Work residence in Georgia 2026 | The SESA permit and the new conditions
Getting Georgian work residence under the new 2026 rules: the SESA right-to-work permit, the 1,500-lari minimum salary, and the exemption for IT specialists, with MoonRise.
From 1 March 2026, the rules for work residence in Georgia changed fundamentally. Under the amendment to the labour migration law, working without an official “Right to Work” permit from the Employment Support Agency (SESA) is illegal for foreign nationals and carries a fine of up to 2,000 lari and the risk of deportation.
But these changes are not only restrictions. New routes have also been created for specialists: a minimum salary of 1,500 lari, a 50,000-lari turnover requirement for the employer, and special exemptions for IT specialists with an annual income of 25,000 dollars. Some jobs, such as delivery and taxi driving, have also been banned for foreigners.
In this article we look at all the new conditions for Georgian work residence, the steps to get a right-to-work permit, and the special routes for IT specialists. If you plan to work in Georgia, this guide will help you get to know the new rules and choose the right path.
🔗 Related articles: Permanent residence | Company registration | Life in Georgia
What are the new employee-residence changes from March 2026?
From 1 March 2026, under the amendment to the labour immigration law, working without an official “right to work” permit is illegal. The permit must be obtained from SESA before starting work, otherwise there is a fine of up to 2,000 lari and deportation.
The employer’s turnover requirement for hiring a foreign employee
The company must have an annual turnover of at least 50,000 lari for each foreign employee. For educational and medical institutions this figure drops to 35,000 lari.
The minimum salary for a Georgian work residence permit
The monthly salary must be at least 5 times Georgia’s subsistence minimum, which is currently about 1,500 lari. This figure has risen noticeably compared with the previous ceiling.
Steps to get a right-to-work permit from SESA
The steps are: 1) sign an employment contract, 2) post the job on Worknet for 10 working days (with some exemptions), 3) obtain the permit from SESA, 4) file the employee residence application.
Jobs banned or subject to quotas for foreign nationals
Jobs such as delivery, taxi driving, and tour guiding have a zero quota for foreigners without permanent residence and are effectively banned. Mountain guides have a limited quota of 200 people a year.
The special work residence route for IT specialists (a 3-year track)
IT specialists with at least 2 years of experience and an annual income of 25,000 dollars can receive an IT residence permit valid for up to 3 years, which can also be extended to the family.
Frequently asked
Can you still work in Georgia without a permit?
No. From 1 March 2026, working without a “right to work” permit from SESA is illegal and carries a fine of up to 2,000 lari, along with the risk of deportation.
Can you get a Georgian work residence permit without a job offer?
No. A work residence permit requires an official employment contract with a Georgian employer and the job being posted on the Worknet portal. A job offer is the main condition.
What is the minimum salary for an employee residence permit in Georgia?
The monthly salary must be at least five times Georgia’s subsistence minimum, which is currently about 1,500 lari.
How much does a right-to-work permit (SESA) cost?
The state fee for applying for a right-to-work permit is about 100 to 200 lari. Additional costs include document translation and legal services.
What annual turnover must a company have to employ each foreign worker?
At least 50,000 lari for ordinary companies, and 35,000 lari for educational and medical institutions, per foreign employee.
Can the family also get work residence?
Yes. The spouse and children under 18 of the main applicant can apply for a dependent temporary residence permit based on their work residence.
Are certain jobs banned for foreign nationals?
Yes. Jobs such as motorcycle courier, taxi driver, and tour guide have a zero quota for foreign nationals without permanent residence and are effectively banned. Mountain guides have a limited quota of 200 people a year.
What special conditions do IT specialists have for a work residence permit?
IT specialists with at least 2 years of work experience and an annual income of at least 25,000 US dollars can receive an IT work residence permit valid for up to 3 years, which can also be extended to family members.
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