Foreign nationals relocating to Georgia for employment generally follow a sequential process governed by Georgian migration and labour legislation: employer-side notification or authorisation, residence status confirmation, and – where applicable – formal work permit issuance depending on the individual's nationality and the nature of the engagement.
Georgian law distinguishes between categories of foreign worker. Nationals of certain countries benefit from a visa-free or simplified entry regime and may enter without prior consular approval. However, those intending to work must still address their employment status under Georgian labour and aliens legislation. The framework is administered primarily through the Civil Registry Agency and the Public Service Hall (a network of LEPL service centres). For most employed expatriates, the process involves: (1) entry under the appropriate visa category or visa-free regime; (2) registration of temporary residence if the stay will exceed the standard visa-free period, typically 365 days for eligible nationalities; (3) obtaining a residence permit linked to employment where the engagement extends beyond that threshold or falls under a category requiring formal authorisation; and (4) registration of the employment contract with the relevant Georgian authority. Specific categories – including highly qualified specialists and intra-company transferees – may benefit from expedited processing, though procedural timelines vary in practice.
Foreign investors and intra-group secondees should verify both the employment structure and the appropriate residence category before relocation, as misclassification can affect tax residency status and access to Georgia's Tax Residency & Relocation framework: /jurisdictions/georgia/tax-residency/
For a broader overview of operating in Georgia, see the Georgia practice hub: /jurisdictions/georgia/
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— Nino Beridze Contributing Regional Analyst — Georgia, Vetrov & Partners vetrovpartners.com/contributions/
Nino Beridze is a contributing regional analyst advising on Georgian business law, employment migration, and tax structuring for foreign investors and relocating executives. She collaborates with Vetrov & Partners on cross-border mandates involving Georgia.
This publication is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice under Russian or any other applicable law. The information herein should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel tailored to your specific circumstances. Vetrov & Partners is a Russian-qualified law firm. For matters governed by foreign law or requiring local admission in another jurisdiction, we collaborate with trusted counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. For advice regarding your particular situation, please contact info@vetrovpartners.com.