Do remote workers need a work permit in Georgia? 2026 rules and exceptions

Who is exempt, who needs to register, which deadlines have passed, and fines of up to 6,000 GEL.

The rule of March 1, 2026 — in one paragraph

From March 1, 2026, foreign citizens who do not have a permanent residence permit and are engaged in paid work in Georgia — either through employment in a Georgian company or self-employment — are required to obtain a "right to work" through the Employment Promotion Agency. Applications are submitted to the labor migration electronic portal (labourmigration.moh.gov.ge). For employees, the employer applies, while the self-employed apply themselves. We discussed the main rules in the article on the rules for the new work permit and the full list of documents .

Main exception: fully remote work only for foreign clients

The requirement applies to work activities related to Georgia. Foreigners, including registered individual entrepreneurs, who work completely remotely and only with clients or employers located outside Georgia, as a rule, remain outside the permit obligation. The trap is in the word “only”: even one Georgian client brings the activity into the scope of the law. The threshold of “work related to Georgia” is the most controversial issue of the new regime, so borderline cases require professional assessment.

Five typical scenarios

1. Employment in a Georgian company

A permit is required. The employer obtains it before starting (or continuing) work. This also applies to remote work with a Georgian employer.

2. Business with Georgian clients

A permit is required. You apply on the portal yourself. A mixed portfolio — part Georgian, part foreign client — falls under the scope of the law.

3. Remote employee of a foreign company without Georgian clients

Typically exempt. Keep evidence of employer and client locations — in practice, you will have to prove the exemption.

4. Small business (1%) and mixed clients

The 1% tax status does not replace a work permit. If part of the activity is related to Georgian customers, the requirement applies regardless of the tax regime.

5. Permanent residence permit holders

Are completely outside the scope: The requirement only applies to foreigners without permanent residence.

Deadlines and fines

• The transition period for self-employed workers already working ended on May 1, 2026.
• Those who had active status in the ministry's database on March 1, 2026, must apply for a work permit and corresponding residence permit by January 1, 2027.
• Working without a permit — fine of 2,000 GEL, doubled upon repetition, then tripled — up to 6,000 GEL. Violations also make it difficult to renew a residence permit.

What should laid-off remote workers do?

Even if you are exempt, keep documents: contracts with foreign clients, invoices, and bank statements on the origin of payments. Taxes are a separate issue — exemption from the permit does not cancel tax residency and the obligation to file tax returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

I work remotely from Tbilisi for an American company — do I need a permit?
If all the work is done for a foreign employer and you don't have Georgian clients — usually no. Keep supporting documents.

Does 1% status replace a work permit?
No. Tax status and work eligibility are independent requirements.

What happens if you work without a permit?
Fine of 2,000 GEL for the first violation, up to 6,000 GEL for a repeat offense, plus problems renewing the residence permit.

Does the permit apply to a residence permit?
Yes: For those covered by the law, the permit becomes a prerequisite for obtaining a work residence permit and its renewal.

Can I apply myself or do I need a lawyer?
The portal is designed for self-service, however, borderline cases (mixed clients, unclear activity type) deserve professional assessment before choosing a registration method.

Conclusion

If your activities in any way affect Georgia — assume you need a permit and check for an exception, not the other way around. Our team will assess your situation and prepare a full application — schedule a consultation.

This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules and practices are subject to change — please check current requirements.