Important: new version of the Law on Labor Migration
In 2026, legislation regulating Labor Migration changed significantly, coming into force on March 1, 2026, with several clarifications following in March and April.
The law applies to all foreign nationals engaged in labor and entrepreneurial activities in Georgia and for Georgian companies.
The law also comes with conditions and exemptions from the requirement to register.
As of late April 2026, we continue to receive clarifications, though the official transition periods within which individuals are required to register currently stand as follows:
- Companies applying for work permits for their foreign employees have until January 1, 2027, provided they registered these employees in the Ministry of Labor’s special registry by March 1, 2026.
- Individual entrepreneurs (IPs) have until May 1, 2026, to register.
highlights
Who needs a work permit
Step by step
Legalization procedure
1
Obtaining a work permit
Self-employed individual entrepreneurs must apply to the Ministry of Labor for a permit themselves after March 1, 2026. The employer is responsible for obtaining the permit for its employees (see previous step).
2
Preparing documents and creating a business plan
Individual entrepreneurs registering for the first time must provide a business plan for their future activities along with the general list of documents.
3
Video interview
After submitting the documents, you will receive an email with an invitation to a video interview. This interview is conducted online, takes approximately 15 minutes, and can be attended by an interpreter if necessary.
4
Obtaining an entry visa (optional)
Foreign nationals not eligible for visa-free travel to Georgia or who do not have a visa or residence permit from a high-income country must apply for a D1 work visa after obtaining a work permit.
5
Obtaining a residence permit or a C5 visa
According to the law, foreign nationals who are already in Georgia must apply for a residence permit or C5 visa within 10 days of receiving a work permit. Foreign nationals who have obtained the right to work while abroad have 30 days.
Notes
Penalties for violating the law
Employing a worker without the appropriate permit is subject to fines of GEL 2,000 for the company manager and the worker
Companies employing more than one such individual illegally will be subject to a fine for each.
The fine for a self-employed individual working without the necessary permit is likewise GEL 2,000
The fine for a repeat violation is GEL 4,000
The fine for a third violation is GEL 6,000
The fine for obstructing an inspection ranges from GEL 1,000 to 7,000
SERVICE
How the PB Services team can help you
Employers
We can register your foreign employees and obtain the necessary permits for them.
Individual entrepreneurs
We can help you understand what permits you need and what you need to do to get them.
Freelancers
We can register you in Georgia as a sole proprietor with small business status, which comes with a tax rate of 1%.
Investors
We can tell you where to invest USD 300,000 so the new law won’t apply to you — one of the few exemptions from work permit requirements.
Residence permit applicants
We can offer you several ways to legalize your status, including a new type of residence permit for IT specialists.
Not on the list?
We can review your case and help you understand during a free consultation whether the new law applies to you.