# Work permit in Georgia for foreigners from 2026 Since 1 March 2026, foreigners need a right to work to be employed or run a business in Georgia. Who it applies to, what you need and what the risks are. [Administrative law](https://mmlaw.ge/en/administrative-law-lawyer/) · October 11, 2026 · 5 min read 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 ## Legal basis - [Law on Labour Migration](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/2806732) - [Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/2278806) Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge. This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case. Every case is different — don't rely on general information. Contact a lawyer for advice. [Administrative law lawyer](https://mmlaw.ge/en/administrative-law-lawyer/) ## Frequently asked questions ### Do individual entrepreneurs need it too? Yes. A self-employed foreigner, including an individual entrepreneur, needs the right to labour activity to work in Georgia. ### I have a residence permit — is that enough? Not on its own. You also need the right to labour activity, except in the cases the law exempts. ### Can I apply if I have overstayed? No. You can only apply while you are lawfully in Georgia. ## Related topics - [#For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/) - [#Employment](https://mmlaw.ge/en/employment-lawyer/) - - [Work permit & sole trader · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/work-permit-and-sole-trader/) - - [Buying property · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/buying-property-in-georgia/) - - [Company & business · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/company-registration-in-georgia/) - - [Residence permits · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/residence-permit-in-georgia/) - - [Criminal cases · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/criminal-defense-for-foreigners/) - - [Family cases · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/family-law-for-foreigners/) - - [Residence permits in Georgia: which type do you need?](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/residence-permit-types-georgia/) - - [Refused entry to Georgia: reasons and what to do](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/refused-entry-to-georgia/) Blog ## All articles - [Criminal defense](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/foreigner-arrested-in-georgia/) — Foreigner arrested in Georgia: rights and first steps October 11, 2026 · 5 min read - [Administrative law](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/deportation-from-georgia/) — Deportation from Georgia: grounds, deadlines and appeal October 11, 2026 · 5 min read --- Source: https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/work-permit-georgia/ · MMLAW · +995 551 00 43 00 · info@mmlaw.ge