Starting June 1, 2026, Georgia will introduce mandatory certification for tour guides and tour leaders. It will no longer be possible to work in this field without the appropriate documentation—violators will face heavy fines (the amount will be announced later).

What requirements must be met?

To obtain a guide certificate, you must:

• Be a citizen of Georgia or have a residence permit.
• Have a degree in a field recognized in Georgia.
• Complete a first aid course with official certification.
• Register in the state registry as a guide or tour guide.

After submitting the documents, the candidate takes an exam in Georgian or a foreign language, which includes three types of practical tasks:

• a walking tour;
• a museum tour;
• a transport tour.

Those who successfully pass all stages will receive a personalized badge with a photo, QR code, and expiration date.

How will this affect foreign guides and expat businesses?

For expats working in tourism in Georgia, the new regulations mean:

• More bureaucracy and expenses. To continue working, they will have to legalize their status, obtain a residence permit, and undergo certification.
• Reduced competition. Those who do not complete the paperwork will be forced to leave the market. This will open up opportunities for those who are willing to work officially.
• Higher prices for services. Certified guides will be able to position themselves as professionals, which will affect the cost of tours.

Trends that can be observed

• Georgia is gradually tightening requirements for foreigners, including employment (this is in line with the already announced changes in labor legislation from 2026).
• The authorities are seeking to improve the quality of tourist services by introducing mandatory certification and standardization of the guide profession.
• The tourism market is becoming more formalized, which is beneficial for those who work legally.

From 2026, it will be impossible to work as a guide in Georgia without official certification. For expats, this is not only a challenge but also a chance to gain a strong foothold in the legal segment of the market. Those who obtain a residence permit, diploma, and certification in advance will not only be able to keep their business but also increase their income by reducing competition.

Would you like to continue working as a guide in Georgia officially?

ESPERO will help you:

• apply for a residence permit;
• confirm your diploma or obtain the necessary education;
• prepare documents for certification.

Contact us — we will prepare everything for you!