Does an employment agreement have to be in writing in Georgia?
Articles 12–14 of the Labour Code.
Short answer
An employment agreement in Georgia must be in writing if the working relationship lasts longer than one month, and for shorter work it may be oral. A written agreement must be drawn up in a language the parties understand. A fixed-term agreement is allowed only in the circumstances listed in the law, otherwise it is deemed open-ended.
Why
- Article 12(1) and (2) of the Labour Code: an agreement may be oral or written, fixed-term or open-ended, but writing is required if the relationship lasts longer than 1 month.
- Article 13: a written agreement is concluded in a language understandable to the parties.
- Article 12(3) and (5): a fixed-term agreement is possible only in the listed circumstances, and without them an open-ended agreement is deemed concluded.
Details
The essential terms of the agreement include working time and rest periods (Article 14). If the agreement provides for a trial period, it is in writing and lasts no more than 6 months (Article 17). A foreigner taking a job should check in advance whether a work permit is needed.
Tip
Get your own signed copy of the agreement and check that it names the position, pay, working time and rest. If you do not understand the language of the agreement, ask for a version you do: Article 13 requires exactly that.
What may differ
Different kinds of work and sectors have their own requirements, and the rules in the code change. Before signing, check the current version of the code or ask a lawyer.
Common misconception
An oral employment agreement is not valid in Georgia.
What actually happens
Article 12(1) allows an oral agreement, and writing is required only once the relationship lasts longer than 1 month (paragraph 2).
People also ask
- Is a written employment contract required in Georgia?
- Can you work in Georgia without a contract?
Sources
- Labour Code of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge)Checked at:
This answer is for reference only and is not legal advice. Rules change, so check official websites.
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