Georgian Currency
Georgian Lari (GEL)
格鲁吉亚首都
Tbilisi
格鲁吉亚时区
GMT-4
Important Facts About the Country of Georgia
Introduction to Georgia
Georgia, officially known as the Republic of Georgia, is located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Nestled in the Caucasus region, the country covers an area of 69,700 square kilometers and has a population of 3.7 million people. The capital and largest city of Georgia is Tbilisi, which serves as the country’s economic, political, and cultural center and is home to roughly a third of the Georgian population.
What to Know about Georgia's Geography
Georgia is bordered by Russia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, Armenia to the south, and Turkey to the southwest. The country is known for its stunning landscapes, including the majestic peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, where Mount Shkhara is the highest point in Georgia. The fertile valleys of the country, such as the Alazani and Kura valleys, are home to vineyards and agricultural lands.
Climate in Georgia
Georgia experiences a varied climate due to its geographic diversity. The country exhibits a range of climatic zones, including subtropical, Mediterranean, and alpine climates. The coastal areas have a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and warm summers. Inland areas, including the highlands, experience more distinct seasonal changes. The mountainous regions of Georgia are known for cold winters and cool summers, defining their unique climatic identity.
The Culture of Georgia
Georgia has nurtured a rich and ancient cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. Its vibrant heritage is deeply shaped by the historical ties with the Silk Road and the impacts of conquerors, invaders and neighboring cultures. The nation’s fame lies in its exceptional traditional polyphonic singing, dynamic folk dances and unique artistic expressions like cloisonné enamelwork and carpet weaving.
Religions Observed in Georgia
Over 80% of the population practices Eastern Orthodox Christianity, with the majority belonging to the Georgian Orthodox Church. The Georgian Orthodox Church is one of the world’s oldest Christian churches, tracing back to the fourth century. Religious festivals and traditions are highly respected in Georgian society, as are the country’s numerous religious sites and monasteries.
Languages Spoken in Georgia
The official language of Georgia is Georgian, which has its unique alphabet and linguistic characteristics. Georgian is widely spoken throughout the country. In certain regions, minority languages such as Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani find their voice due to the presence of diverse ethnic communities.
Georgian Human Resources at a Glance
Employment Law Protections in Georgia
The main sources of employment law in Georgia are the Constitution, the Labor Code (the “Code”), the Civil Code and the Law of Georgia On Occupational Safety.
Other significant acts include the Law of Georgia On Labor Migration and Decree No. 417 of the government of Georgia concerning the employment of migrant workers (“Decree No. 417”).
Employment Contracts in Georgia
Employment contracts, in general, must be in writing. An employment agreement must be drafted in a language that all parties can understand. It is possible to sign a written employment contract in various languages. If a written employment agreement is signed in more than one language, it must state which language is favored if there are any discrepancies in the terms of the agreements.
As a minimum, the contract must contain the following:
- the start date of work and the term of labour relations
- the work time and rest time
- the workplace
- the position and type of work to be performed
- the amount of compensation and the payment procedure
- the procedure for overtime work compensation
- the duration of paid and unpaid leaves of absence and the procedure for granting them
Fixed Term Contacts for Georgian Employees
In Georgia, fixed-term employment contracts can only be concluded on the following grounds:
- a specific amount of work is to be performed
- seasonal work is to be performed
- the amount of work is temporarily increased
- an employee who is temporarily absent from work is replaced on the grounds of the suspension of labor relations
- an employment contract stipulates that compensation would be subsidized in accordance with the Law of Georgia on Promoting Employment
- there are other objective circumstances that justify the conclusion of an employment agreement for a specified period
If an employment agreement lasts for more than 30 months or if consecutive term agreements are made, extending the total duration beyond 30 months, it will be regarded as an indefinite employment agreement.
Georgia's Guidelines Regarding Probation Period/Trial Period
The Labor Code allows for the conclusion of a probationary employment contract with an employee. However, such a contract can only be concluded once and cannot last more than six months. In addition, the contract must be in writing.
During the probation period, the employee should receive compensation. The employer has the authority to terminate the probationary contract or convert it into a regular employment contract at any time during the probationary period.
Regulations and Rules Regarding Working Hours in Georgia
In general, the maximum work time per week, excluding breaks and rest time, is 40 hours. However, some industries may require uninterrupted production/work for more than eight hours. In such cases, the maximum work time per week cannot exceed 48 hours. The law provides a list of such industries.
Georgian Laws Regarding Overtime
When an employee works more than 40 hours per week, it is considered overtime and they are entitled to be compensated at a higher hourly rate. The specific rate is determined by the employer and employee in their employment contract. However, they can also agree to have the employer provide additional time off instead of overtime pay.
Georgian Timesheets & Record Keeping
The employer is required to record the time worked by employees in writing or electronically on a working day and to present the monthly document recording the working time to the employee unless this is impossible owing to the circumstances of the work organization.
The employer is required to retain the working time (worked hours) recording document for a period of one year.
Termination
The Labor Code provides a restrictive and exhaustive list of grounds on which an employment contract can be terminated:
a) economic circumstances, technological, or organizational changes requiring downsizing;
b) the expiration of an employment agreement;
c) completion of the work stipulated by the employment contract;
d) voluntary resignation of an employee in written form;
e) a written mutual agreement;
f) incompatibility between an employee’s qualifications or professional skills and the requirements of their position or work.
g) severe violation of an employee’s obligations as stated in their individual employment contract, collective agreement, or internal labor regulations.
h) repeated violation of an employee’s obligations as stated in their individual employment contract, collective agreement, or internal labor regulations, if disciplinary actions were taken against the employee within the past year.
i) extended disability, unless otherwise specified in the employment contract, when the disability lasts for more than 40 consecutive calendar days or exceeds a total of 60 calendar days within six months, and the employee has already utilized their leave of absence as per the Labor Code.
j) entry into force of a court judgment or decision precluding the employee from carrying out the work;
k) a court decision that has entered into force whereby a strike was found illegal pursuant to the Labor Code;
l) the death of an employer (in case of natural persons) or an employee and
m) the initiation of liquidation proceedings against an employer (in case of legal persons).
n) other objective circumstances justifying termination of an employment contract.
The employer is required to make the final payment to the employee no later than seven calendar days after the employment relationship is terminated.
Georgia's Requirements Regarding Notice Periods
The notice period for both the employer and employee is 30 calendar days, except during the probation period when no notice is required. Notice should be provided in writing.
Redundancy/Severance Pay in Georgia
If the termination is initiated by the employer, the employee is entitled to receive severance pay equivalent to at least one month’s salary.
Data Protection
The Law of Georgia on Personal Data Protection is the main data protection regulation in Georgia.
Tax and Social Security Information for Employers in Georgia
Personal Income Tax in Georgia
Employment income in Georgia is taxed at a flat rate of 20%.
Social Security in Georgia
Georgia does not have a social security system. However, individuals (below 60 years) are required to make mandatory contributions to the Pension Scheme of Georgia.
Both employers and employees are required to contribute 2% of the employees’ salary to the pension account.
The government makes the following additional contribution towards the pension scheme depending on the annual salary of the employee:
- 2% of the income of the participant when the annual salary of the participant is less than GEL 24,000
- 1% of the income of the participant when the annual salary of the participant is between GEL 24,000 and GEL 60,000. If the annual salary of an employee is greater than GEL 60,000, the government will only contribute to the extent of GEL 60,000.
*The above rates serve as a broad guideline. Actual rates charged will differ.
Important Information for Georgian Employees
Salary Payment
Salaries in Georgia should be paid at least once a month.
The employer is required to pay the employee 0.07% of the delayed amount for each day of delay in any payment or settlement.
Payslip
Though not required by Georgia’s Labor Code, an employer is recommended to give a payslip to each employee on a monthly basis, detailing the component parts of the earnings for the relevant period.
Annual Leave
After working for 11 months, an employee is entitled to a minimum of 24 paid working days off and 15 days of unpaid leave each year. If both parties agree, the employee can take their vacation time in parts.
When taking unpaid leave, the employee must inform their employer at least two weeks before the intended leave date. However, if there are urgent medical needs or family circumstances that prevent the employee from giving advance notice, they may be exempt from this requirement.
If granting an employee paid leave in the current year disrupts regular work operations, the two parties may agree to postpone it until the next year. However, it is not permitted to carry over annual leave for two consecutive years.
The calculation of the employee’s vacation pay is based on different criteria. If the employee has worked for less than three months since starting or since their last vacation, the average salary of the months worked is considered. However, if the employee receives a fixed monthly salary, their vacation pay is determined by their salary from the previous month. On the other hand, if the employee has worked for three or more months since the start of work or since their last vacation, the vacation pay is calculated based on the average salary of the previous three months.
Upon termination at the initiative of the employer, the employer must compensate the employee for unused leave in proportion to the length of the employment relationship.
Sick Leave
The Georgian Labor Code does not require private employers to provide paid or unpaid sick leaves. However, most private employers grant sick leaves as a benefit.
Maternity & Parental Leave
An employee has the right to maternity (pregnancy and post-natal) and childcare leave of absence of 730 calendar days in total, of which 183 calendar days are compensated. In certain cases (such as pregnancy complications or multiple births), 200 calendar days must be compensated.
The maternity leave is the child’s mother’s exclusive right, though the child’s father has the right to use the days of said leave that the mother did not use.
When taking childcare leave, the employee must inform the employer two weeks in advance.
Employees who have adopted an infant under the age of 12 months have the right to request an adoption leave of 550 calendar days, calculated from the day of the child’s birth, of which 90 calendar days must be compensated.
Georgia’s budget compensates for maternity, childcare and adoption leaves at GEL 2,000 per month.
An employee who is a nursing mother and feeds a child under the age of one year is provided an extended break of at least one hour throughout the working day to feed the child. A feeding break is considered working time and must be compensated.
Public Holidays
Georgia celebrates 17 national public holidays. The government has the authority to designate other holidays.
Benefits to the Employee in Georgia
Georgian Statutory Benefits
Employees enjoy the right to various benefits as mandated by law and collective agreements. These benefits include retirement pensions, annual leave, maternity leave, parental leave, etc.
Other Benefits
In addition to the minimum entitlements, employers commonly offer the following supplemental benefits:
- Performance bonuses
- Private health and life insurance
- Allowances supporting transportation and car, housing/accommodation and utilities
- Prolonged or additional leave days, such as sick leave
Rules Regarding Visas and Foreign Workers in Georgia
General Information
Visas
Georgia currently does not require visas for stays of 90 days to one year for citizens of over 90 countries. A simple online application form allows over 100 foreign passport holders to apply for a Georgian electronic visa without visiting a diplomatic government office.
Georgia’s multiple-entry eVisa allows stays of 90 or 30 days each 180 or 120 days, depending on the traveler’s nationality.
Georgian visa categories are:
- Diplomatic (A)
- Special (B)
- Ordinary (C)
- Immigration (D)
- Transit (T)
Applicants can select a short-term or long-term visa. Long-term visas automatically allow multiple entries while short-term visas might be single or several.
Work Permits
A long-term visa, which serves as a work permit and allows the holder to apply for a residency permit, is required for foreign nationals who plan to work in Georgia.
Georgia accepts online visa applications from foreign nationals. Visa applicants should gather all supporting documentation before applying. The candidate must send a paper copy of the completed application form, a valid passport and an employment contract, among other things, to the embassy after applying online.
The foreign employee can visit Georgia after visa approval. Once there, they need to obtain a residence permit from the Public Service Development Department. Foreign employees can renew their residence permits for five years after one year.
Public Holidays Recognized by Georgia in 2024
| Occasion | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| 2 | New Year Holiday | January 2 |
| 3 | Orthodox Christmas Day | January 7 |
| 4 | Orthodox Epiphany | January 19 |
| 5 | Mother’s Day | March 3 |
| 6 | International Women’s Day | March 8 |
| 7 | Independence Restoration Day | April 9 |
| 8 | Orthodox Good Friday | May 3 |
| 9 | Orthodox Easter Saturday | May 4 |
| 10 | Orthodox Easter Sunday | May 5 |
| 11 | Orthodox Easter Monday | May 6 |
| 12 | Victory Day | May 9 |
| 13 | Saint Andrew the First Called Day | May 12 |
| 14 | Independence Day | May 26 |
| 15 | Saint Mary’s Day | August 28 |
| 16 | Svetitskhovloba | October 14 |
| 17 | Saint George’s Day | November 23 |