Georgia’s work-permit gate is now in front

Georgia now makes many foreign workers get a Right to Work or Special Labour Activity Permit before a D1 visa or work residence permit and the rule has been in force since March 1, 2026. The permit comes from the Employment Promotion State Agency, it covers both salaried jobs and self-employed activity, and, honestly, that changes Georgia’s old easy-entry vibe fast.

The policy is meant to tighten labor migration and protect the local market, so the paperwork sits earlier in the process now, not later. Processing can take up to 30 days, which is fine on paper, but turns out to be a real delay if you were planning a quick move.

Digital nomads, freelancers and expats feel this first

This hits digital nomads, freelancers, remote workers for Georgian employers and entrepreneurs doing business in country, especially if they’re physically in Georgia and earning there. Tourists on C visas stay out of scope and remote-only workers who never show up in Georgia may not need a D1 or residence permit, weirdly enough, if they’re not taking local work.

The old shortcut through simple registration or Individual Entrepreneur status isn’t the same deal now. Existing self-employed foreigners and some labor immigrants have transition windows, but for anyone starting fresh, the permit-first rule is the real gatekeeper and frankly it makes Georgia feel less like an open nomad base and more like a regulated labor market.

What to do before you move or keep working

Apply online through labourmigration.moh.gov.ge or the Public Service portal, then wait for the permit before you file for the visa or residence step. If you’re abroad, the D1 application should follow within 30 days of approval and if you’re already in Georgia, the residence permit filing window is 10 days.

Bring the contract, business documents, proof of income, housing and insurance, because the state can ask for all of it and some roles also trigger labor-market checks or quota rules. Expect fees, expect scrutiny and expect fines of 2,000 GEL for violations, which is a bad bet for anyone trying to wing it. Read our full Georgia guide for the complete picture and keep an eye on visa updates as the rules settle.