From 1 March 2026, employment or self-employment by a foreign national is generally also subject to the new Georgian right-to-work regime. A work-residence application must be sequenced consistently with that right, genuine activity, income evidence and any applicable transition rule.
Who the work route may fit
The category may apply to a foreign national genuinely working or carrying on qualifying entrepreneurial or professional activity in Georgia. Since 1 March 2026, the first separate check is whether the person needs a right to work and whether it has been obtained under the procedure established by Government Decree No. 70; the applicable D1 visa or work-residence step is then assessed.
The 2026 transition rules differ for previously registered labour immigrants and self-employed foreigners. Relying on an old registration is not automatically safe: verify the relevant category, deadline and amendments published through 10 July 2026 on the filing date.
The employer and activity file
The company extract, authorised signatory, contract terms and payment evidence should align. A new or low-turnover business does not automatically mean refusal, but the economic context needs particular clarity to avoid the appearance of nominal employment.
Applicant documents
Prepare the passport and lawful-stay evidence, the contract or other basis for activity, income-related records and the agency’s required forms or photograph. Authentication and translation of a foreign document depend on its type and country of origin.
The consistency test
Role, hours, remuneration, banking records and the company’s business should form a coherent picture. A difference may be explainable, but concealing it is riskier. Prepare a short chronology and compare every date and name used across the documents.
Renewal and changed circumstances
Termination, a change of employer or suspended activity may affect status and renewal. Assess the change before it happens and do not wait for the card to expire. Recheck the agency’s current criteria on the filing date because economic and procedural requirements may change.
Important noteThis material is general information, not personalised legal advice. Recheck current law, official practice, fees and deadlines against your facts before acting.