The recent enactment of the "Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence" has introduced a new and challenging regulatory landscape for civil society and independent media in Georgia. This legislation imposes compulsory new obligations on organizations, creating significant legal and operational risks. While principled opposition to the law continues, many organizations are faced with the difficult decision of how to protect themselves from the severe sanctions prescribed for non-compliance. Our specialized legal service is designed for these organizations, providing a strategic pathway to mitigate legal and financial risks within this complex new framework.
The law mandates that specific Non-entrepreneurial (Non-commercial) Legal Entities and media outlets receiving more than 20% of their annual income from "foreign powers" must register in a dedicated Registry of Organizations Carrying Out the Interests of a Foreign Power. Following registration, these organizations are required to submit an annual, detailed financial declaration. Understanding the precise definitions, calculating the funding threshold, and navigating the registration procedure requires meticulous legal analysis to ensure every step is correctly executed.
The consequences of failing to comply are clearly defined and severe. The legislation stipulates substantial financial penalties for an organization that fails to register within the established timeframe or does not submit the required annual declaration. These fines can place a significant burden on an organization's budget and operational capacity. Our primary goal is to provide the legal support necessary to shield your organization from these sanctions, ensuring its continued viability and ability to operate.
Our service provides a comprehensive solution for navigating these compulsory requirements. We begin with a confidential legal audit of your organization's funding structure to provide a definitive conclusion on whether it falls under the law's purview. If registration is deemed necessary to mitigate risk, our team at Legal Sandbox Georgia will manage the entire administrative process with the designated state authority, ensuring all documentation is prepared and submitted flawlessly. We will subsequently assist in the preparation and submission of the annual financial declarations, ensuring they are accurate and fully compliant with the specific stipulations of the law. Our commitment is to provide precise legal tools that allow you to continue your vital work in Georgia with minimized legal exposure.
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