Foreign nationals who do not hold permanent residence permits in Georgia will no longer be allowed to work as couriers, drivers, or tour guides under a new government decree.
The regulation was issued by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and approves new rules governing the granting of labor activity rights to labor migrants and self-employed foreign nationals.
Under the decree, the government has established annual quotas for specific professions and labor or entrepreneurial activities. For several sectors, the quota has been set at zero, effectively prohibiting new work permits in those fields.
Based on the decision, the annual quotas are as follows:
* Courier services – quota set at 0
* Passenger transportation services (drivers) – quota set at 0
* Tour guide services for tourists – quota set at 0
* Mountain, alpine, and ski guiding services for tourists – quota set at 200
The decree will enter into force on March 1, 2026.
For self-employed foreign nationals who, as of March 1, 2026, are already engaged in labor or entrepreneurial activities in Georgia, are partners in operating enterprises, or otherwise involved in business activities from which they receive financial benefit, enforcement mechanisms will take effect starting May 1, 2026.
Labor migrants registered in the unified database of the Ministry of Health ([www.Labourmigration.moh.gov.ge](http://www.Labourmigration.moh.gov.ge)) who hold active registration status as of March 1, 2026, must obtain the legally required labor activity permit and the appropriate residence permit no later than January 1, 2027.
A labor migrant employed by a local employer and performing paid work must obtain a labor activity permit through that local employer. In the case of self-employed foreign nationals, the permit must be obtained directly.
Labor activity permits will be issued:
For labor migrants – for a specific employer and a specific job position;
For self-employed foreign nationals – for a specific activity and/or a specific field of activity.
The new regulations significantly tighten access to certain sectors of Georgia’s labor market for foreign nationals without permanent residency status. Further clarification from the government regarding implementation and oversight is expected in the coming weeks.
Image: Netgazeti
