Georgia: Work Permit System Forthcoming
August 12, 2025
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At a Glance
- Effective March 1, 2026, most foreign workers will need a work permit to work in Georgia. Currently, Georgia does not have a formal work permit or work authorization system.
- As part of a transition period, foreign nationals already working in the country prior to March 1, 2026, will be required to obtain a work permit by January 1, 2027.
- With limited exceptions, this new requirement will apply to foreign workers in Georgia, as well as self-employed foreign nationals. Permanent residence holders will not be subject to this new work permit requirement.
The situation
Effective March 1, 2026, most foreign workers will need a work permit to work in Georgia.
A closer look
- Current system. Georgia does not have a formal work permit or work authorization system, with foreign nationals legally residing in the country (whether under a visa or residence permit, or via visa-exempt status) generally being eligible to engage in work.
- Scope of new laws. The new work permit requirement will apply to foreign workers and self-employed foreign nationals. Employers of foreign nationals will need to submit work permit applications on behalf of their employees.
- Exceptions. Permanent residence holders will not be subject to this work permit requirement. Other exemptions include working refugees, asylum seekers, and holders of valid investment residence permits, among others.
- Transition period. As part of a transition period, foreign nationals already working in the country prior to March 1, 2026, will be required to obtain a work permit by January 1, 2027.
- Processing times. The standard government processing time for a work permit will be up to 30 calendar days.
- Fines. The government will impose fines for foreign nationals working without a work permit (to be applied against the foreign national and their employer), as well as for other related violations. Repeat offences will be subject to a fine of double or even triple the standard amount.
Impact
As businesses will now need to account for an entirely new application process (in addition to the current requirements regarding long-term visa or residency applications), these reforms will increase the monetary and administrative cost for Georgia-based employers seeking to hire foreign workers.
Additionally, employers may also need to revise their onboarding schedule for foreign workers, including accounting for the increased risk of application rejections.
Background
The government has framed these laws as being part of efforts to better monitor and control foreign national participation in the local labor market, including amid a context of foreign nationals working without permits (often entering as tourists). Relatedly, these laws also seek to protect the local workforce.
Looking ahead
Further regulations will be announced in the future, clarifying substantive details regarding implementation, including eligibility requirements, among other factors.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
