Video interview when obtaining a work permit in Georgia: what foreign entrepreneurs need to know

With the introduction of new labor migration rules in Georgia, many foreign entrepreneurs and individual entrepreneurs (IE) have encountered a new concept — video interviews when obtaining work permits.

This raises questions and even concerns for many:

• Will everyone have to attend an interview?
• In what language will it be conducted?
• What will they ask?
• Can an interpreter be used?

To understand these issues, we discussed the procedure directly with representatives of the Georgian Ministry of Labor. Below are key explanations that will help you better understand how this mechanism works.

Is it necessary for everyone to undergo a video interview?

Good news for entrepreneurs and self‐employed foreigners: video interviews will not be conducted in all cases.

According to the Ministry of Labor, many applications for work permits will be reviewed and approved without an interview.

This applies in particular to situations where:

• the applicant has been working in Georgia for a long time,
• they have a residence permit,
• they have another legal status,
• their activities and income are clear from previously submitted documents.

In such cases, the authorities may make a decision without an additional interview.

Why are video interviews conducted?

If an interview is scheduled, its purpose is quite simple. Video interviews are necessary so that agency employees can:

• clarify the nature of the applicant’s activities;
• understand what exactly the entrepreneur does;
• make sure that the candidate really has the necessary professional skills.

This is not an exam or a difficult interview. In fact, it is a short conversation that helps the agency better understand the applicant’s activities.

What language is the interview conducted in?

According to the Ministry of Labor, video interviews can be conducted:

• in Georgian,
• in English.

This means that most foreign entrepreneurs will only need to have a basic knowledge of English to pass the interview with ease.

Can I use an interpreter?

Yes, you can. If the applicant does not speak Georgian or English, they can participate in the interview with an interpreter.

The interpreter must have:

• a power of attorney to represent the applicant’s interests,
• the ability to participate in the video interview with them.

This is standard legal practice used in many administrative procedures.

Will entrepreneurs receive work permits?

According to current information from the Ministry of Labor, at this stage, the main goal of the new system is to register and legalize the employment of foreigners, rather than to issue mass refusals.

Therefore, the ministry notes that most applicants who are actually conducting legal activities in Georgia will be able to obtain a work permit.

This applies in particular to entrepreneurs who:

• already work in the country,
• pay taxes,
• conduct transparent activities.

What is important to prepare in advance

If the applicant is still scheduled for a video interview, it is recommended to prepare in advance:

• a brief description of your activities;
• information about clients or projects;
• confirmation of what exactly the entrepreneur does.

This is usually sufficient to pass the interview with ease.

Assistance in obtaining a work permit

The procedure for obtaining a work permit includes several stages:

• preparation of documents;
• completion of the application form;
• submission of the application to the labor migration system;
• support of the application until a decision is made.

ESPERO helps foreign entrepreneurs go through this procedure on a turnkey basis.

We:

• analyze your situation,
• prepare documents,
• submit an application for a work permit,
• accompany you to a possible interview with government agencies.

If you need to obtain a work permit in Georgia quickly and without unnecessary risks, ESPERO specialists will be happy to help.