Amendments implemented in the Law "On Labor Migration"

2026-03-09 Author: Khatuna Manjgaladze

Employment of a Foreigner without Permanent Residence in Georgia

The issue of employing foreign citizens in Georgia has recently become the subject of significant legislative changes.

The regulations that came into force on March 1, 2026, have more clearly defined both the conditions for foreigners to carry out labor activities and the obligations and responsibilities of employers.

The new rules, on the one hand, strengthen labor market regulation and control mechanisms, while on the other hand, they impose clear legal obligations on employers and foreign citizens.

o What is the right to labor activity and which agency issues it?

The right to labor activity is a special permit that gives a foreign citizen the opportunity to legally carry out labor or entrepreneurial activities in Georgia, including in a remote form.

The right to labor activity is issued by the State Employment Support Agency.

o To whom does the Law on Labor Migration not apply?

Several categories of persons remain outside the scope of the law, including:

Persons with refugee, subsidiary protection, or temporary protection status;
Asylum seekers registered in Georgia;
Persons employed in accredited diplomatic missions and international organizations;
Accredited journalists of foreign media;
Persons to whom a different regime applies under an international agreement;
Foreigners with an investment residence permit.

o Who is considered a labor immigrant?

A labor immigrant is a foreigner who does not have a permanent residence permit in Georgia and who:

Works or plans to work for an employer operating in Georgia (including remotely) or
Carries out self-employed activities in Georgia.

For both employers and foreign citizens, it is particularly important to fully familiarize themselves with the current legal requirements and carry out activities in accordance with the legislation to avoid administrative liability and financial sanctions.

Author:

Khatuna Manjgaladze

Civil Law Specialist Lawyer

Khatuna Manjgaladze is a Civil Law Specialist Lawyer with 15 years of experience. Khatuna specializes in: Employment Law and Labor Disputes, Contract Preparation and Contractual Disputes, Corporate Law and Company Registration. Working languages are English, Georgian, Russian. Based in Tbilisi.

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