The central development of this reform is the introduction of a mandatory work permit in Georgia, which is now required for all foreign individuals engaged in professional or entrepreneurial activity. Importantly, this requirement applies regardless of whether the activity is carried out physically within Georgia or remotely from abroad.

In 2026, Georgia finalized a significant phase of legislative reform aimed at regulating the labour and entrepreneurial activities of foreign nationals. While the country continues to maintain its position as one of the most business-friendly and service-oriented jurisdictions, the legal framework governing foreign participation in the economy has become notably more structured, transparent, and formalised.

Understanding how to obtain a work permit in Georgia has therefore become an essential element of legal compliance for foreign entrepreneurs, remote professionals, and employees working with Georgian entities.

This article provides a clear and systematic overview of the current regulatory framework, outlining the key requirements, procedural steps, and practical considerations involved in obtaining a work permit in Georgia, while helping you navigate the new rules with confidence and clarity.

Legislative Development of the Work Permit System in Georgia

The regulation of foreign labour and entrepreneurial activity in Georgia has evolved progressively within a structured legislative framework. In 2023, the government introduced the initial regulatory foundation to monitor and formalize the economic activity of foreign nationals. Further amendments in 2025 refined administrative procedures and strengthened institutional coordination.

The final phase of the reform entered into force on March 1, 2026, establishing the mandatory requirement to obtain a work permit in Georgia. As a result, the work permit in Georgia has transitioned from a procedural formality into a key element of legal compliance.

This reform is aimed not at restricting foreign participation, but at creating a transparent, predictable, and structured regulatory environment, reinforcing Georgia’s position as an attractive jurisdiction for international business.

Stability of Preferential Regimes in the Context of Work Permit Reform

A key concern for foreign entrepreneurs is whether the introduction of the work permit in Georgia has impacted the tax system in Georgia. The answer remains clear: the existing tax framework has not been altered. All current tax regimes continue to operate unchanged, ensuring a high degree of stability and predictability for business activities. Individual entrepreneurs may still benefit from the Small Business regime in Georgia, which envisages taxation at a flat rate of 1% on annual turnover up to 500,000 GEL.

At the corporate level, Georgia maintains the Estonian tax model, under which tax liability arises only upon profit distribution, allowing for efficient capital management. In addition, all preferential tax regimes in Georgia, including those applicable to the IT sector and small enterprises, remain fully in force.

Who Is Required to Obtain a Work Permit in Georgia?

As of March 1, 2026, obtaining a work permit in Georgia has become a mandatory requirement for foreign nationals engaged in economic or professional activity connected to the country.

This requirement applies to individuals registered as individual entrepreneurs, foreign nationals employed by Georgian companies, including those holding managerial or directorial positions, as well as persons receiving income from activities linked to Georgia, even where such activities are performed remotely.

It is important to emphasize that neither the presence of Georgian clients nor the physical location of the individual constitutes a decisive factor. The obligation to obtain a work permit in Georgia is determined by the nature and economic substance of the activity rather than geographic presence.

Procedure for Obtaining a Work Permit in Georgia for Self-Employed Persons

Under Georgian legislation, individual entrepreneurs are classified as self-employed persons, and this category may also include foreign nationals involved in the operational management of a company, including directors. Such individuals are required to obtain a work permit in Georgia.

The application for a work permit in Georgia is submitted independently through the official electronic system: labourmigration.moh.gov.ge. 

The procedure consists of two stages. At the initial stage, the applicant registers in the system, completes the electronic application, and submits supporting documentation confirming the economic activity. For active businesses, this typically includes information on annual turnover and business operations; for newly established activities, a structured business plan outlining the model, target markets, and revenue sources is required.

Following a preliminary review, the applicant proceeds to a mandatory video interview with the State Employment Promotion Agency, aimed at verifying the authenticity of the declared activity and assessing its economic substance.

The processing time for a work permit in Georgia is up to 30 calendar days under the standard procedure or up to 10 days under the expedited procedure. The applicable state fee is 200 GEL or 400 GEL, respectively.

Upon obtaining a work permit in Georgia, foreign nationals physically present in the country are required, where applicable, to regularize their legal status within 10 days by applying for a residence permit in Georgia or, alternatively, obtaining a D1 work visa. This requirement does not apply to individuals conducting activities remotely and residing outside Georgia.

Overall, the process of obtaining a work permit in Georgia for self-employed persons is a structured legal mechanism designed to confirm genuine economic activity and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Procedure for Obtaining a Work Permit in Georgia for Company Employees

Where a foreign national is engaged in employment with a Georgian company, the process of obtaining a work permit in Georgia is initiated and administered by the employer.

This procedure is governed by Georgian labour migration legislation and is designed to ensure the priority employment of local workforce while regulating the lawful engagement of foreign specialists.

The process begins with the mandatory publication of a vacancy in the state employment system Worknet for a minimum period of 10 working days. This requirement serves to demonstrate the absence of a suitably qualified Georgian candidate for the position.

In the absence of a local candidate, the employer is entitled to apply for a work permit in Georgia on behalf of the foreign employee. The application must be supported by a comprehensive set of documents, including details of the company, its economic activity, the proposed position, and the qualifications and professional background of the foreign national.

Following submission, the applicable state fee is paid, and the application is transferred for review by the competent authority.

Within this framework, the employer bears full responsibility for the accuracy of the submitted information and for ensuring compliance with all procedural and legal requirements associated with obtaining a work permit in Georgia.

Processing Time, Validity of the Work Permit in Georgia, and Stay Requirements

Georgian legislation establishes two processing options for obtaining a work permit in Georgia: a standard procedure with a review period of up to 30 calendar days and an expedited procedure completed within up to 10 working days.

The validity of a work permit in Georgia is determined by the nature of the declared activity and the supporting justification. Typically, permits are issued for a period ranging from 6 months to 1 year, with the possibility of renewal. The cumulative duration of extensions may reach up to 5 years, provided that the underlying grounds for the permit remain valid. For professionals in the IT sector, more flexible conditions apply, allowing a work permit in Georgia to be granted for up to 3 years.

With respect to stay requirements, foreign nationals who physically conduct activities within Georgia may be subject to an obligation of periodic presence in the country, such as entry at least once every six months. However, such requirements generally do not apply to individuals performing their activities remotely outside Georgia.

Administrative Liability for the Absence of a Work Permit in Georgia

It should be noted that failure to comply with the requirements of legislation on obtaining a work permit in Georgia entails administrative liability. In particular, carrying out labour or entrepreneurial activity without a valid permit may result in fines imposed on both the foreign individual and the employer. The amount of the fine generally starts from 2000 GEL, with increased sanctions in case of repeated violations.

Therefore, obtaining a work permit in Georgia in a timely manner is not only a legal obligation but also an important mechanism for minimizing legal and financial risks.

Practical Considerations for Obtaining a Work Permit in Georgia

Although the procedure for obtaining a work permit in Georgia is formally accessible, its successful outcome depends on the proper structuring of the applicant’s case rather than the mere submission of documents.

In practice, authorities assess not only the completeness of the application but also the consistency, economic substance, and alignment of the declared activity with the actual business model. Deficiencies at the application stage may result in additional requests, procedural delays, or refusal.

While the introduction of the work permit in Georgia has not altered the fundamental business environment, it has increased the level of formalisation, requiring a more structured and strategic approach from foreign applicants.

At the same time, Georgia continues to offer a stable tax system, ease of doing business, and flexibility for remote and international work, preserving its attractiveness as a jurisdiction for global professionals and entrepreneurs.

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