Starting March 1, 2026, Georgia introduced a new legal framework regulating employment and business activities for foreign nationals. Under the updated Law on Labour Migration, foreigners must now obtain a Right to Labour Activity (Work Permit) before engaging in employment or entrepreneurial activity in the country.

This reform significantly changes how foreigners can work, freelance, or run businesses in Georgia, introducing new procedures, requirements, and government oversight.

Before 2026, many foreigners could work or operate businesses in Georgia with minimal restrictions.

Under the new regulation:

Foreign nationals must now obtain a special labour activity permit before they can legally:

• Work for a Georgian company
  Register as a freelancer

• Operate as an Individual Entrepreneur (IE)

• Conduct self-employment or business activity
  
  

Holding a visa or residence permit alone no longer gives the legal right to work in Georgia.

Foreign nationals must now obtain:

1. Right to Labour Activity Permit

2. D1 Work Visa or Residence Permit

Foreign nationals who were already registered as Individual Entrepreneurs (IE) before March 1, 2026 are granted a transition period.

Key dates:

• March 1, 2026 – Law officially enters into force
  
  

• May 1, 2026 – Transition period ends for existing entrepreneurs
  
  

• January 1, 2027 – Final deadline to obtain both work permit and residence status
  
  

Existing self-employed foreigners can continue their activity during the transition period but must complete the new work permit procedure before the deadline.

Working without a valid permit can result in significant penalties.

Typical fines include:

• 2,000 GEL for the first violation

• Higher fines for repeated violations

• Possible deportation in severe cases
  
  

Both employers and foreign workers may be fined.

The new work permit law affects:

• Freelancers working remotely in Georgia

• Digital nomads registering Individual Entrepreneur status

• Foreign business owners

• Employees of Georgian companies
  
  

Foreign nationals must now properly structure their work and residence status to remain compliant with Georgian law.

Applicants can choose between two processing options.

Processing Time Government Fee

30 calendar days 200 GEL

10 working days 400 GEL

Permit renewal costs 200 GEL.

Work permits are usually issued for 6 months to 1 year.

Important rules include:

• During the first 5 years, permits are issued for up to 1 year at a time.

• After 5 years of continuous permits, extensions may be granted for 1–5 years.
  
  

Some categories, such as IT residence permit holders, may receive longer permits.

After receiving a work permit, the foreign national must obtain appropriate immigration status.

This usually involves:

• Applying for a D1 Work Visa if outside Georgia
  
  

• Applying for a Residence Permit (TRC) if already inside Georgia
  
  

Residence permit applications must typically be submitted within 10 days after permit approval.