Labour Migration in Georgia: New Regulations 2026

In effect from: 1 March 2026  ·  Labour Migration  ·  KH & Partners Law Firm

On 1 March 2026, Georgia introduced a mandatory work authorisation system. A residence permit or visa alone is no longer sufficient for lawful employment.

Why Did the Law Change?

Georgia’s labour market was previously relatively open. The 2026 reform addresses this in three directions:

• Priority for local candidates
• Financial transparency
• Controlled labour migration

Who Is Affected?

The new regulation applies to all foreign nationals performing any paid activity in Georgia — office-based, remote, as an individual entrepreneur (IE), or freelance.

⚠  A valid residence permit or visa is no longer a standalone legal basis for carrying out paid work.

5 Key Changes

01  Mandatory Work Authorisation  —  Before starting any paid activity, a foreign national must obtain the right to carry out labour activity from the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs.

02  Market Test  —  The employer must advertise the vacancy for at least 10 working days on worknet.moh.gov.ge. Only if no suitable local candidate is found may a foreign national be hired.

03  Individual Entrepreneurs & Freelancers  —  Must independently apply to the State Employment Agency · complete a video interview · submit a business plan or proof of financial turnover.

04  Investment Threshold Raised  —  Minimum investment for a residence permit through real estate: $100,000 → $150,000

05  Transitional Period  —  Persons registered before 1 March 2026 have until 1 January 2027 to regularise their status.

Penalties

• Unauthorised labour activity → GEL 2,000  (Employee + Employer)
• Repeat violation → Increased fine  (Employee + Employer)

Action Checklist

For Employers

• Audit the status of all foreign employees
• Register in the unified labour migration database
• Run the Market Test for every new vacancy (10 working days)
• Prepare financial transparency documentation
• Allow 40-50 days in your recruitment planning

For Foreign Nationals / Freelancers

• Determine whether your status requires a separate work permit
• Prepare a business plan or proof of financial turnover
• Register with the State Employment Agency in advance
• Regularise your status before 1 January 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Can I continue working on my current residence permit?

A:  No. As of 1 March 2026, a residence permit is no longer a standalone legal basis. A separate work authorisation is required.

Q:  Does the Market Test apply to all positions?

A:  Generally yes. Specific exemptions are defined by law.

Q:  Where should a freelancer apply?

A:  To the State Employment Support Agency (SESA). Three steps: application → video interview → business plan.

Q:  Who is covered by the transitional period?

A:  Persons registered before 1 March 2026 — until 1 January 2027.

Legal Basis

• Law of Georgia On Labour Migration — matsne.gov.ge
• Government of Georgia Decree No. 70, 20 February 2026
• LEPL State Employment Support Agency — labourmigration.moh.gov.ge
• State portal — worknet.moh.gov.ge

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute individual legal advice.

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