As of March 1, 2026, foreigners intending to work in Georgia will be required to follow new employment regulations. The most significant change is the introduction of the “Right to Work” permit. Without this permit, foreigners will not be allowed to work legally in Georgia, even if they have a valid employment contract.
What You Need to Legally Work in Georgia
To work legally, foreign employees will now need:
- A valid employment contract with a registered Georgian employer;
- A Right to Work permit;
- A valid residence permit or a D1 visa.
Employers must ensure all three requirements are met. If any are missing, both the employer and the employee can face significant fines.
Fines and Penalties
The penalties are strict:
- 2,000 GEL per violation;
- Repeated violations can result in doubled or even tripled fines;
- This applies equally to self-employed foreigners operating without the permit.
These measures are designed to enforce legal compliance and protect Georgia’s labor market.
How Work Permits Are Processed
The Work permit applications are processed within 30 calendar days. A permit can be denied if:
- The application is incomplete or lacks required documentation;
- Deadlines for submitting renewals are missed;
- The foreign employee’s profession or qualifications do not match market needs;
- The position is sufficiently covered by local labor.
For those who registered as individual entrepreneurs before March 1, 2026
Must, by January 1, 2027:
- Apply for a work permit at the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia. (Application reviewed within 30 calendar days.)
- Obtain a labor or IT residence permit within 10 calendar days after receiving the work permit.
Why This Matters
These changes aim to:
- Ensure foreign employment is regulated and transparent.
- Prevent illegal employment and fines;
- Ensures clear guidance for both employers and foreign employees.
In summary
The new regulations represent a significant step toward protecting Georgia’s labor market while providing clear rules for foreign employees and employers. Compliance with the Right to Work permit requirement is essential to avoid fines, ensure legal employment, and maintain transparency in the workforce. Both employers and foreigners are encouraged to take action early to meet all requirements and stay fully compliant
If you’re living, working, or planning to invest here, it’s a good time to reach out to us. We will help you to stay compliant and legally protected.
