Employment contract options:

• Employment contract for an indefinite period
• Employment contract for a definite period

In Georgia, the standard workweek consists of 40 hours over five days, although some sectors may have a 48-hour workweek. According to labor laws in Georgia, employers are not required to provide lunch or break periods for employees over the age of 18, except for those under 18. If breaks are provided to employees over 18, the employer is not obligated to pay them for breaks lasting up to 20 minutes.

Salaries in Georgia must be distributed monthly and should be clearly defined in the employee’s labor contract​.

In Georgia, there are no specific state labor laws governing overtime pay. Overtime is defined as any hours worked beyond 40 hours in a workweek. Employees are entitled to receive at least 150% of their regular hourly wage for these additional hours worked.

In Georgia, employees are entitled to a minimum of 24 calendar days of paid leave each year. The right to request this leave begins after eleven months of employment with an organization. This policy is designed to ensure that workers have adequate time off to rest and recover​.

Healthcare

Compared to many European nations, Georgia faces a notably high incidence of impoverishment and catastrophic health expenditures. Approximately 31% of the population lacks access to basic healthcare services. The government operates a minimum service package for all citizens without state or private insurance. Although healthcare is theoretically free for individuals living below the poverty line, patients often find themselves needing to pay for certain medical services, particularly medications. Furthermore, individuals with an annual income exceeding 40,000 GEL and those with private insurance are ineligible to participate in the Universal Health Care Program​.

Pension

Pension benefits in Georgia are available to citizens who are either employed or self-employed and receive income from such activities. Contributions to the pension system are set at 4% of the salary, with 2% contributed by both the employer and the employee. Self-employed individuals are required to contribute the same 4%​.

Personal Accident Insurance

Employers in Georgia are now mandated to provide compulsory accident insurance for employees engaged in hazardous work. This measure aims to enhance workplace safety and ensure that employees are protected against potential accidents.

Voluntary Health Insurance

Voluntary health insurance in Georgia covers overseas medical expenses, including costs associated with medical evacuation in the case of severe illness or accidents. This type of insurance is particularly beneficial for individuals traveling abroad or expatriates residing in Georgia, as it provides additional financial protection for healthcare needs outside the country​.

Health Insurance for Students

Students in Georgia can obtain health insurance through the ARDI GROUP, one of the largest insurance providers in the country. This insurance plan is designed to meet the specific healthcare needs of students, ensuring they have access to necessary medical services during their studies​.

In Georgia, employees are entitled to a comprehensive maternity leave of 477 calendar days, which covers pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare. Of this period, 126 calendar days are paid; however, in cases of complicated deliveries or when a mother gives birth to multiple infants, the paid leave extends to 140 calendar days. During the paid leave, employees receive 100% of their daily wage.

For adoptive parents, there is a provision for a leave of 365 calendar days following the birth of a child, with 70 calendar days being paid. The compensation for maternity, pregnancy, or adoption leave is sourced from the State Budget as outlined by legislation. Additionally, employers and employees can negotiate for extra compensation beyond the statutory requirements.

Work Visa

A work permit or immigration visa in Georgia enables the holder to work as either an employee or a self-employed individual, including entrepreneurs.

Immigration Categories

The D1 category visa is specifically for individuals traveling to Georgia for work, whether through contracted employment or entrepreneurial activities. When a foreign worker secures a job in Georgia, the employer is legally obligated to notify the Ministry of Labor, Health, and Social Affairs of the immigrant’s employment within 30 days of signing the work agreement. This initial work permit is generally issued for one year and can be extended for up to six years, after which the foreign national may be eligible for permanent residency​.

Additional categories of immigration visas (D visas) exist for various professions:

• D2 visa: For freelancers, as well as those engaged in scientific, cultural, sports, or educational activities. This category also applies to interns and press workers.
• D3 visa: For individuals coming to work at Georgian research centers or authorized educational institutions to conduct research.
• D4 visa: For family reunification purposes in Georgia. Specific guidance can be provided by immigration agents for this category.
• D5 visa: For individuals owning immovable property in Georgia, subject to specific conditions​.

Termination of Employment Contracts in Georgia

In Georgia, employers may terminate a fixed-term contract for specific reasons, including:

• Business needs
• Personal reasons
• Employee misconduct

Employment contracts can be terminated on several grounds, such as:

1. Economic conditions: Changes in economic circumstances, technology, or organizational structure.
2. Contract expiration: The employment agreement naturally coming to an end.
3. Completion of work: The specified tasks in the employment contract being fulfilled.
4. Voluntary resignation: An employee choosing to resign, provided they submit a written notice.
5. Mutual agreement: Both parties agreeing in writing to terminate the contract.
6. Incompatibility: The employee’s qualifications or professional skills being unsuitable for the job.
7. Employee misconduct: A serious violation by the employee.
8. General violation: Any violation by the employee.
9. Long-term disability: Unless the employment contract states otherwise.
10. Court judgment: A legal ruling that prohibits the employee from performing their job.
11. Illegal strike: A court ruling declaring a strike illegal.
12. Death: The passing of either the employer or employee.
13. Liquidation proceedings: Initiating liquidation against the employer in the case of legal entities.
14. Other objective circumstances: Any valid reason that justifies the termination of the employment contract.

In Georgia, both employers and employees are required to provide a 30-day notice period when terminating an employment contract​.

In Georgia, employees are entitled to a severance pay of at least one month’s salary upon termination of their employment contract. Employers are required to issue this severance payment within 30 calendar days following the termination.