The Ministry of Refugees, Labor, Health and Social Protection of Georgia has clarified the procedure for granting the right to work to labor immigrants and self-employed foreigners.

According to the ministry, amendments to the Law on Labor Migration will enter into force on March 1, 2026.

“Under the amendments, employment or self-employment of foreigners in Georgia will only be permitted in compliance with the relevant regulations. In order to be legally employed or to carry out labor or entrepreneurial activities — including remotely — a foreign citizen must obtain the ‘right to work.’ If a migrant does not hold any type of residence permit at the time of application, after obtaining the ‘right to work,’ they must also secure a D1 category immigration visa and/or a labor residence permit.

Work permits for foreigners are issued by the LEPL State Agency for Employment Promotion of Georgia. The entire process is electronic, and the registration portal will be available from March 1. Obtaining a permit is subject to a fee, depending on the processing period: standard review (30 days) – 200 GEL; expedited review (10 working days) – 400 GEL.

Under the Law on Labor Migration, an employer is required to post a vacancy in the labor market management information system — Worknet.moh.gov.ge — at least ten working days before hiring a foreign citizen. If no qualified local candidate is identified within that period, the employer may then apply through the special electronic labor migration system to hire a foreign national. The employer is responsible for paying the permit fee. The right to work is granted for a specific position, with a specific employer, for up to one year.

As for self-employed foreigners, they must submit an electronic application and pay the applicable fee themselves. The work permit will specify the field, sector, and type of entrepreneurial activity. If a foreign citizen violates the norms established by the Law on Labor Migration, both the employee and the employer will face fines, including financial penalties for self-employed individuals. For self-employed foreigners already operating in Georgia as of March 1, enforcement of the new requirements will begin on May 1, 2026.

The new regulations are closely aligned with EU standards and aim to ensure that foreign citizens are employed in Georgia only when it meets the genuine needs of the labor market and does not undermine the interests of the local workforce. The changes also contribute to reducing illegal employment, strengthening oversight, and clearly defining responsibilities for both employers and foreign nationals,” the ministry stated.

The Government of Georgia has also adopted a resolution approving the procedure for granting labor permits to labor immigrants and self-employed foreigners. Under the resolution, foreigners without permanent residence permits will not be allowed to work in passenger transportation, courier services, or tourist guide services.