Effective March 1, 2026, a mandatory work permit requirement entered into force for labor immigrants and self-employed foreigners in Georgia. In connection with this, the Government of Georgia adopted Resolution No. 70 on February 20, 2026, defining the substantive and procedural preconditions for issuing the work permit.
General Requirements
From March 1, 2026, a foreigner may engage in employment or entrepreneurial activity in Georgia (including provision of services, partnership, independent contracting, or any employment/business relationship aimed at financial benefit) only if they:
- Hold a work permit, AND
- Hold one of the following legal bases for staying in Georgia:
- D1 category visa
- Work residence permit
- Residence permit for persons employed in the IT sector
The work permit is issued for a specific employer and a specific position only. Any change requires obtaining a new work permit. Similarly, for self-employed foreigners, the work permit is issued for a specific field of activity only.
The authorized body for issuing work permit and enforcing this law is the State Employment Support Agency (LEPL).
What Local Employers Need to Know
Local employers intending to hire a foreigner must first obtain a work permit for that foreigner, and then a D1 visa or a residence permit.
Before applying for a work permit, the employer must post the vacant position on the Labor Market Management Information System at www.worknet.moh.gov.ge at least 10 working days in advance.
If the Agency fails to provide suitable local candidates within 10 working days, the employer may proceed with the work permit procedure. If the Agency does offer local candidates but the employer declines them, the employer must justify the refusal within 3 working days, and the Agency will review the justification within another 3 working days. The procedure may continue only after the justification is deemed valid.
The local market test is NOT required for:
- a) Companies with International Company status (Article 23 of the Tax Code) or Innovative Startup status (Article 15¹ of the Law on Innovations);
- b) International experts of the expert corps of the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement;
- c) Cases where the vacancy simultaneously meets all of the following conditions:
- Monthly salary exceeds 15,000 GEL (gross); AND
- The employer requires higher education in a relevant specialty that is objectively necessary for the qualified performance of the job.
After passing the local market test, the employer submits an application for the work permit. Applications are submitted and processed entirely remotely through the Labor Migration Electronic System at www.labourmigration.moh.gov.ge.
- Standard processing time: 30 calendar days — fee: 200 GEL
- Expedited processing: 10 working days — fee: 400 GEL
What Self-Employed Foreigners Need to Know
Self-employed foreigners apply for the work permit electronically through www.labourmigration.moh.gov.ge. During the review, the Agency may request additional information or correction of inaccuracies within 10 calendar days.
The foreigner is required to undergo a video interview with the Agency, at the end of which they confirm their electronic application. The Agency then reviews the application and makes a decision.
Visa and Residence Permit Procedure
After obtaining the work permit, the labor immigrant/self-employed foreigner is obligated to:
- a) If not yet in Georgia: apply to a Georgian embassy or consular office abroad for a D1 immigration visa within 30 calendar days of obtaining the work permit;
- b) If already in Georgia: apply to the Public Service Development Agency (LEPL) for a work residence permit or IT sector residence permit within 10 calendar days of obtaining the work permit.
This obligation does not apply if the person already holds any type of residence permit under Georgian law, or if the work/entrepreneurial activity is carried out entirely remotely and does not require entering Georgian territory.
The work permit itself enters into force upon approval of the corresponding visa or residence permit application.
Substantive Criteria for Issuing the Work Permit
The basis for granting the work permit is the demand on the Georgian labor market and the needs of the local labor market. For self-employed foreigners, the relevant criterion is the field of economic activity.
