Starting 2026, Work Permit Becomes Mandatory: Labor Migrants and Foreign Individual Entrepreneurs in Georgia
On June 26, 2025, the Georgian government passed a legislative package introducing significant changes to the legal status and requirements for labor migrants and foreign individual entrepreneurs in Georgia. These changes will take effect from March 1, 2026, with some provisions applicable from September 1, 2025. This article outlines the key reforms relevant to LTA's clients operating in Georgia.
Key Legislative Updates:
- Expansion of the Labor Migration Law to Cover Individual Entrepreneurs
- Broadened Definition of Labor Migrants
- Work Permit Requirement Replaces Immigration Registration
- Residence Permit Becomes Mandatory for Employees and Business Activity
- Procedures for Obtaining a Work Permit
- Obligations Following Grant of Work Authorization
- Sanctions for Non-Compliance
- Changes to Residence Permit Regulations in Georgia
Labor Migration Law Now Covers Individual Entrepreneurs
The law now includes and covers the definition of a "self-employed foreigner": a non-resident without permanent residency who engages in labor activities in Georgia, such as trade, services, or other business activities aimed at financial gain—either independently, through partnerships, or as a contractor.
Expanded Definition of Labor Migrant
The definition of a labor migrant now additionally includes foreigners working remotely for Georgian employers, as well as self-employed individuals who operate in Georgia.
Work Authorization Replaces Immigration Registration
Labor migrant registration is replaced with a specific work authorization / work permit. This authorization allows foreign nationals to engage in labor or entrepreneurial activities either independently or under a Georgian employer—locally or remotely.
Residence Permit Becomes a Mandatory Prerequisite
Only those foreign nationals who obtain a work residence permit, a D1 immigration visa, or another authorized form of residence under Georgian law—and simultaneously hold a valid work authorization—will be allowed to conduct business or labor activities in Georgia that generate taxable income.
Work by labor migrants and self-employed foreigners is only allowed if:
- a valid employment contract exists between the migrant and a local employer (except for the self-employed);
- the migrant holds a work permit; and
- the migrant (employed or self-employed) has a valid residence permit, D1 category visa or any other type of residence permit in Georgia.
Procedure for Obtaining a Work Permit
Employees apply via their employers, while self-employed individuals apply directly. Applicants must submit documents as per legal requirements. A labor migrant’s work permit is granted for work with a specific local employer. For the self-employed, the permit must list the field of activity.
Authorities may request additional documents during the review, which must be completed within 30 calendar days. Fees and payment terms are to be set by government decree.
Obligations After Work Permit Approval
Labor migrants must:
- If outside Georgia: apply for a D1 visa within 30 calendar days after receiving the work permit;
- If already in Georgia: apply for a work residence permit or IT-specialist residence permit within 10 days.
These obligations do not apply if the person already holds another valid Georgian residence permit or performs all labor activity remotely without entering Georgia.
However, at the moment it is yet unclear if such an individual entrepreneur will be liable to still get some sort of residence permit, even if s/he has no need to live in Georgia, as beforehand the law requires the migrant (employed or self-employed) to have a valid residence permit, D1 category visa or any other type of residence permit in Georgia for business or labor activities in Georgia that generate taxable income.
Sanctions for Non-Compliance
Operating without a work permit—whether as a self-employed foreigner or under a Georgian employer—will result in a fine of 2,000 GEL per migrant and it may apply even for other Georgian persons engaged in operations with such migrant. Repeated violations lead to doubled or tripled penalties and further sanctions.
Migrants with active registration status as of March 1, 2026, must obtain proper work authorization and residency permits no later than January 1, 2027.
Residence Permit Changes
- Obtaining a work permit becomes a prerequisite for a work residence permit.
- A new 3-year IT-specialist residence permit is introduced for foreigners employed or operating in Georgia’s tech sector, including:
- Migrants employed in IT;
- Registered small business entrepreneurs working in IT;
- Authorized representatives and management of international IT companies.
Applicants must prove:
- at least 2 years of relevant experience;
- annual income from IT activity exceeding the GEL equivalent of USD 25,000 per person.
- From September 1, 2025, the IT residence permit is revoked if the holder is physically absent from Georgia for 183+ days in any 12-month period (excluding medical leave abroad).
- The minimum property value for short-term residence permits is raised from USD 100,000 to USD 150,000.
- Rules on overstay and deportation procedures are becoming stricter.
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. It reflects our interpretation of the changes, which may not be binding on courts or tax authorities. All investments and business activity involve risks.
