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Since 1 March 2026, every foreigner who works or runs their own business in Georgia needs a work permit; a residence permit or visa no longer gives the right to work by itself. This includes employees, the self-employed (including holders of 1% small business status), freelancers and directors of small companies. Investment and permanent residence holders are exempt.
The new law at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | All employed or self-employed foreigners, except investment or permanent residents and certain groups |
| Where to apply | The labour migration system of the Ministry of Health and Labour |
| Fee | GEL 200 (30 days) or GEL 400 (10 working days) |
| Labour market test | The vacancy advertised for at least 10 working days on the state jobs portal |
| Validity | 6 months to 1 year at first; 1-year renewals |
| Fines | GEL 2,000 each for employer and worker; doubled or tripled for repeats |
Work residence
- The work permit takes effect together with a D1 visa or a work residence permit.
- Monthly income of at least 5× the subsistence minimum (about GEL 1,250 to 1,420).
- The employer's or your own company's turnover must be at least GEL 50,000 a year per foreign employee (GEL 35,000 for educational and medical institutions); for a new business, a business plan.
Self-employed people and company owners
- The permit is tied to a specific field of activity, and a video interview is mandatory.
- Self-employed people already active on 1 March 2026 have been subject to enforcement since 1 May 2026.
- Previously registered labour migrants must obtain a permit and matching residence by 1 January 2027.
Exemptions
- Investment and permanent residence holders
- International Company Status (ICS) firms and innovative startups are exempt from the labour market test
- Refugees, diplomats and accredited journalists
The position of remote workers for foreign companies and passive shareholders is not yet clear; consult us before planning.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a work permit to work in my own company in Georgia?
Yes. Since 1 March 2026 running or actively working in your own company also needs a work permit, unless you hold investment or permanent residence.
How much does a Georgian work permit cost?
GEL 200 with 30-day processing, or GEL 400 with 10-working-day processing.
What is the fine for working without a permit?
GEL 2,000 for the employer and GEL 2,000 for the worker; doubled or tripled for repeat violations.
Based on the Law on Labour Migration and Government Resolution No. 70 (February 2026); position as of October 2026.
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