Georgia will implement a formal work permit system for most foreign nationals from March 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in its employment regulations. Currently, Georgia allows foreign nationals with legal residence status whether through a visa, residence permit, or visa-exempt entry, to work without a dedicated work permit, as reported by Fragomen.
Under the new system, foreign workers and self-employed foreign nationals will need to obtain a work permit before engaging in employment. Employers will be responsible for submitting applications on behalf of their foreign employees. Processing times are expected to be up to 30 calendar days.
Certain categories will be exempt from this requirement, including permanent residence holders, recognised refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals with valid investment residence permits. The government has clarified that these exemptions aim to balance economic openness with workforce regulation.
A transition period has been set to ease the shift. Foreign nationals already working in Georgia before March 1, 2026, will have until January 1, 2027, to secure their permits. Failure to comply will result in fines for both the foreign national and the employer, with penalties doubling or tripling for repeated offences.
According to Fragomen, the introduction of the work permit system will require businesses to adapt their hiring and onboarding processes, potentially increasing both administrative workloads and costs. Employers will need to integrate the permit application process into recruitment timelines and prepare for the possibility of application rejections.
The government has stated that the reform is intended to monitor and regulate foreign participation in the labour market more effectively. Officials have pointed to cases of foreign nationals working without proper authorisation, often after entering on tourist status, as a key reason for tightening controls.
Under the new system, foreign workers and self-employed foreign nationals will need to obtain a work permit before engaging in employment. Employers will be responsible for submitting applications on behalf of their foreign employees. Processing times are expected to be up to 30 calendar days.
Certain categories will be exempt from this requirement, including permanent residence holders, recognised refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals with valid investment residence permits. The government has clarified that these exemptions aim to balance economic openness with workforce regulation.
A transition period has been set to ease the shift. Foreign nationals already working in Georgia before March 1, 2026, will have until January 1, 2027, to secure their permits. Failure to comply will result in fines for both the foreign national and the employer, with penalties doubling or tripling for repeated offences.
According to Fragomen, the introduction of the work permit system will require businesses to adapt their hiring and onboarding processes, potentially increasing both administrative workloads and costs. Employers will need to integrate the permit application process into recruitment timelines and prepare for the possibility of application rejections.
The government has stated that the reform is intended to monitor and regulate foreign participation in the labour market more effectively. Officials have pointed to cases of foreign nationals working without proper authorisation, often after entering on tourist status, as a key reason for tightening controls.
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