Georgia Work Permit Interview and Application Guide for Foreigners in 2026
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Aliaksandr Mazurkevich | Dreamstime.com
A foreign resident recently shared her experience of completing the online interview required to obtain a work permit in Georgia. She works as a product designer and is registered as an individual entrepreneur.
Her case offers one of the first real-life insights into how the new system is being applied in practice.
What Questions Are Asked During the Interview
According to her experience, the interview was conducted in English.
At the beginning, she was asked to confirm her full name and date of birth and show the first page of her passport.
The interviewer then asked several short professional questions:
- What country she is a citizen of
- How long she has been staying in Georgia
- What type of design work she does
- Which software tools she uses
- What her most recent project was
- How she usually finds new clients
The entire conversation reportedly lasted no more than five minutes.
How the Interview Is Scheduled
She received an email notification one day before the interview with the date and time.
The invitation itself arrived about 10 days after submitting her work permit application.
The email explained that the interview could be conducted in Georgian or English, and applicants who do not speak either language are allowed to bring a translator.
The meeting takes place on a dedicated online platform, accessible via a link provided in the email.
New Work Permit Rules for Foreigners in Georgia
Since March 1, 2026, foreigners living in Georgia are required to obtain a work permit under a new labor migration law.
The implementation is still evolving, and many practical questions remain.
Who Must Apply for a Work Permit
Foreign nationals must obtain a work permit if they:
- Live in Georgia without permanent residency
- Work for Georgian companies (including remotely)
- Conduct business or provide services in Georgia
- Earn income from activities carried out in the country
- Operate as self-employed individuals (with or without registering as an individual entrepreneur)
Under the law, a self-employed foreigner is defined as someone who engages in trade, services, independent contracting, partnerships, or other income-generating activities while physically present in Georgia.
Remote Work for Foreign Companies
The law does not explicitly address foreigners who work remotely from Georgia for foreign clients or companies.
However, legal experts generally interpret such individuals as labor migrants, meaning they are expected to obtain a work permit and then apply for residency.
This interpretation is based largely on physical presence in Georgia and tax residency status, rather than the location of the employer.
If a person works for a foreign company and does not have business registration in Georgia, lawyers currently say no permit may be required.
However, anyone who stays in Georgia more than 183 days per year becomes a tax resident and must file an annual income declaration. Each case depends on specific circumstances.
Who Does NOT Need a Work Permit
The law exempts certain categories, including:
- Refugees and asylum seekers
- Diplomats and foreign consular staff
- Accredited foreign journalists
- Holders of investment residency permits
- Individuals covered by specific international labor agreements
How to Apply for a Work Permit
The first step is completing an online application form.
- Employees of Georgian companies must have the form submitted by their employer
- All other foreigners must apply independently
The form is completed in English and includes several sections:
Personal Information
Applicants must provide:
- Full name (as in passport)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Email address (verification code required)
- Residency ID number (if applicable)
- Citizenship and current location
- Passport photo page
Education and Professional Background
Applicants must select:
- Education level
- Profession (from a dropdown list)
- Upload a resume (recommended in English)
Self-Employment Activity
Applicants must:
- Choose their activity type
- Briefly describe their work in English
- Indicate whether they work onsite, remotely, or in a hybrid format
Those who were not registered as individual entrepreneurs as of March 1 may need to submit a business plan.
If already registered as an entrepreneur or company owner, applicants must provide:
- Business identification number
- Proof of annual turnover
This document can be obtained online from the Georgian Revenue Service portal and is usually prepared within one working day.
Application Fees and Processing Time
Applicants can choose the review timeframe:
- 200 GEL — decision within 30 days
- 400 GEL — decision within 10 days
Residency permits are processed separately:
- 300 GEL — 30 days
- 600 GEL — 10 days
Key Deadlines
Foreigners who were already working or doing business in Georgia as of March 1, 2026 must obtain both:
- A work permit
- A relevant residency permit
by May 1, 2026.
After this transitional period, working without the proper residency status will not be allowed.
Work permits are typically issued for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal.
Residency Requirements After Getting a Work Permit
Foreigners already living in Georgia must apply for a labor residency permit within 10 days after receiving a work permit.
There is also a special residency category for IT professionals, which requires:
- At least two years of experience in the IT field or a managerial role
- Proof of annual income of at least $25,000
If a person already holds a valid residency permit, re-applying may not be necessary.
Possible Reasons for Refusal
Authorities may reject an application if:
- Required documents or information are missing
- The applicant’s profession does not match labor market needs
- Deportation proceedings are underway
Decisions can be appealed in court within one month.
When a Work Permit Can Become Invalid
A permit may be revoked if:
- Employment or business activity ends
- A self-employed foreigner leaves Georgia for more than six months
- Residency expires or is denied
- The applicant fails to apply for residency
- The person works in a different field than the one approved
Restrictions on Certain Jobs
Under the new regulations, foreigners are generally not allowed to work as couriers, taxi drivers, or tour guides.
Limited quotas are available for certain seasonal guiding roles.
Penalties for Working Without a Permit
Foreign nationals who work or run a business without the required permit face:
- A fine of 2,000 GEL
- The fine doubles for repeat violations
Employers who hire foreigners without permits may also be fined 2,000 GEL per worker.
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