Georgia has long been known for its open and flexible approach to foreign workers.
Minimal bureaucracy and ease of entry made the country attractive to entrepreneurs, remote workers, and investors.
From 2026, however, Georgia plans to introduce mandatory work permits for foreign nationals, marking a significant policy shift.
Several factors are driving this change:
Rather than a simple tightening of rules, the new system aims to formalize and clarify employment relationships.
With work permits in place, foreign employment is likely to become more structured.
Employment roles, duration, and employer responsibility will be more clearly defined.
This reduces ambiguity, but also means that foreign workers must better understand their legal status.
Flexibility will still exist, but within a clearer regulatory framework.
Looking ahead to 2026, individuals and companies should assess:
This is especially relevant for freelancers, consultants, and remote workers operating across borders.
At first glance, permit requirements may seem restrictive.
However, clearer rules can also increase legal certainty and long-term stability for those committed to living and working in Georgia.
The shift represents a move from informal flexibility toward structured openness.
Georgia’s planned work permit requirement signals a transition toward a more mature labor and immigration framework.
For foreign workers, success will depend not on avoiding regulation, but on understanding it and planning accordingly.
Those who adapt early will be best positioned to continue benefiting from Georgia’s evolving economic environment.
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