Georgia's Labor Migration Law: Key Amendments Affecting Foreign Workers and Employers

Effective from: 15/04/2026.

1. Expanded List of Exemptions from the Law's Scope

The law no longer applies to foreign nationals who fall into any of the following categories:

• Hold a special residence permit issued at the written initiative of a member of the Government of Georgia
• Engage in short-term professional activities as defined by Government resolution
• Work for a state institution or a state-owned enterprise
• Work fully remotely for a local employer without entering Georgia
• Provide services to a non-resident client as part of activities carried out outside Georgia
• Hold executive or management positions in Category 1–3 companies (per the Accounting Law), or serve on an audit committee
• Are engaged in the conservation, restoration, or rehabilitation of cultural heritage sites

2. Clarified Definition of "Self-Employed Foreigner"

The updated wording explicitly extends the definition to independent contractors operating in trade, services, and other profit-oriented activities.

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3. New Concept Introduced: "Short-Term Professional Activity"

This refers to a foreigner's professional work or service performed in Georgia that:

1. Falls within the timeframe established by law
2. Does not constitute long-term employment in the local labor market
3. Is tied to a specific short-term project, event, or service

The list of qualifying activities, durations, and criteria will be set by a forthcoming Government of Georgia resolution (not yet adopted).

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4. New Article 13⁹ — Procedure for Short-Term Professional Activity

A foreign national may engage in such activity without a work permit or residence permit, provided:

1. The activity is carried out during a temporary visit
2. It relates to a specific short-term project or event

Foreigners operating under this regime are not classified as labor immigrants or self-employed persons.

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5. Tightened Grounds for Refusal

A new ground for refusal has been added: failure to submit documents confirming compliance with the criteria for labor or entrepreneurial activities established by the relevant Government resolution.

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6. Sources

• https://matsne.gov.ge/en/document/view/2806732?publication=7
• https://matsne.gov.ge/en/document/download/2806732/0/en/pdf
• https://matsne.gov.ge/en/document/view/2342552

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