In a warning with continent-wide repercussions issued on 21 December 2025, the European Commission told member states that Georgia could lose its visa-free access to the Schengen area if Tbilisi fails to reverse democratic ‘back-sliding’. The report—first published by Democracy & Freedom Watch—opens the door to a two-stage suspension that could ultimately require all Georgian citizens to obtain Schengen visas.
Belgium has become a popular destination for Georgian IT contractors and seasonal workers since the visa-waiver entered into force in 2017. Federal migration statistics show a 48 % rise in short-stay declarations by Georgians between 2021 and 2024, concentrated in Antwerp’s logistics sector and Brussels’ hospitality trade. A return to visa requirements would impose new administrative burdens on Belgian employers at the very time they struggle with labour shortages.
Under the revised EU visa-suspension mechanism (formally adopted last month), Brussels can now trigger action if a visa-free country shows insufficient policy alignment or poses hybrid-threat risks. The Commission’s dossier accuses the Georgian government of restricting media freedom, adopting ‘foreign agent’ laws and ignoring earlier reform benchmarks. Stage one of a suspension would target holders of diplomatic and service passports; stage two could hit ordinary travellers, slashing spontaneous business visits, trade-fair attendance and family tourism.
![EU threatens to suspend Georgia’s visa-free regime – Belgian employers urged to prepare]()
Belgian employers and Georgian travelers who suddenly find themselves navigating Schengen paperwork can simplify the process through VisaHQ’s digital platform. Via its Belgium portal (https://www.visahq.com/belgium/), VisaHQ offers step-by-step guidance, document checks and courier services, reducing errors and saving valuable time for both companies and individual applicants.
Belgian companies sponsoring Georgian staff for single-permit work authorisations (combined work and residence) would remain unaffected, but short-term assignments—up to 90 days—would need Schengen C-visas processed by Belgian consulates in Tbilisi or Ankara. Processing times average 15-20 days; peak-season slots are likely to become scarce.
Immigration advisers recommend proactive steps: map your Georgian traveller population, budget for visa fees (€90 standard rate), build sufficient lead-time into project plans and brief line managers about realistic start dates. If the Commission moves to stage one in early 2026, employers should also watch for possible reciprocity measures by Georgia that could affect Belgian business visitors to Tbilisi.
Belgium has become a popular destination for Georgian IT contractors and seasonal workers since the visa-waiver entered into force in 2017. Federal migration statistics show a 48 % rise in short-stay declarations by Georgians between 2021 and 2024, concentrated in Antwerp’s logistics sector and Brussels’ hospitality trade. A return to visa requirements would impose new administrative burdens on Belgian employers at the very time they struggle with labour shortages.
Under the revised EU visa-suspension mechanism (formally adopted last month), Brussels can now trigger action if a visa-free country shows insufficient policy alignment or poses hybrid-threat risks. The Commission’s dossier accuses the Georgian government of restricting media freedom, adopting ‘foreign agent’ laws and ignoring earlier reform benchmarks. Stage one of a suspension would target holders of diplomatic and service passports; stage two could hit ordinary travellers, slashing spontaneous business visits, trade-fair attendance and family tourism.
Belgian employers and Georgian travelers who suddenly find themselves navigating Schengen paperwork can simplify the process through VisaHQ’s digital platform. Via its Belgium portal (https://www.visahq.com/belgium/), VisaHQ offers step-by-step guidance, document checks and courier services, reducing errors and saving valuable time for both companies and individual applicants.
Belgian companies sponsoring Georgian staff for single-permit work authorisations (combined work and residence) would remain unaffected, but short-term assignments—up to 90 days—would need Schengen C-visas processed by Belgian consulates in Tbilisi or Ankara. Processing times average 15-20 days; peak-season slots are likely to become scarce.
Immigration advisers recommend proactive steps: map your Georgian traveller population, budget for visa fees (€90 standard rate), build sufficient lead-time into project plans and brief line managers about realistic start dates. If the Commission moves to stage one in early 2026, employers should also watch for possible reciprocity measures by Georgia that could affect Belgian business visitors to Tbilisi.
