Georgia right to work (labour activity permit) with work residence permit or D1 visa – labour migration rules in force from 1 March 2026
Since 1 March 2026, foreigners without permanent residence must get a 'right to work' from the State Employment Support Agency before working in Georgia. This covers employees of local employers and self-employed people. The local employer must first advertise the vacancy on worknet.moh.gov.ge for 10 working days, unless an exemption applies. The employer then applies on labourmigration.moh.gov.ge. After approval, the worker must get a D1 visa (if abroad) or a work or IT residence permit (if in Georgia).
Life in Georgia
Money
3
Currency
Georgian Lari
GEL
Georgian Lari
Cost of living
40
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
Flat 20%
Income tax (national)
VAT 18%
Flat 20% on taxable income of individuals; 5% on certain rental income.
Living
1
Happiness
#89 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign employees hired by a Georgian employer, and self-employed foreigners, who do not hold permanent residence or another exempt status.
Eligibility
Fixed-term written contract with a local employerEmployees
You need a fixed-term written employment contract with a local employer, in Georgian and a language you understand, with workplace details.
- Contract must be in Georgian and a language the worker understands
- Must include workplace details
- Source: Law on Labour Migration Art. 13.2
Official wording
A fixed-term employment contract in Georgian and a language the worker understands is required. It must include workplace details (Law on Labour Migration Art. 13.2).
Local labour market testEmployees
Your employer must post the vacancy on worknet.moh.gov.ge at least 10 working days before applying.
10 working days
Vacancy posting · before applying, minimum
- The Agency may offer local candidates
- Any rejection of a candidate must be justified
- Source: Ordinance No. 70 Art. 5
Official wording
The employer must post the vacancy on worknet.moh.gov.ge at least 10 working days before applying. The Agency may offer local candidates, and any rejection must be justified (Ordinance No. 70 Art. 5).
Labour market test exemption for high payHigh-pay roles / international companies / startups
No labour market test is needed if monthly gross pay exceeds GEL 15,000 and the job requires a related higher-education degree.
GEL 15,000
Pay threshold for exemption · must be exceeded
- The Agency may still apply the test after agreement with the Ministry of Economy
- Companies with international company status are also exempt
- Innovative startups are also exempt
Official wording
No labour market test is needed if the monthly gross pay exceeds GEL 15,000 and the job requires a related higher-education degree. The Agency may still apply the test after agreement with the Ministry of Economy. Companies with international company status and innovative startups are also exempt.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementFit with labour market needs
- Document checklistEmployer and contact-person details, economic activity
- FeesRight to work – standard (decision on day 30)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 7 more requirements
- 11 documents
- 6 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Georgia
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
- Law of Georgia on Labour Migration (consolidated, matsne)
- Government Ordinance No. 70 of 20.02.2026 on rules for granting the right to work (matsne, Georgian)
- Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons (matsne)
- Public Service Development Agency – Migration/Residence Permits
- Embassy of Georgia to Jordan – Visa information (D1 documents)
- MFA of Georgia (Embassy in Norway) – New rules for employed/self-employed aliens from 1 March 2026
Other routes to Georgia
All routes to Georgia →Work permits in other countries
- GuernseyGuernsey Employment Permit (immigration) with Population Management permit
- GhanaWork and Residence Permit
- GibraltarGibraltar work permit
- GreenlandResidence and work permit for Greenland
- GambiaThe Gambia Resident Permit B (residence and work) with Alien Card and expatriate quota
- GuineaGuinea long-term visa (VLS) for employment, business, family, study or internship
