February 8th, 2026

What GIC Clients Need to Do - and Why You Should Act Now

Georgia has introduced a new Labor Migration Law, effective March 1, 2026, which significantly changes how foreign nationals can live and work in the country.

This is not a minor update.
It introduces mandatory work permits and residency requirements for a broad range of individuals - including founders, freelancers, and remote operators.

If you are operating a business through Georgia, this directly affects you.

Please note: Updates to the law and new articles are being introduced frequently, and while we intend to update this article, it should NOT be considered legal advice. We recommend you to seek advice through specialists in migration and labour law, see below!

• Foreign nationals engaging in economic activity in Georgia must obtain:
• A work permit, and
• In many cases, a residence permit

This applies regardless of whether:

• Your clients are in Georgia or abroad
• You work remotely or physically in the country

There is a transition window until January 1, 2027, but only if:

• You were already registered in the Ministry of Labor’s system before March 1, 2026

However:

• ❗ This does NOT reliably apply to individual entrepreneurs
• ❗ New setups after March 1 must comply immediately

👉 Bottom line: Waiting is risky. Early action avoids compliance issues, fines, and operational disruption.

1. Employed by a Georgian company

• Applies to both on-site and remote work
• Residence permit required if living in Georgia

2. A foreign founder/director of a Georgian company

• Even without a standard employment contract
• Exceptions may apply depending on structure and activity

3. An individual entrepreneur (IE) living in Georgia

• Even if your income comes from abroad
• Residence permit required

⚠️ Important constraint:

• Residence permits for IEs typically require minimum annual turnover of GEL 50,000, which creates a barrier for early-stage operators

The enforcement framework is clear and escalating:

• GEL 2,000 fine per violation (employer or individual)
• Repeat violations: up to GEL 6,000
• Additional fines for inspection obstruction
• 👉 For companies, fines apply per employee, not per incident.

At GIC, we focus on company formation, banking, and operational infrastructure - not immigration law.
Given the importance and urgency of these changes, we have:
✅ Established a partnership with a specialized immigration law firmThis ensures our clients can:

• Navigate the new requirements correctly
• Avoid costly mistakes or delays
• Handle both work permits and residence permits efficiently

If you are:

• Operating a company in Georgia
• Acting as a director or founder
• Living in Georgia while generating income

👉 You should review your status immediately

We recommend:

• Reaching out to your GIC point of contact requesting an introduction to our legal partner
• Getting clarity on:
• Your specific obligations
• Timeline for compliance
• Pricing and process

Georgia remains one of the most attractive jurisdictions globally —
but the regulatory environment is maturing.
This shift is expected.

Those who act early will:

• Stay compliant
• Avoid disruption
• Maintain full operational flexibility

Those who delay may face:

• Fines
• Delays in residency
• Banking and operational complications

If you are not yet familiar with the programming side of projects, listening to your potential partner mention technologies