Foreign nationals seeking to work in Georgia face challenges obtaining work permits, particularly self-employed individuals working for multiple companies and employees of holding groups, says Enri Abuladze, senior lawyer at GLCC.
Speaking to TV Program Business Course, Abuladze explained that self-employed workers must obtain separate permits for each workplace, while the law does not clearly address employment arrangements within holding companies. Even when a person works for a parent and subsidiary companies, each employer may be required to obtain an individual work authorization.
Another issue concerns foreign employees working remotely from abroad. Although they do not need a work permit while working entirely outside Georgia, authorities may treat their entry into the country as work-related even when they arrive for tourism, to maintain a bank account or to complete a short-term project. Abuladze says that despite repeated communication with the relevant agency and ministry, this approach has not changed.
Georgia introduced new employment rules for foreign nationals on March 1, 2026, requiring a special work permit, proof of employment or self-employment, and the appropriate residence permit or D1 visa. Amendments adopted in April introduced exemptions for foreigners working with state-owned enterprises and directors of first-, second- and third-category companies.
