Overview
Georgia has embarked on a sweeping reform of its immigration and labour-migration laws, signalling a transition from an open, flexible system to a more regulated and compliance-driven framework. The amendments—introduced in mid-2025 and phased in between September 2025 and March 2026—aim to tighten control over foreign employment, increase monitoring, and impose stiffer penalties for non-compliance.These changes represent a major shift for both foreign nationals and employers, who will now face additional administrative obligations, shorter timelines, and greater scrutiny from authorities.
Introduction of Work Permit Requirements
Under the previous rules, many foreign residents in Georgia could legally work or run a business without a specific work permit. This will change dramatically from 1 March 2026, when most foreign nationals will be required to obtain a work permit before starting any paid employment, business, or self-employment in Georgia.The reform aims to formalise the employment of foreigners, aligning the system more closely with international standards. Details on the application process, such as documentation requirements or processing fees, have not yet been released.
Transition Periods and Deadlines
To help employers and foreign workers adjust, the government has established a transition period:- By 1 March 2026: The new system officially begins.
- Until 1 January 2027: Foreign nationals already registered in Georgia’s labour-migration database before March 2026 may continue working while they regularise their status.
- Employer Responsibility: All employers must register their foreign workers through a new electronic labour-migration portal and manage all necessary applications digitally.
Employer and Employee Responsibilities
From March 2026 onward, merely holding a residence permit or visa will no longer entitle a foreign national to work. Both employers and foreign nationals should take immediate preparatory steps:- Plan Ahead:
Secure work permits before employment or business activity begins. - Audit Current Staff:
Review all existing foreign employees, confirm their registration status, and start transitioning early. - Monitor Compliance:
Follow the new procedures carefully, as failure to meet the strict deadlines or documentation requirements could lead to financial and legal consequences.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The reforms introduce severe sanctions for violations:- Working or employing someone without authorisation can result in fines of GEL 2,000 per person, with penalties doubling or tripling for repeat offences.
- Persistent non-compliance may trigger deportation or prevent renewal of residence permits.
Outstanding Issues and Uncertainties
While the overall direction of the reforms is clear, some practical questions remain unresolved:- How will remote work for a foreign employer be categorised—will it fall under the same work-permit rules?
- Can Georgian authorities handle the expected increase in application volume within the proposed 30-day processing window?
- How will authorities verify ongoing compliance among existing residents during the transition period?
Conclusion
Georgia’s 2025–2026 immigration overhaul represents a decisive step toward a more controlled and structured immigration framework. While it enhances oversight and formalisation of the labour market, it also introduces administrative burdens and compliance risks for foreign workers and their employers.Pros and Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Introduces clearer legal framework for foreign employment | Increased bureaucracy and documentation requirements |
| Promotes fair labour practices and better oversight | Stricter timelines and potentially slow processing |
| Helps protect domestic job market | Uncertainty over treatment of remote workers |
| Creates formal registration system for transparency | Heavy fines and deportation risks for non-compliance |
