Employing Non-Residents in Georgia – What Changed from March 1, 2026 

As of March 1, 2026, the regulations governing the employment of foreign nationals in Georgia have changed. Following amendments to the Law on "Labor Migration," all stakeholders—including employers, non-resident employees, and the self-employed—are now required to comply with new mandatory procedures.

Who Do the New Regulations Apply To?

The changes apply to foreign nationals seeking to engage in employment or entrepreneurial activities in Georgia who do not hold a permanent residence permit. Specifically, the changes affect:

• Non-resident employees working for Georgian companies;
• Partners or individual entrepreneurs;
• Freelancers or independent contractors operating within Georgia.

Exemptions include:

• Employees of diplomatic missions;
• Individuals holding an investment or permanent residence permit.
  
  

What Is the "Right to Work"?

The core of the new system is the "Right to Labor Activity." This document is issued by the LEPL "State Agency for Employment Promotion" and confirms that a non-resident meets the requirements of the Georgian labor market. The process is fully digital, with applications submitted via a dedicated registration portal.

Typically, a non-resident must first obtain the Right to Labor Activity before applying for a D1 category visa or a labor residence permit.

Processing Fees:

• Standard (30 days): 200 GEL
• Expedited (10 working days): 400 GEL
  
  

Employer Obligations

If a foreign national is (or will be) employed by a Georgian company for paid work, the Right to Labor Activity must be obtained through the employer. The employer is responsible for initiating and managing the administrative procedures to ensure the employee is legally authorized to work.

Note that the Right to Labor Activity is tied to a specific employer and a specific job position. If the employee changes either, a new permit must be obtained.

The Resident Candidate Search:

Before hiring a foreign national, a vacancy must be posted on the state platform for at least 10 working days. An application to hire a foreign national can only be submitted if no suitable local candidate is found. One Point’s recruitment services can assist you throughout this phase, from the initial candidate search to final submission.

Search exemptions apply to:

• Organizations with International Company status;
• Innovative startups;
• Positions with a monthly salary exceeding 15,000 GEL;
• Roles requiring specialized higher education in the relevant field.
  
  
  

Rules for Self-Employed Non-Residents

Self-employed individuals (freelancers, entrepreneurs, and partners) must submit their applications and pay the fees personally. Requirements include a business plan and proof of financial resources. A video interview with the State Agency for Employment Promotion is also a mandatory part of the process.

Warning: If a self-employed non-resident spends more than six consecutive months outside of Georgia, their permit is automatically cancelled.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with these laws results in a 2,000 GEL fine for both the employer and the non-resident employee. Penalties increase for repeated violations. Proper HR administration is essential for monitoring deadlines and managing documentation.

Transitional Period

Individuals already working in Georgia as of March 1, 2026, are subject to a transitional period:

• Self-employed non-residents: Must complete procedures by May 1, 2026.
• Employed labor immigrants (already in the state database): Must complete procedures by January 1, 2027.
  
  

How One Point Can Help You

New regulations create additional administrative procedures for companies, especially for those organizations that have a number of foreign employees.

That is exactly why One Point offers companies operating in Georgia, or planning to hire foreign employees, a comprehensive solution. It encompasses legal compliance and HR administrative management for seamless, secure, and efficient resolution of processes, and assists the client in forming a new company.

The service includes:

• Formation and registration of a foreign company in Georgia
• Full management of the D1 category work visa process
• Preparation of employment contracts and legal expertise
• Ensuring compliance with legislative changes
• Full legal support for the employment of foreign employees
• Labor dispute prevention and risk assessment
• Administration of personnel documentation
• Coordination of payroll and internal HR processes
• Implementation of HR policies and procedures