Georgia to Launch New Work Permit System

Overview

The government of Georgia has announced that it will roll out a new work permit system designed to regulate and simplify the process of obtaining employment authorization for foreign workers. In practice, the reform is expected to streamline how applications are submitted, reviewed, and approved, reducing administrative burdens for both employers and international talent. The forthcoming system is expected to introduce clear procedures, digital workflows, and updated eligibility requirements, with the objective of making decision-making more predictable and ensuring that documentation and compliance standards are applied consistently across cases.

Beyond operational improvements, the initiative is intended to create a more transparent and business‑friendly environment for companies that rely on cross‑border recruitment, including large multinationals and fast‑growing mid‑market organizations. By formalizing rules that were previously fragmented or handled through ad hoc processes, the authorities aim to give HR, global mobility, and legal teams greater visibility on timelines, required documents, and conditions for hiring foreign nationals.

This initiative reflects Georgia’s broader effort to modernize its immigration and labour frameworks to support foreign talent while safeguarding local workforce interests. The reform sits within a wider policy agenda to attract investment, address skills gaps in key sectors, and align the country with international best practices in labour mobility and immigration compliance. At the same time, the new system is expected to reinforce checks on eligibility, labour market protections, and employer obligations, so that increased openness to foreign talent goes hand in hand with responsible oversight and protection of domestic employment conditions.

What the New System Will Do

Once implemented, the new work permit system will:

• Establish standardized application procedures

• Introduce digital or online submission channels

• Clarify eligibility requirements for foreign employees and employers

• Improve transparency in processing times and approvals

• Enhance compliance monitoring and enforcement

The work permit system is intended to replace or supplement existing patchwork modalities, consolidating current ad hoc processes into a single, coherent framework. By centralizing procedures and introducing standardized, digital channels, the reform aims to reduce inconsistencies between different authorities, minimize reliance on manual paperwork, and provide clearer guidance for both employers and foreign nationals. In doing so, it is expected to bring Georgia more in line with other jurisdictions that use streamlined online mechanisms for immigration processing, improving transparency, predictability, and overall user experience for stakeholders managing cross‑border hiring.

Who Will Be Affected?

The new system will be relevant to:

• Foreign nationals seeking employment authorization in Georgia

• Employers planning to hire or sponsor expatriate talent

• HR and global mobility teams managing cross-border assignments

• Legal representatives and immigration advisors supporting clients

Once in effect, the system will cover both first-time work permit applications and renewals.

Key Features and Expectations

Although full procedural details have not yet been published, the new system is expected to:

• Allow online application submission

• Provide a tracking system for application status

• Define standard documentation and eligibility criteria

• Clarify roles and responsibilities for sponsors and applicants

• Publish estimated processing timelines

These features are designed to bring more predictability to work permit applications and reduce reliance on manual or in-person filings.

Implications for Employers

Employers planning to hire foreign nationals should consider:

• Reviewing current hiring practices for expatriate talent

• Preparing for a transition to an online submission environment

• Training HR teams on the new procedures once launched

• Incorporating new compliance requirements into workforce planning

• Anticipating updated documentation and eligibility criteria

Advance preparation can help minimise disruptions once the system goes live.

Considerations for Applicants

Foreign workers seeking employment authorization in Georgia should:

• Monitor official announcements for launch details

• Prepare digital copies of personal and professional documentation

• Familiarise themselves with eligibility criteria once published

• Consult with immigration professionals for guidance

Being ready ahead of implementation can shorten wait times and improve outcomes.

Timeline and Next Steps

Georgia has signalled that the work permit system is forthcoming, though no fixed launch date has been announced. Stakeholders should watch for official communications that will detail:

• The official launch date

• System access and registration procedures

• Full lists of required documents

• Fees and processing expectations

As further details are confirmed, guidance documents and training materials are likely to be released.

Key Takeaway

Georgia’s forthcoming work permit system represents a meaningful step toward modernising employment authorisation for foreign workers and bringing greater predictability to cross‑border hiring. While details are still emerging, the reform is expected to centralise procedures, reduce reliance on paper-based filings and in-person visits, and align Georgia more closely with international best practices in immigration processing.

In practical terms, employers and applicants alike should begin preparing for a shift to a more standardised, digital immigration process by reviewing internal policies, identifying documentation that will likely need to be submitted electronically, and planning for potential changes in eligibility criteria and compliance obligations. Early preparation will help organisations adapt quickly once the system is launched, minimise disruption to recruitment and assignment timelines, and ensure that foreign talent can be onboarded efficiently and in full compliance with the new framework.

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About Anywr

Anywr is a French international group specializing in global mobility solutions.
Founded in 2012, Anywr operates in 12 countries across 4 continents. Our mission is to support companies in addressing their Human Resources challenges. We respond to your needs in terms of international mobility, particularly in terms of immigration policies, relocation, the implementation of mobility policies and EOR.

Do you have a mobility project for your teams? Contact us!