Georgia work visa (D1): hiring workers from abroad

Under the Law on Labour Migration, a foreigner may work in Georgia only with a work residence permit, a D1 visa or another residence permit — together with a right to work. A citizen of a visa country cannot start work on a tourist visa or an e-visa.

The local employer applies for the right to work after signing the employment contract; a self-employed foreigner applies directly. The Ministry decides within 30 calendar days of a complete application.

Step by step

1. Your Georgian employer signs an employment contract with you
2. The employer applies to the Ministry of Labour for your right to work
3. The Ministry decides within 30 calendar days of a complete application; the fee is up to GEL 500
4. With the right to work you get a D1 visa at a Georgian embassy or consulate
5. After arriving, for longer work you apply for a work residence permit in Georgia

Entry and documents by country

Each country has its own detailed page. Documents for Georgian authorities need a certified Georgian translation.

Fines

• Employing without a right to work — GEL 2,000 for the employer, per worker
• Working without a right to work — GEL 2,000 for the worker
• Repeated — double the amount
• A worker without a lawful basis risks detention and expulsion