Understanding Georgia’s New Labor Migration Law: What You Need to Know
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Table of contents
Georgia Introduces Mandatory Work Permits for Foreign Workers
Key Changes to the Labor Migration Law
The Labor Market Test: Local Candidates First
The Application Process: Navigating the New System
New Annual Quotas and Their Impact on Foreign Employment
The Transition Period: What Happens to Existing Foreign Workers?
Exemptions: Who Is Not Affected by the New Law?
How Gegidze Can Help You Navigate the New Regulations
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Georgia Introduces Mandatory Work Permits for Foreign Workers
As of March 1, 2026, Georgia has implemented significant changes to its labor migration regulations, redefining how foreign nationals can work in the country.
These changes affect foreign employees, remote workers, and self-employed foreigners. With this updated framework, it’s crucial for businesses to understand the new requirements to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
This blog provides a comprehensive overview of Georgia’s updated labor migration laws, including the "right to work" system, the labor market test, the application process, and the quotas for certain professions.
Key Changes to the Labor Migration Law
Introduction of the "Right to Work" Requirement
Since March 1, 2026, all foreign nationals who wish to work in Georgia, whether employed by a local company or self-employed, are required to obtain a formal "right to work" approval from the State Employment Support Agency. This marks a significant shift from previous regulations that allowed foreign nationals to work in Georgia without a formal work authorization for employment.
Labor Immigrants: Foreign workers employed by a local Georgian employer in a paid position must now secure work authorization that is tied to a specific employer and position.
Self-Employed Foreigners: Those engaged in freelance work, services, or entrepreneurial activities must also obtain work authorization, which will be specific to the sector or type of activity they are involved in.
The Importance of the Right to Work
This formal requirement ensures that both employers and foreign workers are aligned with Georgia’s updated immigration framework. Failure to secure work authorization before engaging in employment or entrepreneurial activities can lead to substantial penalties for both the employer and the foreign worker.
The Labor Market Test: Local Candidates First
What is the Labor Market Test?
One of the most notable changes under the new regulations is the labor market test, which mandates that employers post job vacancies for at least 10 working days on Georgia’s official employment portal, Worknet.moh.gov.ge, before applying for work authorization for a foreign worker. This test ensures that local candidates are prioritized before foreign workers can be considered for the role.
The State Employment Support Agency reviews the job postings and checks its database for suitable local candidates. If a local candidate is proposed but rejected, the employer must provide a written justification for the refusal. Only when no suitable local candidates are found during this period can the employer apply for work authorization for a foreign worker.
Exemptions from the Labor Market Test
International Companies and Innovative Startups: These entities are exempt from the labor market test.
High-Salary Positions: If the position offers a salary exceeding 15,000 GEL and requires specific higher education directly related to the job, the employer may bypass the labor market test.
Despite these exemptions, the State Employment Support Agency retains the discretion to impose the labor market test if it determines that a foreign worker’s specific skills are not required for the role.
The Application Process: Navigating the New System
Step-by-Step Application Process for Foreign Workers
Applications for the right to work must be submitted through Georgia’s dedicated electronic system on the Ministry of Health's website. The process is completely online, making it streamlined for both employers and self-employed foreigners.
Standard Process: The Agency will issue a decision within 30 calendar days of receiving a complete application.
Expedited Process: An expedited process is available for 400 GEL, where the decision can be made within 10 working days.
For Self-Employed Foreigners
Self-employed foreigners must also apply for the "right to work" approval. This involves completing an application and undergoing a video interview with the State Employment Support Agency. This step is mandatory to confirm the specific sector or type of business the foreigner is engaged in. The cost for this application remains the responsibility of the self-employed individual.
Issuing Work Permits and Immigration Visas for Labor Immigrants
Once the right to work is granted, foreign workers must proceed with obtaining the appropriate permits:
For Labor Immigrants Already in Georgia: They must apply for a work residence permit within 10 calendar days after receiving the work authorization.
For Labor Immigrants Outside Georgia: They must apply for a D1 category immigration visa within 30 calendar days after receiving the right to work.
These permits are critical for ensuring that foreign workers are fully compliant with the new immigration laws. However, IT professionals benefit from a streamlined process with special residence permits that help facilitate work authorization. If the work is carried out entirely remotely, and the worker does not need to be physically present in Georgia, some workers may not be required to apply for a residence permit
Payment for the Service of Granting the Right to Work
Once the application for the right to work is submitted, a service fee must be paid based on the chosen processing time:
Standard Processing: The fee for processing the application within 30 calendar days is 200 GEL.
Expedited Processing: If the application is processed within 10 business days, the fee is 400 GEL.
For Employers: The service fee for labor immigrants is paid by the local employer.
For Self-Employed Foreigners: The service fee for self-employed individuals is paid by the foreign worker themselves.
New Annual Quotas and Their Impact on Foreign Employment
What Are the Quotas for Foreign Employment?
The new regulations have introduced annual quotas for certain professions where the local labor supply is sufficient. These quotas limit the number of foreign workers who can be hired in these sectors. For instance, courier services, passenger transport operators, and tourist guides now have zero quotas, meaning no foreign workers can be hired for these positions.
Mountain, Alpine, and Ski Guides are capped at 200 permits annually.
IT professionals and other high-demand sectors are exempt from these quotas to ensure that these critical fields are adequately staffed.
For employers looking to hire foreign workers, it’s essential to factor in these quotas and plan hiring strategies accordingly.
The Transition Period: What Happens to Existing Foreign Workers?
For Foreign Workers Already in Georgia
Foreign workers and self-employed foreigners who were already operating in Georgia as of March 1, 2026, have a grace period until May 1, 2026, to comply with the new work authorization requirements. During this period, enforcement mechanisms will not be applied, but after May 1, 2026, businesses and foreign workers must adhere to the new regulations.
Responsibility for Activities Without the Right to Work
Both employers and foreign workers are responsible for ensuring that no work is conducted without the proper work authorization. Failure to comply will result in the following penalties:
First Offense: A fine of 2,000 GEL will be imposed on both the local employer (for each foreign worker employed) and the foreign worker (whether self-employed or employed by a company).
Subsequent Offenses: Fines escalate for repeated violations to 4,000 GEL and 12,000 GEL for further offenses.
These penalties emphasize the importance of obtaining the proper work permits before any employment or entrepreneurial activities are carried out
Exemptions: Who Is Not Affected by the New Law?
Key Exemptions to the Work Permit Requirement
Certain categories of foreign nationals remain exempt from the work authorization requirements. These include:
Refugees and holders of international protection status.
Diplomatic personnel and accredited foreign media workers.
Foreigners with investment residence permits are also exempt from the labor market test.
Highly skilled IT professionals and international experts are often exempt from the new regulations, ensuring that critical expertise remains accessible to Georgia.
How Gegidze Can Help You Navigate the New Regulations
Expert Guidance for Employers and Entrepreneurs
The new regulations may seem complex, but at Gegidze, we specialize in helping businesses navigate the updated labor migration framework. We provide guidance on:
Navigating the labor market test and ensuring compliance with local job posting requirements.
Assisting with work permit applications for foreign employees and self-employed foreigners.
Ensuring compliance with annual quotas and understanding the exemptions that apply to your business.
Avoiding Penalties and Streamlining Compliance
With the updated regulations in place, it's crucial for businesses to act quickly to avoid penalties. Our team ensures your company remains compliant with the new system, streamlining the application and renewal processes, and helping you hire foreign talent without unnecessary delays.
The changes to Georgia's labor migration laws reflect the country’s commitment to balancing the need for foreign expertise with the protection of its local workforce. By understanding the new right to work system, navigating the labor market test, and complying with annual quotas, businesses can ensure they remain compliant while benefiting from Georgia’s growing labor market.
At Gegidze, we’re here to help you every step of the way, whether you're hiring foreign employees, applying for work permits, or ensuring your business complies with the new regulations. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us guide you through this transition smoothly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the "right to work" in Georgia, and who needs it?
The "right to work" is a formal authorization that foreign nationals who do not hold a permanent residence permit in Georgia must obtain before engaging in employment or entrepreneurial activities. This applies to both labor immigrants(foreign employees) and self-employed foreigners. Without this authorization, foreign nationals cannot legally work or operate a business in Georgia.
How does the labor market test work for employers hiring foreign workers?
Employers are required to post job vacancies for at least 10 working days on Georgia's official employment portal, Worknet.moh.gov.ge, before applying for work authorization for foreign workers. If suitable local candidates are not found during this period, the employer can apply for the foreign worker's work permit. This ensures that local candidates are prioritized in the hiring process.
What are the fees associated with obtaining the right to work in Georgia?
The fee for obtaining the right to work depends on the processing time:
Standard Processing (within 30 calendar days): 200 GEL
Expedited Processing (within 10 business days): 400 GEL
Employers pay the fee for labor immigrants, while self-employed foreigners are responsible for their own payment.
What penalties apply if a foreign worker works without the right to work in Georgia?
Both employers and foreign workers face fines for working without the proper authorization. The fine is 2,000 GEL for the first offense. Repeated offenses increase the fine to 4,000 GEL, and further violations can lead to fines as high as 12,000 GEL.
Are there any exemptions from the new labor migration laws?
Yes, certain foreign nationals are exempt from the work authorization requirements. These include refugees, diplomatic personnel, accredited foreign media workers, and foreigners with investment residence permits. Additionally, highly skilled IT professionals and international experts are often exempt from the new regulations to ensure that Georgia can attract critical expertise
