Protection for arrivals from Ukraine

Advice before travelling to the border: Make sure you have your passport, ID or other documentation that will help confirm your identity.

If possible, please consult with the Patrol Police Department ?(032) 241-42-42 in advance.

Crossing the border

Citizens of Ukraine can enter Georgia without a visa and stay in Georgia without a visa, for 1 year.
For more information, please check the consular web page: https://geoconsul.gov.ge/en

Conditions of entry to Georgia

Please note that entry into Georgia without a valid travel document (such as a biometric passport) is not guaranteed. While there have been cases where individuals were allowed entry without proper documents, this is not standard practice and may lead to refusal at the border.

If you are traveling with children, it is strongly recommended to carry at least the child’s birth certificate or any available identification documents, as these are often required to confirm family relationships and may be requested by authorities.

To avoid complications, it is best to travel with valid documents whenever possible.

Persons without a valid passport are advised to carry any other document confirming their identity. If possible, please consult with the Patrol Police Department (032) 241-42-42 in advance.

!!! Entry to Georgia, regardless of whether valid documents are presented, is not guaranteed and is subject to the discretion of the border authorities. !!!

In the event that an unaccompanied child crosses the border, the competent authority, in cooperation with the police, shall coordinate the next steps. Government officials consider a child as “unaccompanied” if they are “alone” when they arrive at the border without lawful status.

In such cases, please, contact Child Helpline: 111

After crossing the border

After crossing the border, every Ukrainian is free to choose the city of residence in Georgia.

Governmental and non-governmental organizations can provide humanitarian and basic material assistance based on the place of residence. Please follow the link to see the mapping of the available services: http://www.dopomoga.ge/

! Disclaimer! The information in the service mapping is not collected by UNHCR, therefore UNHCR does not bear responsibility for its validity.

Pets

Georgian border accepts pets at border crossings even without a passport and vaccination. Although, as a rule, the pet must meet the following requirements:

• must be healthy;
• the preventive vaccination, diagnostic research and relevant processing must be undergone;
• must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate or a pet passport.

International passport for dogs and cats must include the following basic information:

• data about animals (information for their identification);
• data about pet owners;
• residence address;
• data about veterinary measures provided on the pet (by referring to the dates):
• about the rabies vaccination;
• treatment against the eco and endoparasites.

Warning

Do not hand over your documents, and property or use unofficial transportation from anyone else.
If you feel threatened, please contact the national non-stop helpline for victims of trafficking ?: 116 006.

Staying in Georgia: According to the Decree #81 of the Government of Georgia on amending the Resolution No. 255 of the Government of Georgia, if you are a citizen of Ukraine you can stay in the territory of Georgia for a year visa-free.

In order to be able to stay legally in the territory of Georgia for a longer period of time, you will have to decide during this period whether you will apply for one of the forms of residence or apply for asylum.

Applying for Asylum

If you are in need of asylum (international protection), you have the right to address any state agency or submit a written request for asylum in Georgia at the state border or at the Division of the International Protection Issues of the Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

When applying for asylum, you are required to submit any available travel documents, such as an international passport. The Ministry will hold onto this document for the duration of the asylum procedure, even after the status is granted.

Upon application for asylum, you will receive a Georgian ID card. You are not allowed to travel outside Georgia during the asylum procedure, except for exceptional, life-saving reasons and if such permit is granted to you by the Migration Department.

At the end of the asylum procedure, you may be granted refugee status or humanitarian status, or your asylum application may be rejected.

If you are granted refugee or humanitarian status, you can request a travel document, which will serve as a replacement for your international passport for travelling abroad.

After obtaining the travel document, individuals must adhere to immigration regulations, such as obtaining a visa if required, depending on their citizenship, when travelling abroad.

N.B. Obtaining refugee or humanitarian status does not limit one’s right to travel abroad, except for travel to the country of origin. Also, a person can at any time withdraw the asylum application or apply for the cessation of the refugee or humanitarian statuses. After the request is submitted, the passport and other identity documents will be returned to a person.

Following the withdrawal of an application for international protection, an asylum-seeker can re-apply for international protection if there are new circumstances to his/her claim and they became known to him after the withdrawal of an application for international protection and the Ministry shall provide the asylum-seeker with access to a fair and effective asylum procedure.

The Department is the main State authority responsible for asylum procedures and registering asylum-seekers.

Address:  16, Mikheil Gakhokidze Street, Tbilisi, Georgia
Reception Hours: Monday-Friday/9:00-18:00

More information on Rights and Obligations is available at https://help.unhcr.org/georgia/applying-for-asylum/
More information about the asylum related legislation is available on
https://www.refworld.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/rwmain/opendocpdf.pdf?reldoc=y&docid=5d00a6c14

State Financial Assistance

Government Decree # 1254 “On the socio-economic support measures for citizens of Ukraine and persons with the right to permanent residence in Ukraine who entered Georgia due to the hostilities in Ukraine” came into its implementation as of 1 August 2023 and in and has been extended till 1 October 2025. The Decree primarily covers all Ukrainian refugees who were accommodated in the hotels and envisages financial assistance of 300 GEL per family and 45 GEL per person.

• The Decree covers all vulnerable new arrivals as well as those who arrived before 15 July 2023 and lived in government-provided hotels.  
• In the scope of extended Decree, all those previously assisted by the Government will continue to get the assistance until 1 October 2025.
• Those in need may also apply for the emergency accommodation via the Hotline 1505 of the Ministry of Health. 
• To register for the financial assistance, please approach the nearest branch of the Social Service Agency.

For more information, please call the Hotline 1505 of the Ministry of Health.

Work

Residents of Ukraine have the same access to the labour market as Georgian citizens (except for civil servants). They can be employed on an employment contract or in the form of an agreement.

The offer of vacancies in the Ukrainian language is available directly on the following websites:

https://jobs.ge/
https://www.hr.ge/

In addition please consult UNHCR’s partner organization World Vision Georgia to explore the employment opportunities:
Tel: (+995) 577045645
Address: 67b Zhiuli Shartava Str., Tbilisi, Georgia
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/multiservicecentregeorgia/
Website: https://www.wvi.org/georgia

Healthcare

Citizens of Ukraine who arrived in Georgia after 1 February 2022 and have not left the territory of Georgia for more than 3 days are included in the state healthcare programmes covering the following:

• Immunization;
• Tuberculosis and HIV infections/AIDs, including specialized medication;
• Maternal and child health, including antenatal care and screening of newborns;
• Mental health;
• Diabetes including medication;
• Dialysis;
• Treatment of patients with rare diseases and subject to permanent substitution treatment;
• New coronavirus – COVIF19 treatment, including testing, vaccination, stationary and at-home treatment;
• Referral – emergency services, including child delivery, and emergency immunization.

Call 1505 for more information

In addition to the State provided services, please follow the link to see the mapping of services offered by private companies: http://www.dopomoga.ge/?category=23

School

According to the decision of the Government of Georgia, as a result of the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, schoolchildren who are unable to continue their general education in Ukrainian schools and express a desire to continue their education in Georgia will be enrolled in schools in a simplified manner.

Schoolchildren can be enrolled in the class in which they were studying at a general education institution in Ukraine.

Psychological counselling is available to school children from Ukraine throughout Georgia.
Detailed information is available on the hotline of the Ministry of Education: (995 32) 2 200 220.
If you require assistance in enrolling children in school, please contact UNHCR’s partner organization World Vision Georgia:
Tel:  (+995) 577045645
Address: 67b Zhiuli Shartava Str., Tbilisi, Georgia
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/multiservicecentregeorgia/
Website: https://www.wvi.org/georgia

WV Georgia

World Vision supports social protection and integration of refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons through community mobilisation and tailored services. In Tbilisi and Batumi, its Multi-Service Centres provide information, SGBV awareness, peer meetings, parenting classes, and language clubs. Individuals are linked to health, education, employment, and psychosocial services. World Vision also supports refugee-led organisations and delivers cash assistance to vulnerable individuals following an assessment.

Address: 67b, Zhiuli Shartava St, Tbilisi; 40, G. Mazniashvili str, Batumi
Phone: (+995) 577 04 56 45;
E-mail: [email protected];
Website: https://www.wvi.org/georgia

Care Caucasus

CARE  provides legal assistance, business start-up grants and accounting consultations. All services are available both online and in-person throughout Georgia.

Address: 14B Shalva Nutsubidze St, Tbilisi
Phone: ? (+995) 591 95 33 01
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://care-caucasus.org.ge/

Georgia Red Cross Society

Provides hotline and referrals for Ukrainian citizens, mental health and psychosocial support materials, child-friendly spaces, food and hygiene kits, first aid training, disease prevention, and support with access to healthcare services and CVA (cash and voucher assistance).

Hotline: ? (+995 322) 501 105 (from 10:00 to 18:00)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.redcross.ge

Rights Georgia                                                                                                                               

Offers free legal assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons, and those seeking protection. Services include legal counselling, assistance with documentation, court representation, and support related to GBV and social protection. Available in person and online.

Address: 11a Akaki Gakhokidze Street, Tbilisi
Hotline: ? (+995) 593 11 14 05; (+995) 555 10 73 00
Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.rights.ge

ASB (German Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund)

Long-term programs to support the integration of Ukrainian refugees into Georgian society (youth, people with disabilities and the elderly);                                                                                      Programs to mitigate the consequences of gender-based violence;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Sports, educational and entertainment programs for Ukrainian and Georgian children in different regions of Georgia;                                                                                                                                   Long-term measures to support the integration of refugees from Ukraine into Georgian society;                                                                                                                                                                          English, Math, Chemistry, Physics, IT  classes for children from Ukraine and Georgia;                                                                                                                                                                                         Georgian language classes for children from Ukraine;

Address: 2 Victor Dolidze Street, II Floor, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia
Phone: (+995 322) 29 00 06
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.asb.ge/

Charitable Foundation “Caritas Georgia”

Operates a temporary shelter for mothers and infants in Tbilisi.

Address: 45, Besarion Zhgenti Str., 0183 Tbilisi
Phone: ? (+995 32) 221 78 19; 225 13 87; (+995) 591 22 97 00; (+995) 591 08 81 76
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.caritas.ge/

Unite Together

Provides counselling, organizes cultural and community events.

Address: Tsotne Dadiani 23, Tbilisi
Phone: ?(+995) 551 14 63 64
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.facebook.com/UniteTogetherForUkraine  https://www.instagram.com/unitetogetherforukraine/  https://t.me/Unite_T

The International Committee of the Red Cross

Supports family reunification for individuals separated by the war, including tracing services, Red Cross messages and confidential case processing.

Address: 24 Ilo Mosashvili str, 0162 Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 2 35 55 10
E-mail: [email protected]

Ukrainian House in Tbilisi and Batumi

The Ukrainian House was established in September 2023 with support from the German Government through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The Ukrainian House in Tbilisi:

• Serves as a community hub to provide socio-economic integration and resilience-building assistance to the Ukrainian nationals residing in Georgia;
• Provides shared office and event space for community members, organizations, and groups that support the Ukrainian nationals in Georgia;
• Acts as an information hub for socio-economic services for the Ukrainians who fled the war to Georgia and provides referrals when necessary.

The Ukrainian House in Batumi:

• Serves as a community hub to provide socio-economic support and resilience-building assistance to Ukrainian nationals residing in western Georgia;

• Provides a shared office and event space for community members, organisations, and groups that support Ukrainian nationals in Georgia, with larger NGOs and INGOs offered below-market rental rates;

• Acts as a platform for subletting and planned commercial activities, including a Ukrainian café, to help sustain operations while maintaining free access for Ukrainians;

• Hosts visits by the Ukrainian Consul and offer limited consular services.

Address: 3/5 Galaktion Tabidze St, Tbilisi   /  31 26 May St, Batumi
Hotline: (+995) 557 43 29 40 Tbilisi / (+995) 599 10 29 20 Batumi

Changes for the Better (Зміни на Kраще)

Clothes, shoes, toys, food and baby food, hygiene products, medicines. Information support is also provided and, in addition, resources for providing psychological support to refugees.

Address: Avlabari, Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), ground floor

Working days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 11:00 to 16:00.

Phone: +995 557 606346

From Georgia, you can use air transport. 3 international airports are operational in Georgia:

• Tbilisi International Airport – https://www.tbilisiairport.com/
• Kutaisi International Airport – https://www.kutaisi.aero/
• Batumi International Airport – https://batumiairport.com/

Consulates and embassies in Georgia

An overview of contact details of consulates and embassies in Georgia is available on the following link: https://mfa.gov.ge/getattachment/MainNav/EmbassiesRepresentations/ForeignEmbassiesMissionsGeorgia/DIPLOMATIC-LIST_31-01-22.pdf.aspx

• Mapping of governmental and nongovernmental services: http://www.dopomoga.ge/

Emergency situations

112

112 service is free of charge and unifies different services in Georgia, in particular, these services are:
patrol police, fire/rescue and medical services.

UNHCR Representation in Georgia
Address: Tengiz Abuladze 25, Tbilisi Georgia
Теlephone: +995 (0322) 185 123
E-mail: [email protected]

Embassy of Ukraine in Georgia
Address: 76g I.Chavchavadze Ave.,Tbilisi Georgia
Phone ? +810-99532-311161 / +810-99532-311454

Division of International Protection Issues of the Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia
Address:  16, Mikheil Gakhokidze Street, Tbilisi, Georgia

Information on Asylum Procedures in Georgia

Information Leaflet on Medical Services Available for the Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Humanitarian Status Holders in Georgia

Frequently asked questions about education (ENG)

Frequently asked questions about education (GEO)

Frequently asked questions about education (RUS)

For women experiencing or at risk of violence

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What legal documents do mainly regulate the employment of an alien with no permit for permanent residence in Georgia with a local employer or his/her self-employment/entrepreneurship?
The employment of an alien with no permit for permanent residence in Georgia with a local employer and his/her employment for remuneration or other financial benefits, as well as self-employment/entrepreneurship shall be regulated by:
• the Law of Georgia on Labour Migration (see the document at – hhttps://matsne.gov.ge/en/document/view/2806732?publication=6)
1. the Ordinance of the Government of Georgia of 2026 on Approval of the Rules for Granting the Right to Work to Labour Immigrants and Self-Employed Aliens (see the document at – https://matsne.gov.ge/document/view/6791218?publication=0 )

2. To which categories of aliens staying in Georgia are the provisions concerning the employment of aliens in Georgia and their paid work/entrepreneurial activities not applied?
The provisions established by the Law on Labour Migration shall not apply to the relations pertaining to the employment of an alien in Georgia and the performance of paid work/entrepreneurial activity by him/her if he/she:
a) is a refugee, a person with supplementary protection or temporary protection, who has acquired that status in accordance with the legislation of Georgia;
b) is registered in Georgia as an asylum seeker;
c) works in a diplomatic mission accredited in Georgia, a consular office of a foreign state, a legal representation and/or an organ of an international organisation;
d) is a journalist accredited in Georgia by a foreign mass media legally acting in Georgia;
e) is a person to whom the rules on provision of employment different from those established by this Law apply in accordance with the international treaty of Georgia.
f) is a person holding a valid investment residence permit.
3. When shall the regulations regarding the employment of an alien with no permit for permanent residence in Georgia and the implementation of paid work/entrepreneurial activities by him/her become effective?
The regulations regarding the employment of an alien with no permit for permanent residence in Georgia and the implementation of paid work/entrepreneurial activities by him/her shall become effective from 1 March 2026.

In relation to those self-employed foreigners who, as of March 1, 2026, are already engaged in labour/entrepreneurial activities in Georgia, are partners of operating enterprises or are otherwise involved in the process of entrepreneurial/labour activities from which they receive financial benefits, the enforcement mechanism specified by the legislation shall be activated from May 1, 2026.

A labour immigrant registered in the Unified Database of the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia (www.Labourmigration.moh.gov.ge), who has an active registration status as of March 1, 2026, must obtain the right to labour activity and the appropriate residence permit in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia no later than January 1, 2027.

4. Who is a labour immigrant in accordance with the Law on Labour Migration?
A labour immigrant is an alien with no permit for permanent residence in Georgia whose goal is to be employed by a local employer in Georgia and to carry out paid labour activities, or who has remote labour relationship with a local employer, and an alien with no permit for permanent residence in Georgia who is self-employed.

5. Who is a local employer who has the right to have employment relationship with a labour immigrant?

A local employer is a legal entity registered in Georgia, an individual entrepreneur or a partnership registered in Georgia, a representation of a foreign organisation registered in Georgia or a person legally residing in Georgia who, in accordance with the legislation of Georgia, has the right to have employment relationship with an alien with no permit for permanent residence in Georgia and who exploits his/her labour in Georgia.

6. Who is considered a self-employed alien?
A self-employed alien is an alien with no permit for permanent residence in Georgia, who carries out paid labour activities, is, inter alia, a person carrying out trade, providing services or other activities, or a partner, an independent contractor or is otherwise engaged in the process of entrepreneurial/labour activities and the goal of these activities is to obtain financial benefit.

7. Who is a „service organiser“?
A service organiser is a natural or legal person that enters in any transaction with a self-employed alien, as a result of which the latter receives financial benefit.

8. What does the right to work mean and who grants this right?
The right to work grants an alien, in cases provided for by the legislation of Georgia, a special right to carry out labour/entrepreneurial activities independently in the territory of Georgia or have labour relationship with a local employer in Georgia or remotely.

An alien with no permit for permanent residence in Georgia may get a job with a local employer and perform paid work in Georgia, or get a remote job with a local employer, as well as engage in entrepreneurial/labour activities in Georgia, including trade, services or other activities, or engage in partnership activities, independent contracting or otherwise engage in entrepreneurial/labour activities in order to obtain economic benefits, only after this alien obtains the right to work.

On the basis of the right to work, in the manner established by the legislation of Georgia, a D1 category immigration visa, a work residence permit and a residence permit for persons employed in the field of information technology (IT) shall be issued.

The right to work shall be granted by the LEPL – State Employment Support Agency, which is under the State control of the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia.

9. What sanctions are imposed on the activities carried out by a labour immigrant/self-employed alien without the right to work?
In accordance with Article 161 of the Law on Labour Migration, carrying out of any activities by a labour immigrant without the right to work with a local employer/service organiser, for which the labour immigrant receives remuneration, shall result in the imposition of a fine on the local employer/service organiser (for each labour immigrant individually) in the amount of GEL 2 000.

Carrying out of labour activities by a labour immigrant without the right to work with a local employer shall result in the imposition of a fine on the labour immigrant in the amount of GEL 2 000.

Carrying out of labour activities by a self-employed alien without the right to work shall result in the imposition of a fine on the self-employed alien in the amount of GEL 2 000.

Repeated commission of the above violations shall result in a fine of GEL 4,000.

10. When is the right to work acquired: before entering Georgia or after entering Georgia?
A labour immigrant may obtain the right to work before entering Georgia and during his/her stay in Georgia.

An alien staying in Georgia shall have the right to apply for the right to work only if he/she legally stays in Georgia. The right to work may not be granted to an alien staying in Georgia at the time of filing an application on the basis of a deferred obligation to leave Georgia.

11. Can a labour immigrant/self-employed alien who has the right to work be employed/carry out activities with any local employer/in any field of economic activity?
A labour immigrant shall be granted the right to work with a specific local employer, in a specific position, and in the case of a self-employed alien – with an indication of a specific specialty and labour/entrepreneurial sphere.

The transfer of the right to work to another person in any form shall be inadmissible.

If a labour immigrant wishes to change the position held by him/her or a self-employed alien wishes to change the labour/entrepreneurial sphere, as provided for by the right to work, the labour immigrant/self-employed alien shall be obliged to obtain the right to work in equivalent to the changed conditions.

The changing of a local employer by a labour immigrant, or of labour/entrepreneurial activity by a self-employed alien, for which the right to work has been granted, without renewing such right:

shall result in the imposition of a fine on the labour immigrant in the amount of GEL 2 000 and early termination of the right to work issued to a labor immigrant.

12. What is the basis for granting the right to work to a labour immigrant?
The basis for granting the right to work to a labour immigrant is the demand in the Georgian labour market and the needs of the local labour market, and to a self-employed alien – the sphere of economic activity.

For those professions/qualifications, positions and fields of activity that do not require highly skilled labour or for which the supply of local labour in the Georgian (national) labour market exceeds or is expected to exceed the current or future demand for it, the corresponding annual quotas shall be determined by an ordinance of the Government of Georgia.

The following quotas have been set for 2026:
a) for courier services, the annual quota is 0;
b) for passenger transportation activities, the annual quota is 0;
c) for activities related to the provision of tourist guide services, the annual quota is 0;
d) for activities related to the provision of mountain, alpine and ski guides to tourists, the annual quota is 200.

13. Who obtains the right to work?
If a labour immigrant enters into a labour arrangement with a local employer and performs a paid work, he/she shall be obliged to obtain the right to work through a local employer, and in the case of a self-employed alien – directly.

14. What is the procedure for a local employer to obtain the right to work for a labour immigrant?
a) A local employer shall be obliged to post information about the vacant position for which a labour immigrant is expected to work in the Labour Market Management Information System (www.worknet.moh.gov.ge) at least 10 working days before applying for the right to work;
b) if the Agency is unable to find and provide the employer with a candidate (candidates) who meets the requirements of a vacancy posted by a local employer within 10 working days, the local employer shall apply to the Agency for the right to work for a labour immigrant and provide the information and documents specified in the law (see the list here: https://matsne.gov.ge/document/view/6791218?publication=0 – Appendix N1), through a special electronic system at the following address: www.labourmigration.moh.gov.ge;
c) if a local employer refuses to accept the candidate(s) proposed by the Agency, he/she shall be obliged to notify the Agency electronically within 3 working days from the end of the selection process and justify the reasons for the refusal. The Agency shall review the reasons provided by the local employer within 3 working days, decide whether to continue/terminate the process of granting the right to work and notify the employer of the decision electronically. In case of a positive decision, the employer must apply to the Agency and provide the information and documents specified in the legislation (see the list here: https://matsne.gov.ge/document/view/6791218?publication=0 – Appendix N1) through a special electronic system at the following address: www.labourmigration.moh.gov.ge.

It should also be noted that if, when submitting a request under the above-mentioned exceptions, the importance and necessity of the work being performed personally by a specific foreigner is not apparent, the Agency is authorized, taking into account the requirements and needs of the local labor market, as well as other important circumstances (specificity of the work to be performed, need for individual characteristics to perform the work, reputation of the performer, state or public interest and/or other factors), to extend the procedure provided for in subparagraphs “a” – “c” to the said job position. In such a case, the Agency is obliged to coordinate the issue in advance with the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, and, if necessary, with another relevant state institution. The applicant shall be notified of the agreement on the said issue, and the running of the deadlines specified in this Resolution shall be suspended until an agreement is reached.

The Agency is authorized to request the local employer to submit additional information and/or eliminate any inaccuracies identified in the process during the review of an application for the right to work within a period of no more than 10 calendar days, in case of impossibility and/or failure to eliminate such inaccuracies, the Agency shall refuse the right to work.

15. What is the procedure for obtaining the right to work for a self-employed alien?
To obtain the right to work, a self-employed alien shall apply directly to LEPL – State Employment Support Agency and, together with the application, provide the Agency with the information and
documentation specified in the legislation (see the list here: https://matsne.gov.ge/document/view/6791218?publication=0 – Appendix N2), through a special electronic system at the following address: www.labourmigration.moh.gov.ge.

After providing the necessary information and documentation, an alien seeking self-employment must undergo a video interview with the Agency and, upon completion, confirm the electronic application submitted by him/her in order to obtain the “right to work”.

The Agency is authorized to request the local employer to submit additional information and/or eliminate any inaccuracies identified in the process during the review of an application for the right to work within a period of no more than 10 calendar days, in case of impossibility and/or failure to eliminate such inaccuracies, the Agency shall refuse the right to work.

16. What are the procedures and deadlines for granting the right to work by the Agency?
After receiving the application and all the necessary documentation in full from the local employer/self-employed alien, the Agency shall initiate the procedure for granting the right to work and within not more than 30 calendar days make one of the following decisions on:
a) granting the right to work;
b) refusing to grant the right to work.

The Agency shall send the decision on granting the right to work for a labour immigrant to a local employer/self-employed alien electronically not later than the 30th calendar day from the date of submission of the application and all necessary documentation in full, and in case of accelerated consideration of the application — not later than the 10th working day.

A labour immigrant/self-employed alien who has been denied the right to work in Georgia or whoseright to work has been terminated prematurely has the right to resubmit an application for the issuance/extension of the right to work no later than 1 month after the relevant decision has been made.

17. What are the grounds for refusing to grant/extend the right to work?
The Agency shall decide to refuse to grant/extend the right to work to a labour immigrant/self-employed alien if:
a) the application submitted contains incomplete information and/or mandatory documents, and such a deficiency has not been remedied within 10 calendar days after it is identified;
b) the application for the extension of the right to work has been submitted in violation of the time limits established by the Law;
c) the profession/qualification and position/field of activity of an alien fail to meet the requirements and needs of the Georgian labour market or are included in the list of professions/qualifications and positions/fields of activity for which the corresponding annual quota is defined in Annex No. 3 to these Rules, and this quota has already been filled;
d) consideration of the issue of expelling an alien from Georgia has begun in the manner established by the legislation of Georgia, or a decision has been taken to expel an alien from Georgia.

A labour immigrant/self-employed alien who has been denied the right to work in Georgia or whose right to work has been terminated prematurely shall have the right to reapply for the grant/extension of the right to work not later than 1 month after the relevant decision has been delivered.

18. Is it possible to appeal against the refusal to grant/extend the right to work?
The decision to refuse to grant/extend the right to work may be appealed in court in accordance with the legislation of Georgia within 1 month from the date the Agency’s decision has been notified.
Appeal against the decision to refuse to grant/extend the right to work during the appeal period:
a) shall not entail the right of this alien to work in Georgia;
b) shall not entail a legal basis for postponing the obligation to leave Georgia provided for in Article 48 of the Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons;
c) shall not prevent the consideration of the issue of expulsion by an authorized body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia and/or the execution of the decision on expulsion.

19. In case of refusal to grant/extend the right to work, is it possible to re-apply?
A labour immigrant/self-employed alien who has been denied the right to work in Georgia or whose right to work has been terminated prematurely shall have the right to re-apply for the right to work not later than 1 month after the relevant decision has been delivered.

20. When does the issued right to work enter into force and how long is the right to work granted?
The right to work issued for the first time to a labour immigrant/self-employed alien (except for an alien employed/self-employed in the field of information technology (IT)) shall enter into force from the date of receipt of a D1 category immigration visa or labour residence permit by this alien (except in cases where this alien already holds a residence permit of any category specified by the legislation of Georgia) and its validity shall be determined from the date of entry into force of this right for a period of 6 months to 1 year.

For a labour immigrant/self-employed foreigner who, at the time of applying for the right to work, already holds a residence permit of any category specified by the legislation of Georgia, the right to work issued for the first time shall enter into force from the date of issuance of the right to work by the Agency and its validity shall be determined for a period of 6 months to 1 year from the date of entry into force of this right. The right to work for the first time issued to a foreigner employed/self-employed in the field of information technology (IT) (except for cases where this foreigner already holds a residence permit of any category specified by the legislation of Georgia) shall enter into force from the date of receipt by this foreigner of a D1 category immigration visa or a residence permit for a person employed in the field of information technology (IT) and shall be valid for a period of no more than 3 years from the date of entry into force of this right.

For a foreigner employed/self-employed in the field of information technology (IT) who already holds a residence permit of any category specified by Georgian legislation at the time of applying for the right to work, the right to work issued for the first time shall enter into force from the date of issuance of the right to work by the Agency and shall be valid for a period of no more than 3 years from the date of entry into force of this right.

21. Is it possible to extend the validity period of the right to work?
If a local employer wishes to continue an employment relationship with a labour immigrant working for him/her, he/she shall be obliged to apply to the Agency for an extension of the right to work through a special electronic labour migration system www.labourmigration.moh.gov.ge not later than 30 calendar days before the expiration of the right to work granted to him/her and update the information provided to obtain the valid “right to work”.

If a self-employed alien wishes to extend the validity period of the right to work, he/she shall be obliged to apply to the Agency for an extension of the validity period of the right to work through a special electronic labour migration system www.labourmigration.moh.gov.ge not later than 30 calendar days before the expiration date of the right to work granted to him/her.

When applying for an extension of the right to work, a local employer/self-employed alien shall be obliged to update the information provided in order to obtain the valid “right to work”.

The Agency shall be obliged to notify a local employer and a labour immigrant/self-employed alien of the decision to extend the right to work electronically not later than 30 calendar days after receiving the application.

The validity period of the right to work granted to a labour immigrant/self-employed alien may be extended by not more than one year each time during the first five years.

In the case of a continuous extension of the validity period of the right to work for 5 years, each subsequent period may be extended for a period of 1 to 5 years each time;

For an alien who is employed/self-employed in the field of information technology (IT), the validity period of the right to work may be extended for not more than 3 years each time.

22. Is early termination of the right to work possible?
The grounds for early termination of the right to work are as follows:
a) the expiration of an employment contract concluded between a local employer and a labour immigrant, or early termination of the contract;
b) if, as a result of the monitoring, it was established that the labour immigrant/self-employed alien does not actually work/does not carry out activities in the position/in the field for which the right to work was granted, and the Agency has not been notified about this;
c) if, as a result of the monitoring, it has been established that a labour immigrant/self-employed alien actually works/carries out activities in a position/in a field other than that provided by the Agency or under different conditions, and the Agency has not been notified about this;
d) expiration or termination of a D1 category visa in Georgia for a labour immigrant/self-employed alien, if he/she has not obtained a residence permit at the time of expiration or termination of the D1 category visa;
e) expiration or termination of a residence permit in Georgia for a labour immigrant/self-employed alien;
f) failure by a labour immigrant/self-employed alien to submit an application for a D1category immigration visa and/or a work residence permit or a residence permit for a person working in the field of information technology (IT) within the prescribed period;
g) a negative decision of the authorized body to issue a D1 category immigration visa, work residence permit or residence permit for a person working in the field of information technology (IT) to a labour immigrant/self-employed alien who has the right to work;
h) a decision made to expel a labour immigrant/self-employed alien from Georgia;
i) leaving the territory of Georgia by a self-employed alien continuously for more than 6 months.
The Agency shall send an electronic notification to ta local employer and a labour immigrant/self-employed alien about the early termination of the right to work not later than 5 working days. Not later than 5 calendar days after receiving information about the early termination of the right to work granted to a labour immigrant, the local employer shall be obliged to terminate the employment contract concluded with this labour immigrant and provide the Agency with relevant information and documents through a special electronic labour migration system www.labourmigration.moh.gov.ge.

23. Is a local employer obligated to provide the Agency with relevant information in the event of early termination of an employment contract concluded with a labour immigrant who has the right to work, or amendments to the employment contract?
A local employer shall be obliged to provide the Agency with relevant information in the event of early termination of an employment contract concluded with a labour immigrant who has the right to work, or amendments to the employment contract through a special electronic labour migration system www.labourmigration.moh.gov.ge within 5 calendar days from the date of termination of the employment contract or amendment of the employment contract.

Failure to provide information about the early termination of an employment contract concluded with a labour immigrant working for a local employer, amendments to the employment contract, or the extension of the term of the employment contract shall entail a fine of GEL 1,000 for the local employer. Repeated commission of the above offence shall entail a fine of GEL 2000.

24. How much is the service fee for granting a right to work and who pays this fee?
The service for granting a right to work to a labour immigrant/self-employed alien shall be paid. The service fee shall vary depending on the time limits and amount to:
a) the application for the right to work – while issuing on the 30th calendar day after the application and all necessary documents are provided in full – GEL 200;
b) the application for the right to work – while issuing on the 10th working day after the application and all necessary documents are provided in full – GEL 400;
c) extension of the validity of right to work – not later than the 30th calendar day after the application and all necessary documents are provided in full – GEL 200.

The fee for the service of granting the right to work to a labour immigrant shall be paid by a local employer.

The fee for the service of granting the right to work to a self-employed alien shall be paid by the self-employed person.

Payment for services for granting the right to work for a labour immigrant/self-employed alien shall be paid by bank card through a non-cash payment (the service is available through a special electronic labour migration system www.labourmigration.moh.gov.ge).

25. What mandatory procedures must be followed after obtaining the right to work?
A labour immigrant who:
a) is not yet in Georgia shall be obliged to apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia for a D1 category immigration visa not later than 30 calendar days after obtaining the right to work in the manner established by the legislation of Georgia;
b) is already on the territory of Georgia, and not later than 10 calendar days after obtaining the right to work in the manner established by the legislation of Georgia, shall submit an application to the Public Service Development Agency for obtaining a work residence permit or a residence permit for a person employed in the field of information technology (IT).

A labour immigrant shall not be obliged to fulfil the above requirements if he/she already has a residence permit of any category provided for by the legislation of Georgia, or if he/she carries out labour/entrepreneurial activities completely remotely, and this activity does not require his/her entry into the territory of Georgia.

26. Which government agency monitors and controls compliance with the conditions of the right to work?
The LEPL – State Employment Support Agency shall be authorized to monitor compliance with the conditions of the right to work.

The Agency shall provide information on violations identified during monitoring to the Legal Entity of Public Law – Labour Inspection Service, which is under the State control of the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, which is authorized to bring the violator to administrative responsibility for violating the relevant provisions of the Law on Labour Migration in accordance with Articles 16(1), 16(2), 16(4), 16(5) and 16(6) of the Law on Labour Migration;

If, as a result of monitoring, a labour immigrant/self-employed alien is identified who stays in Georgia without legal grounds, the Agency shall send the respective information to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. The authorized body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia is authorized, within the scope of its competence, to exercise control over violations of the requirements established by the Law of Georgia “On Labour Migration”, and to impose administrative liability on a labour immigrant or self-employed alien for violation of the relevant norms of the same law in accordance with Articles 16(1) and 16(6) of the Law of Georgia “On Labour Migration”

Due to recent legislative changes in Ukraine, all Ukrainian pensioners residing abroad must complete a verification procedure in order to continue receiving pension payments.

How to Complete Verification

You can complete the procedure through one of the following modalities:

1. Diia Application

Via Diia Signature on the PFU web portal or the PFU mobile app ( video guide is available here)

2. Videoconference Verification via the PFU Portal

You may request a video call via the PFU portal or by calling the hotline: 0800 503 753.
Calls are usually scheduled within 10–30 days and conducted via Google Meet, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Viber, or Zoom.
You will be asked to present your original passport/ID and pension certificate during the call.

(video guide available here )

3. Verification at a Ukrainian Consulate

Visit the nearest Ukrainian consulate to confirm your identity and place of residence.
You will receive a certificate of identity, which you can upload via the PFU portal to complete verification.

4. In-Person Verification in Ukraine

If you are currently in Ukraine, you can visit any PFU service centre.
Please note: Due to the suspension of thousands of pensions in January 2026, long queues are currently reported nationwide.

Additional Requirement for Pensioners from Temporarily Occupied Territories (ToTs)

If you are from the ToTs, you must confirm that you are not receiving a pension from the Russian Federation, by doing one of the following:

• Selecting the relevant declaration box in your PFU online account
• Stating this explicitly during videoconference verification
• Sending a written declaration by email or postal mail to the PFU

After completing all steps, please verify that your PFU personal account reflects the correct date of verification and declaration. You may check this online or by contacting the PFU hotline (0800 503 753).

Need More Help?

For more information and technical support completing the verification process through the Diia app or PFU portal please contact the UNHCR Regional Contact Centre (RCC). Additional information will also soon be available via the Ukraine is Home website: https://ukraineishome.org/

To support Ukrainian community members in Georgia, Ardi Insurance is offering tailored health insurance packages with special discounts. These plans provide essential coverage and greater financial security when accessing healthcare services.

ARDI Insurance Products Catalogue x Ukrainian Non-Residents

VITAMINS – (Wording) ENG

Vitamins 2026 – For Ukrainian Non-Residents