Labour Migration 2026: Requirements, Risks, and Exemptions

Who Is Affected by the New Migration Rules

The new framework generally applies to foreign nationals without permanent residence who engage in remunerated activity in Georgia. To perform work legally, they will be required to obtain work authorization.

This includes:

• employees hired by Georgian employers (including remote work arrangements),

• self-employed individuals,

• individual entrepreneurs,

• contractors, partners, and directors involved in economic activity.

The interpretation of the terms “self-employed” and “working in Georgia” currently generates the highest number of practical questions.

Core Requirements

Labour Market Test (Worknet)

Before hiring a foreign specialist, an employer must publish the vacancy on the state employment portal for 10 working days. Only if no suitable local candidate is identified may the employer apply for work authorization. If local candidates are rejected, written justification is required.

Stages of Work Authorization

1. Obtaining the right to engage in labour activity.

2. Obtaining the appropriate immigration status (D1 visa or work / IT residence permit).

Additional Regulatory Requirements

• Self-employed foreign nationals must undergo a video interview.

• Work authorization is issued for a specific position or activity.

• Employers must notify state authorities upon termination of cooperation.

• Quotas and restrictions are established for certain professions.

Exemptions Under the New Migration Framework

Simplified procedures or exemptions already apply to certain categories, including:

• International Company status,

• Innovative Startup status,

• selected categories of specialists.

The question of whether similar mechanisms may apply to Virtual Zone companies remains open and requires legal assessment and institutional dialogue.

Open Questions in Practical Application

Despite the publication of the rules, practical implementation raises several significant concerns:

• how self-employed status will be interpreted in practice,

• whether directors and partners require work authorization in all cases,

• how remote work for foreign clients will be regulated,

• what criteria will apply to newly established companies without financial history,

• how certain administrative procedures will be implemented in practice.

These uncertainties currently represent the main regulatory risks for businesses.

The Association, together with Just Advisors, has already submitted requests for official clarifications and continues to monitor enforcement practice.

The Main Risk: Misinterpretation of the Law

The primary risk does not lie in deliberate non-compliance, but in incorrect interpretation of the new rules. Errors may lead to administrative delays, additional operational burden, and potential sanctions.

Expert Online Session on the New Rules

To discuss practical implementation and consolidate the sector’s position, the Association of Georgian Virtual Zone Persons together with Just Advisors is conducting an expert online session.

The session will address:

• recent legislative amendments and applicable categories,

• exemptions — who qualifies and under what conditions,

• stages of obtaining work authorization,

• grounds for refusal and revocation,

• sanctions and liability for non-compliance,

• required documentation for submission,

• potential initiation by the Association of formal communication with the Government regarding inclusion of Virtual Zone companies in the exemption framework.

📅 March 10 | 🕒 15:00 | Online

Participation:

Association Members — FREE
Non-members — 100 GEL

If the issue of exemptions for Virtual Zone companies is important to your business, we encourage active engagement and formal expression of your position. A consolidated sector stance will enable the Association to officially represent the industry’s interests.

🔗 Registration