Georgia requires Right to Work permit for local income starting March 1

Georgia’s work-permit rule in plain terms

Georgia now requires a Right to Work permit for most foreign nationals doing paid work, self-employment or business activity in the country. The rule took effect March 1, 2026, after Government Resolution No. 70 and applications are filed through the labor ministry’s online portal.

The permit system covers employees of Georgian companies and self-employed foreigners, including freelancers, contractors and entrepreneurs earning income in Georgia. Foreigners who work only for non-Georgian companies and have no local economic ties are generally exempt.

Who gets caught by the new rules

Digital nomads can still be exempt if they work exclusively for employers outside Georgia. But remote workers who take on Georgian clients, open local businesses or work for Georgian firms need to comply.

Tourists on visa-free stays can't do paid work without approval. The change also affects sectors with no foreign quotas, including courier, taxi and tour guide jobs.

What applicants need to do next

Employers must submit passport copies, contracts, qualifications and proof of the labor market test, which requires job ads on worknet.moh.gov.ge for 10 working days in many cases. Self-employed applicants need a business plan or turnover proof, personal and financial details, a fee payment and a short recorded video interview.

Processing takes 30 days for GEL 200 or 10 working days for GEL 400. Violations can trigger a GEL 2,000 fine, which rises for repeat offenses. Read our full Georgia guide for the complete picture and check visa updates for more policy changes.