Georgia is a country strategically located at the crossroads of western Asia and Eastern Europe. It is a member of the United Nations, as well as the Council of Europe. The country is separated into two main regions, Abkazia and South Ossetia. Georgia has made strides recently transforming itself into a trade and transport corridor. The strategic location and access to various markets, combined with strong economic potential, create opportunities for businesses looking to expand in this part of the world.
Employment contracts must be written and include the nature of the work, job description, salary, overtime, work hours, annual leave, other types of leave and clauses such as termination, notice and probation periods. Both parties must sign the contract. Employers can request a candidate’s basic personal information, criminal record background, driving record, credit check, previous employment details and a reference.
The standard workweek is 40 hours with eight hours in a day. However, the overtime must not exceed 48 hours in a week. Overtime in Georgia is paid at the 150% of the basic salary. The duration of rest between working days must be 12 hours. Employees aged 16 to 18 years old can only work up to 36 hours a week, while those aged 14 to 16 years old can only work 26 hours a week. Nursing mothers shall get an extra hour break to take care of the child.
Employees receive two weeks of unpaid leave a year to care for a child until they reach five years old.
Female employees receive 730 days of maternity leave and childcare leave. The employee receives 183 calendar days of paid maternity and childcare leave, or 200 calendar days for multiple births. Employees receive 550 days of adoption leave and 90 days is covered by social security. Maternity leave is paid for by social security. However, some employers may offer extra payments.
There is no minimum wage, nor is there a requirement to provide bonuses although some employers do.
Employees receive 24 days of paid annual leave and a further 15 days of unpaid leave annually if they have at least 11 months of service. If the employee is terminated before using their annual leave, then they receive their unused leave as a payment. Employees can also carry over their annual leave if they have the permission of the employer. Those working in hazardous environments receive an extra 10 days of leave annually.
There is no mandatory health insurance and most citizens opt-in a local provider or purchase private healthcare.
The probation period is capped at six months, during which the employer can terminate the employee or cancel the contract. Employees can be suspended for strike action and they can be terminated for poor performance, end of a contract, misconduct, mutual agreement, death of the employee or economic reasons. Employees can be terminated for a long-term disability if the disability is longer than 40 consecutive days or 60 days within six months, and if the employee has used their sick leave. The employer must give 30 days of notice and pay one month of severance within 30 days upon terminating the agreement. The notice period is 30 days and the severance pay is at least one month.
We understand that local laws and regulations change and sourcing an accurate reference guide is not easy. Our data is researched and verified by our team of local international Employment Attorneys, HR and Benefit Professionals and Tax Accountants through our Atlas team and consultants, to ensure information up-to-date and accurate.
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