Work permits in Georgia (April—May 2026): What’s really happening and what foreigners need to prepare for

Since the beginning of 2026, Georgia’s immigration policy has changed significantly. The newly introduced work permit mechanism (WP) has become not just a formality, but a key element of the entire system for legalizing the status of foreign nationals.

Let’s take a look at what has changed, how it works in practice, and what businesses and sole proprietors should do right now.

Key takeaway

Georgia is transitioning from a “visa‐free work” model to a “work first, then everything else” model.

This is a systemic change that affects:

• obtaining a residence permit,
• working as a sole proprietor,
• interacting with Georgian clients,
• tax planning.

1. What happened: A brief overview

Starting March 1, 2026:

• A mandatory work permit was introduced;
• Inspections of foreign nationals’ activities began;
• The risk of fines (starting at 2,000 lari) arose;
• Residence permits became contingent on the possession of a WP.

However, a de facto moratorium on fines remained in effect until April 30.

2. How it works in practice (April 2026)

Current practice:

• Work Permits are issued in most cases (up to 99%);
• video interviews are scheduled (simple questions);
• denials are rare (usually due to errors or failure to appear);
• sometimes approval is granted without an interview (rarely).

Important: The system is operational, but it is currently overloaded and unstable.

3. The major change: A WP is now required for a residence permit

Previously: Sole proprietorship + income → Residence permit.

Now: Sole proprietorship + income + WP → Residence permit.

This fundamentally changes the legalization strategy.

Even if:

• clients are not in Georgia,
• income comes from abroad,
• business operations are entirely online.

A WP is still required when applying for a residence permit.

4. A new model is emerging: the “two‐track system”

Track 1 — Working with Georgian clients

If you:

• work with residents of Georgia,
• provide services within the country.

WP is mandatory

The government’s rationale: protecting the local labor market.

Circuit 2 — Export of services / Remote work

If you:

• work for foreign clients,
• receive income from abroad.

Formally, the requirements are less strict, but in reality:

• you need a status (C1 / D1 / residence permit);
• WP becomes part of the system.

The logic: “Work, but be registered and legal.”

5. Why is this happening?

Georgia is moving away from its unique model: “arrive visa‐free → register as a sole proprietor → work → obtain a residence permit.”

And is moving toward standard global practice (as in Estonia, Portugal, and the UAE):

• first, the basis (employment / business / visa);
• then, the right to reside.

6. An important point: changes are being implemented gradually

Despite the strictness of the law:

• the system is overloaded,
• practices are evolving,
• requirements may be relaxed.

This creates a “gray area” where:

• it is possible to act flexibly,
• but it is important not to violate the basic requirements.

7. Risks Effective May 1, 2026

If you do not have a PTD and you:

• work from Georgia,
• receive income after May 1.

you may face a fine of 2,000 lari

Important:

• this is an administrative offense;
• it does not lead to:
  • deportation,
  • closure of your sole proprietorship,
  • freezing of accounts.

8. What to do right now: Practical scenarios

Scenario 1 — Apply for a work permit

This is a good option if:

• you are planning to apply for a residence permit,
• you have stable employment,
• you have a clear source of income.

This is the optimal strategy.

Scenario 2 — Temporarily “freeze” your sole proprietorship

• Obtain inactive status,
• avoid paying taxes,
• minimize risks.

Suitable during a hiatus or period of uncertainty.

Scenario 3 — Operating with “historical income” documentation

• Declare income by May 1;
• Keep:
  • contracts,
  • invoices,
  • correspondence.

A temporary solution.

Scenario 4 — via a D1 visa

• Departure → obtaining a visa → entry;
• then apply for a residence permit.

Suitable for “restarting” your status.

9. Strategic Implications for Business

The WP is becoming just as fundamental as an individual entrepreneur (IE) status or a tax regime.

It can no longer be ignored.

10. What this means for ESPERO clients

We see three key trends:

• growing demand for legalization,
• increasing complexity of cases,
• the need for a comprehensive approach.

How we can help

ESPERO assists with:

• obtaining a temporary residence permit,
• registering as a sole proprietor,
• applying for a residence permit,
• tax planning,
• developing a strategy tailored to your specific situation.

Contact us — we’ll assess your situation and propose the best solution.