(GEORGIA) Georgia will require most foreign nationals to hold a work permit to work legally in the country starting March 1, 2026, in the most sweeping change to its Labor Migration rules in years. Parliament adopted amendments to the Law "On Labor Migration" and the Law "On the Legal Status of Foreigners" in June 2025. Officials say the reform aims to curb illegal employment, bring jobs into the formal economy, and match foreign hiring with the country’s needs. A transition window runs until January 1, 2027 for those already registered as of the start date.

Under the new system, the requirement will cover foreign employees of Georgian companies, self-employed foreigners and individual entrepreneurs, remote employees working for Georgian startups, and foreigners engaged in business activity in Georgia. Exemptions include refugees and asylum seekers, employees of diplomatic missions, accredited foreign journalists, and holders of investment residence permits. The government has signaled it will clarify whether digital nomads and remote workers for non-Georgian employers fall under the exemption list before the start date.

The work permit becomes the legal basis for a D1 work visa or a labor residence permit. Authorities also plan a new three-year residence permit for IT workers. Foreigners who live in Georgia for another reason—such as investment or family—may not need a labor residence permit, but they will still need proper work authorization if they plan to work or run a business.

Registration in an electronic labor migration system will be mandatory. Employers must register foreign staff, track permit validity, and follow all rules. Self-employed foreigners will need to register and apply on their own. Government agencies will step up monitoring and can sanction both sides for non-compliance.

VisaVerge.com reports that while only about 42,000 foreign workers are officially registered today, estimates suggest the actual number of foreign labor migrants may be as high as 200,000. Policymakers argue that a permit-based system will help protect local workers, raise standards, and improve data, while critics in the business community worry about added cost and red tape if procedures are not clear and timely.

Policy changes — quick facts

• Effective date: March 1, 2026
• Transition period: Until January 1, 2027 for foreigners already registered in the labor migration system as of March 1, 2026
• Who needs a permit:
  • Employees of Georgian companies
  • Self-employed foreigners and individual entrepreneurs
  • Remote employees of Georgian startups
  • Foreigners conducting business activity in Georgia
• Exemptions:
  • Refugees and asylum seekers
  • Employees of diplomatic missions
  • Accredited foreign journalists
  • Holders of investment residence permits
  • Digital nomads and remote workers for foreign companies: decision pending
• Permit links to status: Basis for D1 work visa or labor residence permit; new three-year IT residence track planned
• Employer duties: Register foreign employees in the electronic system and ensure compliance
• Fines and penalties:
  • 2,000 GEL per foreign worker without a valid permit (applies to both employer and worker)
  • 2,000 GEL for self-employed work without a permit
  • Repeat violations double the fine
  • Unauthorized work or business may lead to deportation

Impact on applicants and employers

For foreign workers planning to stay beyond March 1, 2026, the change means you will likely need a work permit, even if you entered visa-free and even if you already hold a different type of residence. Those already registered in the labor migration system when the law takes effect will have until January 1, 2027 to switch to the new permit and, if needed, obtain a matching residence permit.

For employers, the reform introduces a clear gatekeeper role. Hiring a foreign national will now trigger a checklist:

1. Register the worker in the electronic system.
2. Confirm the role and the worker’s qualifications.
3. Keep permit records up to date and monitor validity.

Large companies may need to build internal compliance processes. Small firms and startups should designate a staff member to handle applications and deadlines.

Common scenarios

• A software engineer from abroad hired by a Tbilisi startup after March 2026 will need a work permit before starting. The permit can support a D1 work visa for entry if needed, or a labor residence permit for those already in-country. If eligible, the new three-year IT residence option could apply once rules are published.

• A self-employed consultant who bills Georgian clients must obtain a work permit. Failing to do so risks a 2,000 GEL fine and, on repeat, a doubled penalty and possible removal.

• An investor with an investment residence permit can live in Georgia but must still follow work authorization rules to take on paid work or run day-to-day operations.

Practical steps to take now

• Map your workforce. Employers should list all foreign staff, contractors, and founders. Identify who will fall under the permit requirement on March 1, 2026.
• Check registration status. Those already in the labor migration database by that date will have until January 1, 2027 to switch, but they should start early.
• Gather documents. Expect to show an employment contract, proof of qualifications, and possibly a clean criminal record and medical insurance, based on standard regional practice. Officials will publish exact lists before the start date.
• Build timelines. Plan onboarding to allow permit approval before a new hire’s first day after March 2026.
• Budget for compliance. Factor in government fees (to be announced), translation, and legal support if needed.

Pending guidance and official resources

Key pieces are still being finalized. The government has said it will publish:

• Detailed application steps in the electronic labor migration system
• Required documents for each category
• Criteria for permit approval and grounds for refusal
• Final exemption list, including the status of digital nomads and remote workers for non-Georgian employers
• Instructions for employers and for self-employed applicants

The Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs will run an awareness campaign before the start date. For official updates, visit the Ministry’s website: https://www.moh.gov.ge. Authorities also plan to release access details for the electronic system ahead of March 1, 2026.

Important: As the deadline approaches, foreign workers and companies should track changes closely and consider early consultations with Georgian migration lawyers. While the aim is better control and fairness in the labor market, the risk of fines, double penalties for repeat cases, and deportation is real if people ignore the new rules.

The government’s case is straightforward: the current registration-only model left large gaps. A permit-based approach, paired with stronger monitoring, is meant to bring order and set clear expectations for everyone. Whether this balance holds will depend on how user-friendly the process is, how exemptions are drawn, and how quickly agencies respond once applications surge after March 1, 2026.