively new but technically similar institution to a work residence permit will be introduced: a Temporary Residence Permit for Persons Employed in the Field of Information Technologies (IT).

This permit will be issued by the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia to:

  • A labour migrant employed in the IT sector who is registered with the Ministry, and his/her family members;
  • A foreign national registered in Georgia as an individual entrepreneur with the status of a small business, engaged in activities in the IT sector as defined by the Government of Georgia, and his/her family members;
  • The management and authorized representatives of an international company operating in the IT sector, and their family members.

The authorized representative of an international IT company must submit documentation confirming his/her authority.

A foreign labour migrant registered with the Ministry, or an individual entrepreneur registered in Georgia with small business status and engaged in IT sector activities as defined by the Government of Georgia, shall submit to the Agency:

  • Documentation confirming at least 2 years of experience in carrying out labour or economic activities in the IT sector; and
  • A certificate proving that the annual remuneration received from IT sector activities amounts to not less than the equivalent of  25,000 USD  in Georgian Lari.

The procedure for submitting the required documents and the list of additional documents shall be determined by a resolution of the Government of Georgia.

Sanctions

Carrying out activities in violation of the above-mentioned procedures will result in a fine of GEL 2,000 imposed both on the employer and on the employee/self-employed person. In the case of repeated violations, the sanction will be doubled. The fines will further increase depending on the severity of the violation.

Conclusion

Obtaining the right to work and residence in Georgia may be linked to legally complex procedures, the proper implementation of which substantially affects the legal status of a company or an individual. Legal status, in turn, defines the rights and obligations of a person, which may either become a burden or, conversely, an opportunity. Taking strategically sound steps at an early stage minimizes the risks of conflicting with the law. Immigration policy, particularly in Georgia, is a constantly evolving and dynamic process, the foresight of which requires both experience and legal expertise.

For further questions, the qualified lawyers of Nomos Georgia are ready to provide you with legal advice tailored to your specific interests. Please contact us.

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Lika Tsintsabadze

Founder of NOMOS Law Firm/Business Lawyer/Attorney at law lika@nomosgeorgia.com