Work legally in Georgia.
We handle the permit.
Since March 2026, many foreign entrepreneurs need the right to work on top of their registration. Check your case below, and let us run the application with a licensed lawyer.
What changed?
The right-to-work framework took effect on 1 March 2026. It covers in-scope foreign employment and self-employment. “Special Labour Activity Permit” is often used commercially; the current law calls it the right to work.
As of 9 October 2026 — Government Resolution No. 70 (current consolidation needs counsel) · Latest implementing consolidation needs Georgian counselThe current law includes exemptions. In particular, some services for non-residents’ activities outside Georgia may be outside its scope. A foreign client address alone is insufficient to decide this.
As of 9 October 2026 — Law on Labour Migration · Verify with Georgian counselDo I need the permit?
Work authorisation and residence: separate steps.
For in-scope applicants, the law provides a D1 application within 30 calendar days when outside Georgia, or a work / IT residence application within 10 calendar days when already inside. Exceptions include existing residence permits and some fully remote circumstances. Confirm your specific route and deadlines.
As of 9 October 2026 — Law on Labour Migration · Article 13⁵ — verify exceptions and self-employed applicationTransition dates: verify your category.
| Date | What to verify |
|---|---|
| 1 March 2026 | Framework commencement; later amendments and exemptions matter. |
| 1 May 2026 | March amendment’s transition for already-active self-employed foreigners; counsel must check the latest consolidated ordinance and your facts. |
| 1 January 2027 | Transition for labour immigrants with active labour-migration database registration as of 1 March 2026. Not every registered IE qualifies for this transition. |
Penalties belong in the planning.
The law lists a GEL 2,000 initial fine for a self-employed alien performing in-scope work without the right to work, with higher repeat-offence penalties. Confirm scope and exceptions; do not assume registration makes work lawful.
As of 9 October 2026 — Law on Labour Migration · Article 16¹ — verify enforcement and individual applicabilityThe IT residence route.
SDA lists an SBS entrepreneur route for specified IT activity codes. Requirements include at least two years’ IT experience, at least USD 25,000-equivalent qualifying remuneration over the preceding year, and income evidence from at least two receipts at least 30 days apart. Lawful stay, right-to-work evidence and supporting documents also matter.
As of 9 October 2026 — SDA residence-permit requirements · Verify with Georgian counselBeing a SaaS founder alone does not establish eligibility. A lawyer must verify activity classification, income evidence and the current requirements.
Let us handle it.
IE Complete · €2,490 one-time. IE Operating plus work-permit application coordination with a qualified lawyer. Government fees extra; residence / D1 application scope separately confirmed.
We check whether you need it before you pay anything.
Permit questions.
Does every foreign IE need a permit?
No blanket answer is appropriate. The current Labour Migration Law contains exemptions, including certain services supplied to non-residents for activities outside Georgia. Actual facts and implementing rules need review.
Is a work permit the same as tax status?
No. Registration, Small Business Status, right to work and immigration status are distinct processes.
What does STRATA coordinate?
The Complete package adds lawyer-led application coordination when needed. Professional conclusions, government decisions and immigration applications outside the agreed scope remain separate.