New immigration rules in Georgia effective September 1, 2026: Work permits, residence permits, fines, and feportation

In 2026, Georgia adopted a sweeping reform of its immigration laws. The changes affect virtually all foreigners who live, work, conduct business, study, or plan to obtain a residence permit in Georgia.

The most significant changes relate to labor migration. As of September 1, 2026, simply having a company registration or sole proprietor status no longer means that a foreign national is legally entitled to work in Georgia. In many cases, a separate work permit will be required.

Working without such authorization carries more than just a fine. Such a violation may result in the revocation of a residence permit, a reduction in the authorized length of stay, or even deportation from Georgia.

In July 2026, the government further clarified the rules for issuing work permits and work-based residence permits. The following were introduced:

a regime for short-term professional activities;
quotas for employers;
preferential terms for new companies and sole proprietors;
in-person video interviews for self-employed foreigners;
new requirements when changing positions or fields of activity;
additional methods for verifying revenue to obtain a work residence permit.

We’ll break down who will need a work permit, what exceptions exist, what will change for company directors and sole proprietors, and what risks will arise after September 1, 2026.

❗ This material is based on regulatory acts published as of July 14, 2026. Since certain procedures may be further clarified by government agencies and electronic systems, it is recommended that you verify the current requirements applicable to your specific situation before submitting your documents.

When the immigration changes take effect

The immigration reform will not take effect all at once, but in phases.

Effective June 29, 2026

Certain technical and transitional provisions of the adopted laws have taken effect.

Effective July 1, 2026

The criminal law component of the reform has taken effect, including provisions related to sham marriages.

The changes affect:

The Criminal Code;
The Code of Criminal Procedure;
The Civil Code;
The Penitentiary Code.

Effective August 31, 2026

Certain provisions regarding the administrative liability of educational institutions for violations related to the registration of international students and the disclosure of information to government agencies have taken effect.

Effective September 1, 2026

The main part of the practical immigration changes will take effect:

new rules governing the employment of foreign nationals;
immigration consequences of working without a permit;
changes to the procedures for issuing and terminating residence permits;
new rules for foreign students and trainees;
changes to visa categories;
new rules for appealing immigration decisions;
changes in the area of international protection.

The date of September 1, 2026, is of key importance for foreign workers, entrepreneurs, company directors, independent contractors, and Georgian employers.

What is the right to work?

The right to work is a separate permit issued by the state confirming that a specific foreign national is authorized to perform certain work or engage in business activities in Georgia.

It is important to distinguish between three separate legal grounds:

the right to legally stay in Georgia;
the right to work or engage in business activities;
the right to reside in Georgia based on a residence permit.

For example, a foreign national may:

legally stay in the country under the visa-free regime;
have a registered sole proprietorship;
have a bank account;
pay taxes;

but may not have the right to engage in employment or business activities after the new rules take effect.

Registering a sole proprietorship or LLC does not replace a work permit. Tax status and immigration law regarding employment are governed by different legal relationships.

Who will need a work permit

The new rules apply primarily to foreigners who do not have a permanent residence permit in Georgia and who derive or plan to derive financial benefit from activities related to Georgia.

As a rule, a foreign national will need a work permit if they:

work in Georgia for a local employer;
work remotely for a Georgian employer while in Georgia;
conduct business activities in Georgia;
are registered as a sole proprietor and actually provide services;
engage in trade;
provide paid services;
work as an independent contractor;
receive income from professional activities in Georgia;
participate in the activities of a Georgian company as an executive director or manager;
otherwise participate in activities aimed at obtaining financial gain.

Under the current version of Georgia’s Law “On Labor Migration,” the right to work is tied to a specific employer, and for self-employed foreigners, to a specific profession and field of employment or entrepreneurial activity. Appealing a denial does not grant a foreign national the right to work until the conclusion of the court proceedings and does not automatically suspend procedures related to the obligation to leave Georgia or deportation.

Government Decree No. 321 of July 9, 2026, further clarified that the rules apply not only to traditional employment relationships but also to trade, services, independent contracting, and other activities aimed at generating financial gain. The decree was published on July 10, 2026, and amends the procedure previously approved by Decree No. 70.

Does a foreign sole proprietor need a permit?

In most cases — yes.

The mere fact of registering as a sole proprietor in Georgia does not exempt a foreigner from the requirement to obtain a work permit.

A work permit is required if a foreign sole proprietor:

provides services in person;
sells goods;
works with clients;
fulfills orders;
provides consulting services;
manages operational activities;
earns income from their own professional work;
effectively conducts business from Georgia.

This also applies to entrepreneurs with small business status and a 1% tax rate.

The preferential tax regime determines only the procedure for taxing income. It does not grant a foreigner the right to work or engage in entrepreneurial activities.

Does a director of a Georgian company need authorization?

In this case, it is necessary to assess not only the director’s formal title but also their actual activities.

If a foreign director:

manages the company;
signs contracts;
interacts with clients;
supervises employees;
organizes sales;
provides services on behalf of the company;
receives a salary or other compensation;

their activities may be considered employment or management activities requiring appropriate authorization.

However, an exception is provided for executives and members of the governing bodies of certain large enterprises.

A work permit may not be required for individuals performing executive or managerial functions:

at Category I, II, or III enterprises;
at companies designated as public-interest entities;
on the audit committees of such companies.

To apply this exemption, the enterprise’s category must be verified, specifically with information based on data from the Reportal system.

For a typical small LLC, there is no automatic exemption based solely on the position of director.

Remote work: When a permit is required and when it isn’t

The rules for remote work depend on:

the foreign national’s physical location;
who the client or employer is;
the country in which the work is being performed;
whether this activity is being used to obtain a Georgian residence permit.

The foreign national is in Georgia and works for a Georgian company

In this case, a work permit is generally required, even if the work is performed entirely remotely.

The foreign national is outside Georgia and works remotely for a Georgian employer

Such work is included in the list of exceptions, since the foreign national does not enter Georgia to perform the work.

A foreign national resides in Georgia and provides services to a foreign client

A permit may not be required if all of the following conditions are met:

the client or employer is not a resident of Georgia;
the services are related to the client’s activities outside of Georgia;
the work does not involve activities on the Georgian market.

However, there is a significant restriction: if the foreign national is an entrepreneur and uses this activity as the basis for obtaining a Georgian residence permit, they may need a work permit.

Therefore, one cannot automatically assume that any foreign freelancer or remote worker is exempt from obtaining a permit. The following factors must be analyzed separately:

the location where the work is performed;
tax status;
the contract;
source of income;
sole proprietorship registration;
the basis for the residence permit;
the connection between the activity and the Georgian market.

Who is exempt from obtaining a work permit

The law and government regulations provide for a number of exceptions.

In particular, a work permit is not required for foreign nationals who:

hold a permanent residence permit in Georgia;
hold an investment residence permit;
hold a special residence permit issued at the written request of a member of the government;
have refugee status, humanitarian status, subsidiary protection status, or temporary protection status;
are applicants for international protection in cases provided for by law;
work at diplomatic missions, consular offices, or international organizations;
are accredited journalists for foreign media outlets;
work in accordance with the procedures provided for by an international treaty of Georgia;
engage in short-term professional activities in accordance with the established procedure;
work on behalf of a government agency or a state-owned enterprise;
work entirely remotely for a Georgian employer without entering Georgia for that purpose;
work for or provide services to a non-resident in connection with that non-resident’s activities outside Georgia—subject to restrictions for entrepreneurs applying for a residence permit;
perform management functions at Category I–III enterprises or entities of public interest;
serve on the audit committees of such enterprises;
participate in the conservation, restoration, or rehabilitation of cultural heritage sites;
hold a temporary right of residence under Article 60 of the Georgian Law “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons”;
fall into other categories expressly exempted by law or government decree.

It is advisable to provide documentary evidence of the exemption. During an inspection, it is not sufficient to merely state verbally that the activity falls into an exempt category.

New regime for short-term professional activities

Government Decree No. 321 established a special regime for short-term professional activities.

It allows foreign nationals to perform temporary professional work in Georgia without obtaining a standard work permit.

Maximum duration

Short-term professional activities may be carried out:

for a total of no more than four months within a single calendar year;
for no longer than the foreign national’s authorized period of stay in Georgia.

The four-month period is considered cumulatively. This does not mean that a foreign national can repeatedly use a new four-month period for each project.

Who must register the foreign national

Before the foreign national begins work, the following must register them in the labor migration system:

the local employer;
the client;
the service provider.

Registration is free of charge.

When the short-term regime does not apply

An activity is not recognized as short-term professional activity if:

a registration application has not been filed;
the registration has not been confirmed;
the foreign national is in Georgia illegally;
the work falls under a profession or field for which an annual quota has been established;
the four-month limit has been exceeded;
the work continues after the expiration of the legal period of stay.

In such cases, the activity may be deemed work performed without authorization. Liability may arise for both the foreign national and the employer or service provider.

In which situations can this regime be applied?

This regime may apply, for example, to:

an invited technical specialist;
an installer or engineer;
a foreign consultant;
an artist;
a coach;
a lecturer;
an equipment commissioning specialist;
an expert participating in a short-term project;
a representative of a foreign contractor.

However, the final applicability of this regime depends on the nature of the work and the existence of restrictions or quotas in the relevant field.

Quotas for employers

For companies that plan to hire a significant number of foreign workers, a procedure for obtaining prior approval of an annual quota has been introduced.

A quota is required if an employer plans to hire the following during a calendar year:

more than five foreign workers; or
foreign workers accounting for more than 5% of the total workforce.

An application for quota approval must be submitted at least 10 business days before submitting an application for a work permit for a specific foreign national.

This means that companies must plan the hiring of foreign nationals in advance. It may not be possible to obtain work permits for six or more employees without prior quota approval.

Employer turnover requirement

For each foreign worker, the employer must provide proof of a minimum annual turnover.

The general requirement is:

at least 50,000 lari in turnover per foreign worker;
at least 35,000 lari per foreign worker for educational and medical institutions.

For example, if a typical company plans to hire four foreign workers, it may need to provide proof of a turnover of at least 200,000 lari.

However, the calculation and list of accepted documents must be evaluated taking into account the specific procedures and duration of the company’s operations.

Exemption for new companies

Newly registered businesses are exempt from the turnover requirement.

A turnover certificate is not required if both of the following conditions are met:

the company or sole proprietorship was registered no more than three months ago;
the company employs no more than three foreign nationals.

This exemption allows a new company to begin operations and hire its first foreign employees, even if the company has not yet generated an annual turnover.

However, this exemption does not mean a complete exemption from immigration requirements. A foreign national must meet the remaining conditions for obtaining a work permit and, if necessary, a work-related residence permit.

Change of position and field of activity

A work permit is not issued in the abstract, but rather in relation to a specific employer, position, or field of activity.

A new permit is required in the event of a change in:

the position held;
the field of employment;
the field of business activity.

For example, if a permit was issued to work as an accountant, a transition to the position of sales manager may require a new permit.

For a self-employed foreign national, a transition from IT consulting to retail may also be considered a change in the field of business activity.

However, it is not necessary to obtain a new permit or separately notify the system if only the following change:

job level;
salary;
work schedule.

However, the title of the new position and the actual nature of the duties must be consistent with one another. Formally retaining the old job title while the work has completely changed may be considered a violation of the permit’s terms.

In-person video interview for self-employed foreign nationals

The requirement for self-employed foreign nationals to participate in person in the procedure remains in effect.

A self-employed foreign national must:

submit the documents in person;
confirm the electronic application;
present the original passport;
undergo a video interview with an authorized agency.

Submission solely through a representative is not permitted.

The interview is conducted in:

Georgian; or
English.

An interpreter may be present if necessary.

During the interview, the following may be verified:

the authenticity of the declared business activity;
professional qualifications;
work experience;
proposed services;
business model;
clients;
sources of income;
the applicant’s connection to the specific field of activity;
the authenticity of the submitted documents.

This new requirement makes it risky to formally register as a sole proprietor solely for the purpose of obtaining a residence permit without the foreign national actually participating in the declared activities.

Passport validity requirement

As of the date of application, the foreign national’s passport must be valid for at least six months.

If the passport expires before then, the application for a work permit may be denied regardless of the other documents submitted.

Before beginning the procedure, it is recommended to check the passport’s validity not only on the date the documents are prepared but also on the expected date of application submission.

Processing times and fees for obtaining a work permit

The law stipulates that the maximum government fee for issuing a work permit may not exceed 500 lari.

The published subordinate legislation provides, in particular, for the following fees:

200 lari — processing of the application within a standard period of up to 30 calendar days;
400 lari — expedited processing within up to 10 business days;
200 lari — extension of a work permit within 30 calendar days.

An application for the extension of a work permit must be submitted in advance. For foreign employees and self-employed individuals, the law requires that an application for extension be filed 30 calendar days before the expiration of the current permit.

Grounds for denial

A work permit may be denied if:

the application contains incomplete information;
required documents have not been submitted;
deficiencies have not been corrected within the specified time frame;
the application for renewal was filed after the deadline;
the foreign national’s qualifications do not match the position;
the profession or specialty does not meet the needs of the labor market;
the activity falls under a restricted profession or field;
turnover requirements have not been met;
the required quota has not been approved;
false information has been provided;
the declared activity has not been verified;
the passport does not meet the requirements;
there are other grounds provided for by law.

The law provides for the possibility of appealing the decision in court within one month. However, an appeal does not grant the right to continue or begin work until the dispute is resolved. It also does not automatically extend the foreign national’s lawful stay in Georgia.

Fines for working without a permit

Effective September 1, 2026, working without the required work permit may result in administrative liability.

The fines are as follows:

first violation — 2,000 lari;
repeat violation — 4,000 lari;
third and subsequent violations — 12,000 lari.

Liability may be imposed on:

a foreign worker;
a local employer;
a foreign national registered as a sole proprietor;
a client or service organizer in specified cases.

The fine does not legalize activities that have already been carried out and does not replace the requirement to obtain a permit.

After being held liable, a foreign national must either establish a legal basis for continued employment or cease their activities.

Can working without a permit lead to the revocation of a residence permit?

Yes. It is important to distinguish between:

working without any right to engage in employment at all;
violating the terms of a permit that has already been issued.

A violation of the terms of a permit may include:

working for another employer;
working in a different position;
engaging in activities in a different field;
continuing to work after the permit has expired;
providing false information;
failing to comply with other conditions of the issued permit.

A violation of the conditions of the work permit constitutes grounds for revoking the residence permit.

The decision is made by the Agency for the Development of Public Services based on a request from:

the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia;
an authorized body of the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons, Labor, Health, and Social Protection.

Therefore, even the possession of a valid plastic residence permit card does not guarantee its retention if a foreign worker or entrepreneur violates labor migration regulations.

Can working without a permit lead to deportation?

Yes. Engaging in employment without the appropriate authorization constitutes an independent ground for the deportation of a foreign national from Georgia.

In such cases:

the procedure is initiated by the authorized body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
the decision on deportation is made by a court.

It is important to note that deportation does not occur automatically after every detected violation. However, the law grants government agencies the authority to initiate such a procedure in addition to imposing a fine.

The Law on Labor Migration explicitly states that appealing a denial of a work permit does not prevent the consideration of deportation or the enforcement of the corresponding decision.

Expulsion for illegal stay

A separate situation arises if a foreign national simultaneously:

is in Georgia without legal grounds;
is working without a work permit.

In this case, deportation may be carried out on the general grounds of unlawful stay.

The decision may be made by an authorized body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, rather than a court.

Thus, the risk is particularly high for foreign nationals who have simultaneously violated:

the duration of stay;
the rules for obtaining or renewing a residence permit;
the requirements of labor law.

A work residence permit and the right to work are not the same thing

Obtaining the right to work does not automatically grant a residence permit.

Conversely, holding certain types of temporary residence permits does not always exempt a foreign national from the requirement to obtain the right to work.

To apply for a work residence permit, you must submit a separate application to the Agency for the Development of Public Services and provide documents confirming that you have a valid basis for the permit.

Under current procedures, applications for a residence permit are submitted to the Agency for the Development of Public Services. As a general rule, the application must be submitted no later than 40 calendar days before the expiration of the legal period of stay. Documents in a foreign language must be submitted along with a duly certified translation into Georgian.

Changes to the procedure for obtaining a work residence permit

Government Resolution No. 317 of July 9, 2026, clarified the procedure for confirming the grounds for a work residence permit.

Confirmation of employment for exempt categories

Foreign nationals who are exempt from the general right to engage in employment based on a special category must submit a document confirming that specific activity.

This may apply to foreign nationals who:

engage in short-term professional activities;
work for a government agency;
provide services to a foreign non-resident;
are executives of large enterprises;
participate in the restoration of cultural heritage sites;
hold a special residence permit;
belong to another category specified by the government.

A mere statement claiming an exemption is not sufficient.

Alternative proof of turnover

If it is objectively impossible to submit a standard turnover certificate, other documents that indisputably confirm the required turnover are acceptable:

at least 50,000 lari per foreign national;
at least 35,000 lari for an educational or medical institution.

Depending on the situation, these may include:

tax returns;
bank statements;
financial statements;
contracts and agreements;
an auditor’s report;
other documents that establish actual turnover.

The final decision on the sufficiency of the documents is made by the authorized body.

Work residence permits for new companies and sole proprietors

A special preferential procedure has been introduced for recently registered companies and sole proprietors.

A certificate of business turnover may not be required if all of the following conditions are met:

the company or sole proprietor was registered no more than three months ago;
no more than three foreign nationals are employed by the company;
this is the first time a work residence permit is being issued without a turnover certificate.

In such cases, the work residence permit is issued for only six months.

This allows the director, entrepreneur, or employee of a new company to obtain their first residence permit before the company has generated annual turnover.

However, the six-month period effectively serves as a probationary period. For subsequent renewal, it will be necessary to confirm that:

the company is actually operating;
the declared activities are being carried out;
turnover requirements are being met;
taxes are being paid and reports are being filed;
the right to work remains valid;
there are no immigration violations.

Example: A foreign sole proprietor with small business status

A foreign national registered as a sole proprietor in Georgia, obtained small business status, and provides marketing services to clients.

After September 1, it is necessary to determine:

where the clients are located;
whether the services are related to the Georgian market;
whether the entrepreneur is physically present in Georgia;
whether the business activity is being used to obtain a residence permit;
whether the work falls under the exemption for services provided to non-residents;
whether a work permit is required;
whether the permit corresponds to the actual scope of activity.

The 1% tax rate alone does not exempt the entrepreneur from immigration requirements.

Example: Director of a recently registered LLC

A foreign national has registered a Georgian LLC and has been appointed as its director.

If he actually:

manages the company;
enters into contracts;
provides services;
receives compensation;
conducts operational activities;

he may need a work permit.

If the company has been in existence for less than three months and has no more than three foreign employees, a simplified procedure without proof of revenue can be used.

Provided the requirements are met, the first work residence permit may be issued for six months.

Example: A remote specialist at a foreign company

A foreign national lives in Georgia and works under an employment contract with a European company that does not conduct business in Georgia.

Such activity may potentially qualify for an exemption if:

the employer is a non-resident;
the work is related to the employer’s overseas operations;
the services are not provided to Georgian clients;
the foreign national does not use entrepreneurial activity as the basis for an employment residence permit.

In this context, tax residency, possible registration as a sole proprietor, and the actual terms of the contract must be taken into account.

Example: A foreign specialist arrives for two months

A Georgian company invites an engineer for two months to install equipment.

Instead of a standard permit, the short-term professional activity regime may apply if:

the company registers the engineer before the start of work;
the activity does not fall under a quota-restricted sector;
the total duration of employment does not exceed four months in a calendar year;
the foreign national is legally present in Georgia.

If the company allows the specialist to begin work before registration is confirmed, the preferential regime may not apply.

What documents should be prepared in advance

The exact list depends on the applicant’s category; however, foreign workers, entrepreneurs, and directors should prepare the following in advance:

a valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration;
a document confirming legal residence in Georgia;
an employment contract or a civil law contract;
a job description and list of duties;
documents verifying education and qualifications;
proof of professional experience;
documents regarding the registration of a company or sole proprietorship;
an extract from the Register of Entrepreneurs;
tax returns;
a certificate of turnover;
bank statements;
contracts with clients;
documents regarding actual business activities;
information on the number of employees;
confirmation of the business category, if an exemption applies;
documents confirming eligibility for tax relief;
certified translations of documents into Georgian.

The documents must correspond to the company’s actual operations. Any discrepancy between the contract, registration data, tax reports, and actual operations may result in the denial or subsequent revocation of the permit.

What employers need to do by September 1

Georgian companies that employ foreign nationals are advised to conduct an internal audit.

1. Compile a list of foreign employees

This list should include not only official employees, but also:

directors;
consultants;
contractors;
self-employed professionals;
foreign sole proprietors;
remote workers;
temporarily invited specialists.

2. Determine who needs a permit

For each foreign national, the following must be established:

type of residence permit;
basis for stay;
nature of work;
place of work;
employer or client;
whether an exemption applies;
whether a quota is required.

3. Verify the revenue threshold

The employer must determine in advance whether the revenue meets the requirement:

50,000 lari per foreign national;
35,000 lari for medical and educational institutions.

4. Verify the need for a quota

If the employer plans to hire more than five foreign nationals or if foreign nationals will make up more than 5% of the workforce, the annual quota must be agreed upon in advance.

5. Update contracts and job descriptions

The actual work must correspond to:

the contract;
the specified position;
the declared field;
the terms of the permit.

6. Check the Validity of Passports and Stay Permits

You must ensure that:

your passport is valid for at least six months;
your legal stay does not expire during the procedure;
applications for renewal are submitted well in advance.

What foreign sole proprietors and self-employed individuals need to do

Foreign entrepreneurs are advised to:

determine their actual scope of business;
verify that the economic activity code matches this scope;
distinguish between Georgian and foreign clients;
verify whether the provision of services is related to business activities in Georgia;
determine whether the exemption for working for a non-resident applies;
decide whether a work permit is required;
prepare for a personal video interview;
gather evidence of qualifications and the legitimacy of the business;
verify the basis for a residence permit;
do not confuse tax status with immigration status.

Other immigration changes in 2026

Although labor migration rules are of primary practical importance to businesses, the reform also affects other categories of foreign nationals.

The new D6 visa

The new D6 category remains in immigration law.

It is intended primarily for foreign minors who are students.

A D6 visa may also be issued to:

parents;
legal guardians;
minor siblings of the student.

This allows for a distinction between the immigration grounds for adult students and those for minor students.

Changes to the D3 visa and student residence permit

The D3 category and the student residence permit are now primarily intended for adult foreigners who:

are enrolled in authorized educational institutions in Georgia;
are conducting research;
are participating in educational programs provided for by law.

Foreign students must carefully monitor the maintenance of their status and the transmission of their data by the educational institution to government agencies.

Suspension of student status

For students and professional students whose status has been suspended, the applicable period has been extended from 45 to 90 days.

This provides more time to:

reinstate their status;
change their basis of stay;
process other documents;
depart from Georgia.

However, suspended status should not be considered an indefinite basis for staying in the country.

Residence permit for the spouse of a georgian citizen

A special temporary residence permit is being introduced for the foreign spouse of a Georgian citizen.

It is initially issued for one year.

Subsequently, the residence permit may be renewed for two years at a time, rather than just one year, as provided for in the original draft.

The path to a permanent residence permit through marriage now involves:

obtaining a special temporary residence permit for the spouse;
residing in the country on the basis of that permit;
completing the established five-year period;
subsequently applying for a permanent residence permit in accordance with the law.

The published version of the law does not explicitly mention a 90-day deadline for reviewing the application. The deadline is to be determined by a government resolution.

Liability for a sham marriage

On July 1, 2026, criminal law provisions related to sham marriages went into effect.

A marriage may be deemed a sham if it is entered into without the intention of forming a family, for example, solely for the purpose of:

obtaining a residence permit;
legalizing one’s stay;
obtaining citizenship;
circumventing immigration requirements.

The law provides for exemption from criminal liability if a person:

voluntarily, prior to the start of an investigation;
in writing;
reports the sham marriage to the competent authority;
assists in establishing the facts of the case.

A transitional provision is also in place.

If a person was in a sham marriage before July 1, 2026, criminal liability may not apply provided that the marriage:

is declared invalid; or
is dissolved

before October 1, 2026.

Key risks after September 1, 2026

For a foreign worker or entrepreneur, working without the required permit may result in several consequences at once:

a fine;
termination of the right to work;
denial of a permit renewal;
termination of the residence permit;
reduction of the period of lawful stay;
denial of a new residence permit;
initiation of deportation proceedings;
a ban on future entry in cases provided for by law.

For an employer, the following are possible:

fines;
liability for each foreign national;
problems with quota approvals;
refusal to register new employees;
additional inspections;
difficulties in confirming turnover and the authenticity of business activities.

The main feature of the new system is that tax, labor, and immigration information will be cross-referenced more closely among government agencies.

Frequent questions

Is it possible to work in Georgia after September 1 solely under the visa-free regime?

The visa-free regime grants the right to stay in Georgia, but does not in itself grant the right to engage in employment or business activities.

Does a residence permit exempt the holder from needing a work permit?

Not every residence permit. For example, permanent and investment residence permits are among the exceptions. For holders of other types of residence permits, the specific category and nature of the activity must be verified.

Does the owner of a Georgian LLC need a work permit?

Simply owning shares in a company does not always constitute employment. However, if the owner also manages the company, serves as a director, provides services, or receives compensation for work, a work permit may be required.

Does a foreigner with a Georgian sole proprietorship and small business status need a permit?

Generally speaking, yes, if they are actually conducting business activities in Georgia and do not qualify for a specified exemption.

Does a freelancer working with foreign clients need a permit?

An exception may apply if the services are provided to a non-resident and are related to their activities outside of Georgia. However, having an individual entrepreneur (IE) registration, obtaining a residence permit, and having a connection between the activities and Georgia may change the legal assessment.

Is it possible to start working first and then submit an application?

No. If a permit is required, you may only work after obtaining the appropriate authorization or after proper registration under the short-term professional activity regime.

Can you continue working while appealing a denial?

No. Appealing a denial does not, in and of itself, grant temporary permission to work.

What happens if my salary changes?

If only your salary, job level, or work schedule changes, a new permit is generally not required.

What happens if my job changes?

If your position or field of work changes, you must obtain a new permit.

Can a fine automatically lead to deportation?

Deportation is not an automatic consequence of every fine. However, working without a work permit constitutes an independent ground for initiating deportation proceedings.

Is it possible to obtain a first work residence permit through a new company without proof of revenue?

Yes, provided the conditions for the simplified procedure are met: the company must be no more than three months old, have no more than three foreign employees, and this must be the first time a work residence permit is being issued without proof of revenue. Such a work residence permit is valid for six months.

What the reform means in practice

Before the reform, many foreigners considered registration as a sole proprietor, an employment contract, or a director position to be sufficient proof of the legality of their employment.

After September 1, 2026, this approach will become risky.

Foreign nationals must separately confirm:

the legality of their stay;
the right to engage in a specific activity;
that their actual work corresponds to the issued permit;
the right to obtain or retain a residence permit.

Particular attention should be paid to:

foreign sole proprietors;
directors of small LLCs;
independent contractors;
consultants;
freelancers;
remote employees;
new companies with foreign founders;
employers with multiple foreign employees;
individuals obtaining a residence permit based on entrepreneurial activity.

Conclusion

Starting September 1, 2026, a foreign national working in Georgia without the required work authorization may face more than just an administrative fine.

Consequences may include:

revocation of a residence permit;
reduction of the period of stay;
denial of document renewal;
judicial deportation proceedings;
other immigration restrictions.

At the same time, the new rules also provide for a number of helpful mechanisms:

a regime for short-term professional activities lasting up to four months;
exceptions for certain categories;
a simplified procedure for new companies and sole proprietors;
the option to provide alternative proof of revenue;
obtaining the first six-month work residence permit through a newly registered business.

The main task for foreign nationals and employers before September 1 is to determine whether a permit is required in their specific situation and to bring their documentation into line with their actual activities.

ESPERO’s assistance

ESPERO helps foreign nationals and Georgian companies prepare for the new labor migration regulations.

We can:

determine whether you need a work permit;
check whether an exemption applies;
review contracts with foreign and Georgian clients;
prepare documents for foreign employees or self-employed individuals;
assist with obtaining a work permit;
prepare documents for a work residence permit;
verify that the company meets the revenue requirements;
help a new company take advantage of the preferential six-month residence permit;
assist with the registration of a sole proprietorship or LLC;
assess the immigration risks for a director, employee, or contractor;
prepare the company to hire multiple foreign nationals and secure quota approval.

Don’t put off this review until September. If your documents, contracts, and actual business activities do not comply with the new rules, it will be much more difficult to rectify the situation after an inspection or once a fine has been imposed.

Contact ESPERO to determine in advance the necessary legal basis for working and residing in Georgia and to prepare your documents before the major changes take effect.