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On March 1, 2026, new labor migration rules came into force in Georgia. Now, most foreigners must obtain the right to work (work permit) or a corresponding residence permit (RP).
The basis for the changes is the Georgian Law “On Labor Migration” and subordinate government acts.
You can apply for a permit through the state portal: https://labourmigration.moh.gov.ge/.
In this article, we will discuss:
- what documents are required for a work permit;
- what deadlines are set by law;
- how to apply;
- how much it costs to apply.
Who needs a work permit in Georgia
The new rules apply to most foreign citizens who:
- work under an employment contract with a Georgian company;
- are self‐employed or sole proprietors (SEs);
- plan to start a business in Georgia.
In effect, this means that it is no longer possible to work in the country without a work permit or residence permit.
Where to apply for a work permit
Applications are submitted via the Ministry of Labor’s electronic system:
Application portal: https://labourmigration.moh.gov.ge/
Through this portal:
- a foreign worker questionnaire is created;
- documents are uploaded;
- a video interview is scheduled (if required).
In the first few days after the system was launched, some countries were not available for selection, but this issue has now been resolved.
Transition period until 2027
If a foreign employee has already worked in Georgia and was registered by their employer on the https://businessstatement.moh.gov.ge/registration portal, a transition period until January 1, 2027, applies, during which a work permit and legal status must be obtained.
Employer’s responsibilities when hiring a foreigner
Before hiring a foreign employee, the employer is required to post the vacancy on the state employment portal https://worknet.moh.gov.ge/
After the vacancy is published:
- The State Employment Agency searches for local candidates.
- If no suitable candidates are found within 10 days, the company may enter into an employment contract with a foreigner.
- After that, an application for a work permit is submitted.
Documents required for a work permit in Georgia
The set of documents depends on the status of the foreigner.
Documents for self‐employed individuals who are already conducting business
Self‐employed foreigners and entrepreneurs already working in Georgia are usually required to provide:
- a scan of their foreign passport;
- details of their current residence permit (if any);
- entrepreneur identification number;
- annual turnover statement from the rs.ge system;
- information about education;
- information about profession and work experience.
Documents for an individual entrepreneur who is just planning to start a business
If an entrepreneur is just starting out, the following will be required:
- a scan of your foreign passport;
- details of your current residence permit (if you have one);
- your individual entrepreneur identification number;
- a business plan (planned investments and expected turnover);
- documents confirming financial status;
- information about education;
- information about profession and work experience.
Documents for an employee of a Georgian company
If a foreign citizen works under an employment contract, the following will be required:
- a scan of a foreign passport;
- details of a valid residence permit (if any);
- employment contract;
- employer details;
- details of the responsible person at the company (director, HR or accountant);
- job description;
- information about education;
- information about profession and work experience.
Is a video interview required?
In some cases, the Ministry of Labor may schedule a video interview.
Basic rules:
- The interview is conducted in Georgian or English.
- An interpreter may be present.
- The purpose of the interview is to confirm the candidate’s qualifications.
In practice, many applications can be considered without a video interview, especially if the applicant has been working in the country for a long time.
Terms and cost of a work permit
The cost depends on the speed of application processing.
- 30 working days — 200 lari;
- 10 working days — 400 lari.
Important deadlines for self‐employed foreigners
Self‐employed foreigners and entrepreneurs must:
- obtain a work permit,
- apply for a residence permit
In short: what you need for a work permit
Most foreigners will need:
- A foreign passport.
- Residence permit details (if applicable).
- Information about education and work experience.
- Documents confirming activity (contract or individual entrepreneur turnover).
- Registration of the application on the https://labourmigration.moh.gov.ge/ portal.
Frequently asked questions
Do foreign sole proprietors need a work permit in Georgia?
Yes. Self‐employed foreigners and entrepreneurs are also required to obtain the right to work.
Can documents be submitted online?
Yes. The application is submitted through the portal: https://labourmigration.moh.gov.ge/
Do foreigners need to obtain a work permit in Georgia from 2026?
Yes. From March 1, 2026, most foreigners are required to obtain a work permit or a corresponding residence permit (RP) to work legally in Georgia.
Do foreign sole proprietors need a work permit in Georgia?
Yes. Self‐employed foreigners and sole proprietors are also required to obtain a work permit, even if they are self‐employed.
Does the director‐founder of a company need a work permit?
Yes. Even if a foreigner is the director and founder of their own company, they are considered to be a person engaged in labor activity and must obtain a work permit.
Does the owner of an individual enterprise without employees need a work permit?
Yes. The law applies to any entrepreneurial activity, so even an individual entrepreneur without employees is required to obtain a work permit.
Do freelancers need a work permit in Georgia?
Yes. If a foreign citizen works as a self‐employed specialist (freelancer) and receives income from activities in Georgia, they must obtain a work permit.
Do foreigners with a residence permit need a work permit?
In most cases, yes. A residence permit does not always automatically entitle the holder to work. Depending on the type of residence permit, a separate permit may be required.
Can I work in Georgia under a visa‐free regime?
No. From March 1, 2026, the visa‐free regime does not grant the right to work. To work legally, you need a work permit and/or a residence permit.
Where do I apply for a work permit?
You can apply through the Ministry of Labor’s website https://labourmigration.moh.gov.ge/
On this site, you can:
- fill out the form,
- upload documents,
- check the status of your application,
- do a video interview.
Does an employer need to publish a job vacancy before hiring a foreigner?
Yes. The employer must post the vacancy on the portal https://worknet.moh.gov.ge/.
If no suitable local candidates are found within 10 days, the company may hire a foreign employee.
What documents are required for a work permit in Georgia?
The following are usually required:
- foreign passport,
- residence permit details (if applicable),
- education information,
- information about your profession and work experience,
- documents confirming your activities (contract or individual entrepreneur turnover).
Entrepreneurs may also need a business plan.
Is a business plan required to obtain a work permit?
Yes, if the entrepreneur is only planning to start a business in Georgia and does not yet have any turnover.
Is it necessary to confirm the income or turnover of an individual entrepreneur?
If the entrepreneur is already working, an extract of the annual turnover from the tax system rs.ge is required.
How much does a work permit in Georgia cost?
The cost depends on the processing time.
- 30 business days — 200 lari;
- 10 business days — 400 lari.
How long does it take to process a work permit application?
There are two standard processing times:
-
10 business days — expedited procedure;
30 business days — standard procedure.
Is an interview required?
Sometimes a video interview is scheduled to confirm the candidate’s qualifications.
However, in practice, many applications are processed without an interview.
What language is the interview conducted in?
The video interview is conducted:
- in Georgian,
- in English.
Can I use an interpreter during the interview?
Yes. The law does not prohibit the presence of an interpreter if the candidate does not speak English or Georgian.
Do IT specialists need a work permit?
Yes. If an IT specialist works in Georgia as an employee of a company or an entrepreneur, they must obtain a work permit.
Do owners of Virtual Zone companies need a work permit?
Yes. Despite the tax benefits of Virtual Zone, foreigners must obtain a separate work permit.
Do companies in the Free Industrial Zone (FIZ) need a work permit?
Yes. Foreign directors and employees of companies in Free Industrial Zones must also obtain a work permit.
Do you need to obtain a work permit for remote work?
If a foreign citizen actually works from Georgia, a work permit or a corresponding residence permit may be required.
By when do you need to obtain a work permit?
For self‐employed foreigners, the deadline is May 1, 2026.
Is there a transition period for foreign workers?
Yes. If the employee was previously registered by the employer on the Ministry of Labor portal, there is a transition period until January 1, 2027.
What are the consequences of working without a permit?
Working without the right to work is considered an administrative offense and may result in fines.
Can I submit documents remotely?
Yes. All applications are submitted online through the https://labourmigration.moh.gov.ge/ system.
Can I submit documents from abroad?
Yes, the system allows you to submit documents remotely, but some procedures may require you to be present in the country.
Can I appeal a refusal to grant a work permit?
Yes. The decision can be appealed through administrative channels or in court.
Can I extend my work permit?
Yes. If you continue working, you can extend your permit by submitting a new application.
Conclusion
Starting in 2026, Georgia will have a comprehensive system for controlling labor migration.
Virtually all foreigners working in the country will need to obtain a work permit and, in most cases, a residence permit.
It is important to prepare your documents in advance, register in the system, and submit your application to avoid fines and problems with your legal status.
Need help obtaining a work permit in Georgia?
ESPERO’s lawyers can help you prepare your documents, submit your application to the system, and accompany you through the process until you receive your permit and residence permit.
Contact us — we will assess your situation and recommend the best solution.