Georgia is a country with a welcoming approach to citizenship. Georgian citizens enjoy equality before the law regardless of race, language, religion, or social status. The country guarantees the protection of rights both within Georgia and abroad. For foreigners with Georgian roots or those interested in contributing to the country, there are multiple pathways to acquire citizenship.
Citizenship by Birth
Acquiring Georgian citizenship by birth is straightforward for those with a clear connection to the country. Any person whose parent is a Georgian citizen automatically has the right to citizenship. Citizenship is also granted to children born in Georgia through surrogacy if neither parent’s country recognises the child as its citizen. Additionally, children born in Georgia to parents who are stateless, or to one stateless parent when the other parent is unknown, are considered Georgian citizens.
Naturalisation and Acquiring Georgian Citizenship
Foreigners can become Georgian citizens through naturalisation, which is granted by the President of Georgia.
Acquiring Georgian citizenship through naturalisation is possible by: (1) granting citizenship under regular procedure; (2) granting citizenship under simplified procedure; (3) granting citizenship by way of exception; or (4) granting citizenship by way of its restoration.
Granting Georgian citizenship under the regular procedure
Granting Georgian citizenship under the regular procedure applies to foreign citizens and individuals with stateless status who have established a long-term, lawful connection with Georgia. As for adults, who have lived legally in Georgia for at least 10 consecutive years, know the Georgian language, understand the history and basic law, and have employment, business, or property in Georgia. Minors may qualify if one parent is a Georgian citizen, if adopted by a Georgian citizen, or if they have lived in Georgia for five years with refugee or stateless status.
Simplified Procedure
This is available for those married to a Georgian citizen or holding repatriate status, with at least 5 years of legal residence in Georgia. Knowledge of language, history, and law is also required.
Restoration of Citizenship
Former Georgian citizens whose citizenship was lost unlawfully, renounced voluntarily, or terminated by parental decision may apply to restore their citizenship.
Exceptional Rule
This special pathway is for foreigners who have made an exceptional contribution to Georgia, or when granting citizenship serves the state’s interests. Applicants must know the Georgian language, history, and law, unless a disability prevents testing.
Who Cannot Apply:
- Individuals who have committed serious crimes or are under investigation/extradition.
- Those whose citizenship could compromise Georgia’s security.
Application Process
Interested persons shall submit, directly or through an authorised representative, applications on issues regarding Georgian citizenship to the (LEPL) – Public Service Development Agency or to Georgian diplomatic missions or consular offices abroad. Minors shall submit applications on issues regarding Georgian citizenship through their legal representatives. Beneficiaries of support may submit applications on issues regarding Georgian citizenship only through their supporters, unless otherwise determined under a court decision.
When considering the application for acquiring Georgian citizenship by naturalisation and maintaining the citizenship of Georgia, the level of knowledge of the state language of Georgia, the history of Georgia, and the basics of Law by persons wishing to be granted Georgian citizenship is checked.
Regarding issues of Georgian citizenship, an applicant must submit the following documents:
- An application filled out according to the prescribed form;
- Photo measured ¾;
- Proof of service fee payment document (Stateless person status holder in Georgia exempt from the service fee for considering the application on granting Georgian citizenship, following an ordinary procedure and drafting an appropriate conclusion on the 80th day after applying);
- Birth certificate (if the person wishing to obtain citizenship following the ordinary procedure was born abroad and possesses the mentioned document);
This list is not exhaustive. The documentation to be submitted to the administrative authority is determined on an individual basis, which makes it essential to clearly identify the legal grounds on which you are applying for citizenship.
The Agency reviews applications and sends a motivated conclusion to the President, who makes the final decision within 3 months. Decisions on naturalisation cannot be appealed in court.
This process ensures that Georgia grants citizenship carefully while allowing foreigners with strong ties, investment, or contributions to become citizens legally and safely.
Citizenship by Investment
Georgia also offers a fast-track citizenship program for investors. No residency or language requirements are necessary. Investors can gain citizenship through business investment or contributions to a government fund, unlocking visa-free access to over 120 countries.
Dual Citizenship
In Georgia, dual citizenship is allowed in cases specifically defined by law. For example, a person may hold dual citizenship if they acquire Georgian citizenship under the exceptional procedure, or if they restore previously terminated citizenship based on the temporary right to restoration. Acquiring Georgian citizenship does not necessitate renouncing your original nationality, allowing individuals to enjoy the benefits of both countries.
Why Foreigners Choose Georgia
- Exceptional Rule: Many foreigners, especially those with Georgian ancestry or who wish to contribute to the country, successfully use this pathway.
- Flexible and Structured: Multiple legal pathways cater to residence, ancestry, investment, or state interest.
- Dual Citizenship: Applicants can retain their original nationality.
- Strategic Location: Georgia provides visa-free or simplified access to over 120 countries, making citizenship highly practical.
In summary
Georgia’s citizenship laws are designed to balance national interest with global engagement, offering a unique opportunity for foreigners with roots in the country or those willing to invest in its future. For professional legal assistance, please contact our team.
