As Georgia’s economy and job opportunities have expanded in recent years, more foreigners have wondered about the prospects of working legally in the country. Georgia’s vibrant employment sectors, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural traditions have attracted growing numbers of digital nomads and expatriates. However, navigating the work visa and permit requirements can seem daunting.
Significant cities like Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi now have expat communities, with foreigners filling needed skills gaps. However, navigating Georgia’s work visa and permit system can be complex for newcomers. This article outlines the key steps and requirements to work in Georgia. We discuss the in-demand fields, documents needed, application processes, taxes, cultural adaptation, and more. For foreigners up for an adventure, Georgia provides unique and affordable work opportunities in a stunning setting.
Legal Requirements for Foreign Workers
Before considering employment opportunities in Georgia for foreigners, it is crucial to understand the legal requirements. The Georgian government has implemented specific regulations to ensure a smooth and lawful process for foreign individuals seeking employment. Indeed, Georgia’s work visa policies strive to balance the needs of overseas workers with local businesses doing the hiring. So, by outlining the required procedures and documents, the regulations enable qualified foreigners to work in Georgia legally while protecting the interests of companies hiring staff from abroad.
Foreigners working in Georgia must first obtain authorization through a Georgian work permit. The Ministry of Internal Affairs issues these permits required for non-citizens. Also, the application process involves submitting various documents to the authorities, including your passport, Georgian employment agreement, certifications, and qualifications. It’s highly recommended that foreigners looking to work in Georgia consult experienced immigration lawyers to ensure they meet all current requirements. The lawyers can assist with properly preparing the work permit application.
Employment Opportunities in Georgia for Foreigners

For foreigners looking to work in Georgia, the capital city, Tbilisi, offers some of the most abundant job openings. Key fields like hospitality, tourism, IT, and startups are rapidly expanding in Tbilisi and are hungry for foreign talent to fill open positions. Other major cities like Batumi, Kutaisi, and Rustavi have teaching English, healthcare, engineering, and more openings.
In addition to jobs in the cities, there are job opportunities in Georgia for foreigners in more rural parts of the country. The agricultural industry is one area that often employs foreign workers, especially during harvest seasons. There are also openings at international schools and organizations nationwide that seek native English speakers and those with teaching credentials.
Overall, some of the top fields and positions of work in Georgia for foreigners include:
– Teaching English
– Tourism and hospitality
– Information technology
– International business and startups
– Healthcare and medical positions
– Engineering and manufacturing
– Agriculture and food production
– Non-profit and NGO work
Therefore, the best resources for finding job openings include checking sites like Jobs.ge, GEOCareer.ge, and Teach away. Postings can also be found on LinkedIn and Facebook groups focused on working in Georgia.
The Resources to Find Work in Georgia Country for Foreigners
There are several good resources and platforms to search for opportunities to work in Georgia for foreigners. Some of the top job sites include Jobs.ge, Career.ge, MyJobs.ge, and Teachaway. These sites post a wide range of job openings from various companies and sectors around Georgia. As mentioned, significant cities like Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi have the most vacancies, especially in fields like education, tourism, technology, and hospitality.
Networking is also an effective way to find work in Georgia for foreigners. In addition, attending job fairs, expat events, and industry meetups can connect you with Georgian employers looking to fill positions. , another option is reaching out directly to international companies operating in Georgia. Moreover, social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook can also help discover openings.
Signing up with a local recruitment agency familiar with hiring foreigners is also advisable. With their connections and knowledge of the job market, they can match you with suitable openings and assist with hiring. Thus, check sites like Vacancy. ge and Anagi. ge to find established recruiters in Georgia.
Work Visas and Permits in Georgia for Foreigners
In order to legally work in Georgia for foreigners, they must obtain the proper work visa or residence permit. There are a few main options:
Work Visa
To long-term work in Georgia for foreigners, you must get a standard Georgia work visa sponsored by a local employer. The hiring company will file the visa application with the National Agency of Public Registry, providing documents like your passport, Georgian employment agreement, diplomas, and more. Once approved, the essential work visa for Georgia enables foreigners to work legally for up to 6 years without renewal. This is the most common route for foreigners seeking multi-year work authorization in Georgia.
Residence Permit
Instead of a Georgia work visa, foreigners planning to work in Georgia for more than six months may qualify for a residence permit. This permit allows employment at any company rather than one sponsor. To get this residence permit to work in Georgia for foreigners, you must provide paperwork like your application, passport, photos, financial verification, and background check results. If granted, the residence permit authorizes foreigners to legally work in Georgia for up to 3 years without renewal.
Remote Work Visa
Georgia also offers a remote work visa for employees who work remotely for a company based in another country. This 1-year visa allows living and working in Georgia while being paid by a foreign employer. So, I am applying for the required documents, including a remote work offer letter, passport, and background check.
Entrepreneurial Visa
For foreigners aiming to start and run a company in Georgia, an entrepreneur visa may enable them to work and live there legally. Foreign applicants must submit a convincing business plan for Georgia and financial documentation. If granted, the entrepreneurial visa allows foreigners to establish and grow a Georgia business while residing there for up to 3 consecutive years.
Freelance Visa
Georgia also has a freelance visa for self-employed foreigners whose work is location-independent. Applicants must provide documents that prove sufficient monthly income through freelancing, such as contracts and bank statements. Besides, the freelance visa is valid for one year.
Getting a Local Work Permit in Georgia for Foreigners
In addition to a work visa, employers in Georgia must obtain a local work permit for any foreign employees. This is applied for by the company sponsoring the ticket. The employer must submit paperwork to the Revenue Service to get a local work permit approved. This includes documents like the employment contract, the employee’s résumé, a business registration extract, and more.
Local work permits in Georgia are usually issued within two weeks of applying. They are tied directly to the work visa validity and must be renewed whenever a new work visa is issued.
Taxes for Foreign Workers in Georgia
Foreigners working in Georgia are subject to the country’s tax laws. The income tax rate is a flat 20% for residents. Non-residents are subject to source taxation, which typically entails the employer deducting income tax from each payroll payment.
Georgia also has a social tax or pension contribution that must be paid. For most employees, this is 2% of the gross salary paid by the employer. Self-employed foreigners must contribute to the social tax themselves at a rate of 20%.
Additionally, foreign employees in Georgia participate in the country’s universal healthcare system. Healthcare contributions equate to approximately 2.5% of taxable salary.
In short, when starting work in Georgia for foreigners, the employer will guide new foreign employees through obtaining a tax code number and setting up mandatory payroll contributions.
Steps to Working in Georgia As a Foreigner
To summarize, the steps to work in Georgia for foreigner includes:
- Find a job: Search job sites and networks for open positions sponsoring work visas. Hospitality, teaching English, IT, and engineering are in-demand fields.
- Apply for a work visa: With a job offer, apply at the National Agency of Public Registry for the correct work visa and provide the required documents.
- Obtain a work permit: Your employer submits an application and supporting documents to get your work permit from the Revenue Service.
- Get set up for taxes: Obtain a tax code number and set up income and healthcare tax contributions through your employer.
- Apply for a residence permit: If staying beyond six months, apply for a residence permit within the first three months in Georgia to continue legally living and working.
- Renew permits accordingly: Keep track of work visa and permit expiration dates, plan to renew your credentials, and submit updated documents as needed.
Work Culture and Lifestyle in Georgia for Foreigners
Work in Georgia for foreigners not only offers professional growth but also provides a unique cultural experience. Georgian work culture strongly emphasizes hospitality, teamwork, and respect for hierarchy. Further, cultivating close working relationships and keeping open communication lines with coworkers and managers is very important in work settings in Georgia.
The Georgian people are renowned for their pleasant and receptive culture, enabling foreigners to quickly assimilate into the local communities across Georgia. The country’s rich history and vibrant traditions contribute to a diverse and engaging lifestyle. From exploring ancient monasteries to indulging in delicious cuisine, Georgia offers many experiences for those looking to immerse themselves in a new culture.
Average Salary of Work in Georgia for Foreigners
Expats in Georgia can expect to make between 1,500 and 3,000 Lari per month on average, or around $550 to USD 1,100, adjusted for role, qualifications, and background. Some of the most lucrative career fields for expats in Georgia are technology, engineering, business management, banking, and English language instruction. These roles typically pay 2,500 – 4,000 GEL monthly ($900 – USD 1,450). Salaries tend to be higher in major cities like Tbilisi or Batumi.
Moreover, wages are lower for hospitality, tourism, customer service, and administrative roles, averaging around 1,200 – 2,000 GEL per month ($430 – USD 720). Teaching English at schools may start at about 1,500 – 2,000 GEL monthly ($540 – USD 720).
In summary, salaries of work in Georgia for foreigners remain exempt from income tax, allowing for very favorable take-home pay. Overall, Georgia offers good earning potential relative to the low cost of living, especially compared to Western Europe or North America.
Living in Georgia as a Foreign Worker
Georgia provides an outstanding quality of life and affordable cost of living for foreigners working there. The capital, Tbilisi, is more budget-friendly for housing, food, and fun than European cities. Georgia’s growing economy and favorable business climate also welcome skilled foreign workers.
The simplified visa and tax policies also create a relatively seamless process for gaining legal permission to work in Georgia for foreigners. For foreigners seeking a thrilling professional journey in a breathtakingly beautiful and culturally vibrant nation situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia offers boundless opportunities for work. So, with its unique location and rich heritage, Georgia holds tremendous potential for expats looking to embark on an exciting work experience.
Critical Tips for Foreigners Working in Georgia Country
If you are planning to work in Georgia for foreigners, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Learn basic Georgian language phrases. Though many Georgians speak English, showing effort to speak the local language is appreciated.
- Ensure you have the necessary insurance coverage, such as travel medical and evacuation insurance.
- Open a local bank account in Georgia within two months of arrival to handle your salary payments and expenses.
- Find out about and comprehend Georgia’s tax regulations for international workers. And attention that taxes will reduce your salary.
- Connect with other foreigners living in Georgia through expat groups. They can provide helpful advice for adjusting to work and life in the country.
- Respect the cultural norms of your workplace and adjust accordingly. For example, appearance and dress tend to be more formal.
- For long-term stays, consider purchasing a car. Georgia has an affordable and extensive used car market.
Last Words
In conclusion, Georgia provides an open and inviting atmosphere for foreigners looking to work there. With favorable legal regulations, abundant job prospects, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in a vibrant cultural milieu, Georgia is an excellent destination for expats seeking work opportunities.
However, it is essential for individuals interested in working in Georgia as foreigners to ensure they meet all the necessary legal requirements and conduct thorough research beforehand. Working in Georgia for foreigners can provide a rewarding experience, allowing foreign workers to grow professionally while exploring this captivating country’s wonders.