Changes to Georgia’s labor migration law (2026): who no longer needs a work permit

In April 2026, Georgia fast‐tracked the adoption of significant amendments to its laws on labor migration and the legal status of foreigners. These changes directly affect expats, freelancers, sole proprietors, and company employees.

Let’s break it down in simple terms:

• what exactly has changed in the law;
• who no longer needs to apply for a work permit (WP);
• what the nuances and risks are;
• and how this affects your situation.

What exactly has changed in the law

The amendments affected two key laws:

1. The Law “On Labor Migration”
2. The Law “On the Legal Status of Foreigners”

The changes took effect on April 15, 2026, immediately upon publication.

1. The list of exceptions (when a work permit is NOT required) has been expanded

The law now does not apply to a number of categories of foreigners.

Cases where it is possible to work without a work permit have been added and clarified.

2. The concept of short‐term professional activity has been introduced

A new provision has been introduced:

A foreign national may perform short‐term work in Georgia:

• without a work permit,
• without a residence permit.

However:

• these are temporary projects,
• the government will determine the list of such jobs.

3. The definition of a “self‐employed foreigner” has been changed

Now:

• a self‐employed person is someone who derives income from their activities;
• however, company directors and partners are excluded from this definition.

This is important for business structure and residence permits.

4. A new C5 visa has been introduced

A new visa category has been introduced:

• short‐term,
• multiple‐entry,
• for work on behalf of a foreign client.

It also applies to:

• spouses,
• children.

5. The government has been given more authority

Now, many details will be determined by government regulations rather than by the law itself.

This means: the rules may change quickly.

Who is now exempt from the work permit (with examples)

Here’s the most important part — the practical application.

1. Sole proprietors working for foreign clients

Do NOT need the WP.

Example:

• A designer from Belgium lives in Batumi,
• works for clients from the EU,
• and receives payments from abroad.

That’s it — no WP is required.

An important distinction

If the same person works for a Georgian company, a WP is required.

2. Remote employees (not based in Georgia)

A WP is NOT required if:

• the work is not related to the Georgian market,
• physical presence is not required.

Example:

• a developer is employed by a foreign company,
• lives in Georgia,
• works remotely,

A WP is not required.

3. Work on behalf of a non‐resident

A WP is NOT required if:

• the services are provided to a non‐resident,
• the activities are related to business outside Georgia.

Example: a marketer handles advertising for a company in Dubai → no WP required.

4. Directors and senior management

The following are EXEMPT from the WP:

• directors,
• members of the supervisory board,
• the audit committee.

(for companies in 1—3 categories).

5. Special residence permit

No WP required: if the residence permit was issued at the government’s initiative.

6. Short‐term projects

No WP required: if the work is temporary and specific to a particular project.

Example: Arrived for 2 weeks to install equipment → no WP required (if criteria are met).

7. Government Work

No WP required: if the work is in the interest of government agencies or state‐owned companies.

Who still needs a WP

It’s important not to fall into the trap.

You need a WP if:

• you work for a Georgian client,
• you run a business focused on Georgia,
• you provide services within the country.

Example: A digital marketer runs ads for a Georgian restaurant → A WP is required.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions

What this means in practice

In effect, Georgia has:

• legalized remote work;
• made life easier for freelancers;
• divided the market into:
  • the external market → unregulated,
  • the domestic market → regulated.

What to do now

In short:

1. Determine:
   • who your customers are,
   • where your business is located.
2. Check: whether you qualify for any exemptions.
3. If in doubt, it’s best to seek advice.

Help from ESPERO

The situation has become simpler, but some new details have emerged.

We can help you:

• determine whether you need a WP;
• prepare the necessary documents (if needed);
• choose the optimal business structure;
• prepare for inspections.

✅ Free initial consultation.

✅ We’ve been in business since 2019.

✅ Offices in Batumi and Tbilisi.

Contact us — we’ll assess your situation and advise you on how to operate legally and without risk.