New Rules for Foreign Workers in Georgia Starting March 2026

Beginning in March 2026, Georgia will introduce new regulations for foreign workers. It’s important to note that the law’s implementation may be postponed or delayed.

1. Who Does the Law Affect?

The Law of Georgia “On Labor Migration” applies exclusively to labor immigrants—foreign nationals who engage in employment or business activities within Georgia. This includes:

• Foreigners employed by Georgian companies or individual entrepreneurs (IEs);
• Self-employed individuals who provide goods, services, or work, or operate as partners, independent contractors, or otherwise participate in economic activities for financial gain.

Key Points:

• Labor immigrants working in Georgia will be required to obtain both a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and a residence permit (the type of residence permit does not matter).
• Those working entirely remotely for companies outside Georgia, whose work does not require entry into the country (Article 13.5 of the Law on Labor Migration), will only need a work permit.
• For self-employed foreigners, leaving Georgia for more than six months may result in the loss of their work permit.

2. Does This Apply Only to Those Working for Georgian Entities?

No. It applies to both foreigners employed by Georgian legal entities or individual entrepreneurs and to those who are self-employed in Georgia. Exceptions include foreigners with permanent residence permits, investment residence permits, or refugee/asylum seeker status.

3. What If You Live in Georgia but Work for a Foreign Company?

Even in this case, you may need to obtain a work permit and a residence permit. Such individuals are still considered labor immigrants—foreign nationals engaged in professional or business activities in Georgia for financial benefit. Currently, authorities are clarifying the details and application procedures.

Important:

The Law “On Labor Migration” still leaves many open questions. The government is expected to issue detailed regulations and clarifications by March 1, 2026. We’ll continue to share updates as they become available.

Update (February 23, 2026)

Georgian authorities have announced additional employment restrictions for foreign nationals in selected service sectors. Starting March 1, 2026, employment quotas will be introduced for certain professions, limiting legal work in these roles exclusively to Georgian citizens.

According to Government Resolution No. 70, the approved quotas are as follows:

• 0 positions — courier delivery and related services
• 0 positions — passenger transportation, including taxi services
• 0 positions — tour guide services
• 200 positions — mountain, alpine, and ski guides

Further clarification on enforcement mechanisms, transitional rules, and compliance requirements for foreign nationals is expected following consultations with legal experts. Additional official guidance is anticipated ahead of the March 1, 2026 implementation date.

These changes are expected to affect employment structures across the tourism, transportation, and delivery sectors, prompting workforce adjustments and sector-wide compliance planning.