Work permit in Georgia for foreigners from 2026

Since 1 March 2026 the rules for foreigners working in Georgia have changed. Visa-free status or a residence permit no longer gives you the right to work on its own — for that you need a "right to labour activity", in practice a work permit.

What the right to work is

Under the Law on Labour Migration, it is issued by the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs. It allows a foreigner to work for a local employer or to carry out work or business activity independently in Georgia.

Who it applies to

• Foreigners employed by a Georgian company or organisation
• Self-employed foreigners — including individual entrepreneurs
• Freelancers who provide services to clients in Georgia

The rule does not apply to foreigners with a permanent residence permit or in certain other cases set by law. Whether you need it if you only work remotely for a foreign company depends on the details — check before you rely on it.

What you need

• The right to labour activity
• A suitable residence permit (for example, a work residence permit) or a D1 visa
• For employees — a written fixed-term employment contract in Georgian and in a language you understand

You can only apply while you are lawfully in Georgia.

If you were already working before 2026

Foreigners registered in the labour-migration database (labourmigration.moh.gov.ge) as of 1 March 2026 get a transitional period under the law. Check whether it applies to you and by when you need to regularise your status.

The risks

Working without the right can lead to fines for both the foreigner and the employer. It can also cause problems when you renew your residence permit or cross the border. If you have also overstayed, a separate fine and entry ban apply.

How we help

• We assess whether you need the right to work in your case
• We prepare the documents and the application
• We help you get the right residence permit
• We appeal a refusal if it has no proper basis

Administrative law lawyer