Georgia’s 2026 labour-migration framework introduced a right-to-work process for certain foreign nationals. It is important not to treat that process as a generic “work permit” checklist.
A right to work, a D1 immigration visa, and a work residence permit are separate legal instruments. The relevant route depends on the person’s residence status, work arrangement, employer or client relationship, and the current rules applying to that activity.
This page is about translation and practical document preparation. It does not determine whether a person needs a right to work, qualifies for a visa or residence permit, or meets an authority’s filing requirements.
Keep the three legal questions separate
- Right to work — a labour-migration authorization under the current framework for covered labour immigrants and self-employed aliens.
- D1 immigration visa — a visa category; it is not the same as work authorization or residence status.
- Work residence permit — a separate immigration and residence route.
Do not use “work permit” as a synonym for all three. The correct sequence depends on the person’s lawful-stay basis, work arrangement, and the current instructions for the relevant process. For the wider document-routing workflow, see our visa and residence permit document guide.
Who may fall within the right-to-work framework?
The current framework concerns certain aliens without a Georgian permanent-residence permit who work for a local employer or carry out self-employed labour or entrepreneurial activity for remuneration or another financial benefit.
The law contains exceptions based on residence status, type and location of work, employer or client relationship, diplomatic or protected status, certain short-term professional activity, treaty arrangements and other defined circumstances. Check the current Law of Georgia on Labour Migration and current implementing rules for the specific activity.
Company ownership, management, employment, self-employment, Individual Entrepreneur registration, and tax status are different facts. Do not rely on a job title, company registration, contract label, or business status alone to decide whether the framework applies.
Build the document pack from current instructions
Do not use a generic online checklist as a filing list. The responsible authority may require different evidence depending on the actual right-to-work, D1 visa, work residence permit, or other process.
For a translation quotation, send:
- the complete scan pack, including every page, reverse side, seal, signature, annex, and attached authentication page;
- the exact procedure you are preparing for;
- the receiving authority;
- any instructions from the authority, employer, or adviser;
- the required language and deadline;
- any requirement concerning originals, certified copies, apostille, legalization, notarization, translation format, or delivery.
A complete scan pack helps define the translation scope. It does not establish legal eligibility or guarantee acceptance.
Translation, notarization, and authentication are separate
Foreign-language documents may require a Georgian translation or another format specified by the authority handling the particular process. Do not assume that every foreign-issued document needs the same translation, or that a notarized translation is normally required.
Notarization is a separate formal question. If the receiving authority expressly requires a notarized Georgian translation or another specified form, send that written instruction with the document. For an explanation of the terminology used by different recipients, see certified and notarized translation in Georgia.
Apostille and legalization are also separate from translation and notarization. Whether they are needed depends on the issuing country, document type, treaty position, and receiving authority. Keep authentication pages attached as issued; if they form part of the submitted package, include them in the translation scope. See our apostille and legalization guide.
Prepare for the residence-permit route actually being used
A work residence permit is not the only residence route, and a D1 visa is not a residence permit. The State Service Development Agency publishes current residence-permit guidance. For route-specific translation preparation, see our residence permit translation guidance.
Before ordering a translation, confirm the exact procedure, filing authority, required document form, and lawful-stay requirements that apply to the applicant’s circumstances.
Delivery and submission
Before sending an original, confirm whether the receiving authority accepts originals, certified copies, printed electronic records, or uploads. Also confirm whether it accepts courier delivery, requires an appointment or personal attendance, or requires an authorised representative.
Caucasus Translations can discuss printing and courier arrangements where accepted. A courier delivery does not itself establish valid authority submission or acceptance.
Request a document-preparation quote
Send the complete scan pack, the procedure you are preparing for, the receiving authority’s instructions, required language and deadline. We can quote the translation scope and discuss practical document handling.
Frequently asked questions
Does every foreigner working in Georgia need a right to work?
No universal answer is safe. The current law concerns defined labour immigrants and self-employed aliens, while also providing exceptions. Check the person’s residence status, employer or client relationship, work location, activity, and current rules.
Is a D1 visa the same as a right to work?
No. A D1 is an immigration-visa category. A right to work is a separate labour-migration authorization. Neither term should be used as a synonym for a work residence permit.
Does company ownership automatically determine the result?
No. Ownership, management, employment, self-employment, tax registration, and residence status are separate facts. Check the current rules against the actual role and activity.
Do work-authorization documents always need a notarized Georgian translation?
No. Translation and notarization requirements are procedure-specific. Follow the exact written instruction from the receiving authority.
Does apostille replace translation or notarization?
No. Apostille or legalization, translation, and notarization have different functions. The appropriate combination depends on the document, issuing country, treaty position, and receiving authority.
Can documents be sent by courier?
Courier delivery may be useful after you confirm that the receiving authority accepts that delivery method and document form. Courier delivery does not itself establish valid submission or acceptance.