If you are planning to move to Georgia, or are already here and are hoping to switch from a visa to a residence permit, Georgia offers several types of temporary residency permits. The most popular ones include the Work Residence Permit, Short-term Residence Permit (based on property ownership), Family Reunification Permit, and Student Residency Permit. In this article, we’ll indicate the requirements for each of these permits. Note that legal residency does not equal tax residency in Georgia.
General Information About Georgian Residence Permits
Temporary Georgian residence permits are first issued for a period of 6 to 12 months. They may be extended for an additional period of 1 to 11 years, at the discretion of the Public Service Development Agency (SDA). Multiple extensions can be granted, but the total duration of temporary residence permits cannot exceed 12 years. In most cases, after 10 years, permanent residency may be granted.
First-time applications must be made from within Georgia, and most require at least 40 days of remaining legal stay in the country. Renewals can usually be submitted online from abroad, provided your existing permit is still valid at the time of application.
Work Residence Permit in Georgia
The Work Residence Permit is for individuals coming to Georgia for employment or entrepreneurial activity. You must have an employment contract or proof of entrepreneurial activity, and the sponsoring company must have a turnover of at least 50,000 GEL per foreign employee (35,000 GEL for educational or medical institutions).
Additional requirements include proof of legal stay (40 days+), and income of at least 1,300 GEL per month. Documents must be submitted in Georgian or with an official translation.
Processing time ranges from 10 to 30 days.
Short-term Residence Permit (Property-Based)
This permit is issued to property owners who own non-agricultural real estate worth more than $100,000 USD. An accredited appraiser must confirm the property’s market value. The permit also extends to the applicant’s spouse and dependent children.
You must submit your passport, legal stay proof (even just 1 day remaining is technically enough), property ownership documents, and appraisal certificate.
Note: If the property is sold or its value drops below $100,000, the permit may not be renewed.
$300,000 Investment Residence Permit
This permit is ideal for those investing at least $300,000 USD in real estate, businesses, or other qualified assets. It grants a 5-year temporary residence permit to the applicant and their immediate family. After 5 years of continuous qualifying investment, you can apply for permanent residency.
The investment must be verified and maintained throughout the entire 5-year period. Special conditions apply depending on the investment vehicle.
Due to the complexity of investment rules, we recommend scheduling a consultation to ensure eligibility.
Residence Permit for Family Reunification
This is granted to spouses, minor children, and in limited cases, parents of individuals already holding Georgian residency or citizenship. Proof of relationship and sufficient income or savings is required. The sponsor must have at least 6 months of validity left on their residence permit.
The applicant must provide a passport, legal stay proof (40 days+), proof of relationship, and evidence of income or funds to support the stay.
Student Residence Permit
Foreigners enrolled in accredited Georgian educational institutions can apply for a Student Residence Permit. Required documents include a certificate of enrollment, legal stay proof (40 days+), financial proof (550 GEL/month or more), and a passport.
The permit is typically valid for one academic year and can be renewed annually as long as enrollment continues.
Other Types of Permits
Special permits exist for victims of human trafficking or domestic violence, and for former Georgian citizens who have lost their citizenship.
Benefits of a Georgian Residence Permit
- Legal right to remain in Georgia without the need for visa runs.
- Easier access to local services, including healthcare, banking, and notaries.
- Essential for applying for tax residency (which requires 183+ days of legal stay).
- Critical during events like pandemics when borders may close.
- First step toward permanent residency or Georgian citizenship.
Residence Permit in Georgia
Residence Permit in Georgia
Where and When to Apply
First-time applications must be made from within Georgia, usually at the Public Service Hall. Renewals can often be submitted online from abroad.
You must apply no earlier than 90 days and no later than 40 days before your current legal stay or permit expires. Exceptions apply to property-based and special category permits.
Processing Times and Renewals
The standard processing time is 30 days. Expedited service can issue permits within 10 days for an additional fee.
If your application is rejected, you can reapply on the same grounds after one month.
After receiving your permit, you must apply for a residence card within 30 days. This card serves as your Georgian ID and is required for many local services.
Need Help With Residency in Georgia?
Whether you’re applying based on work, real estate, or family ties, Georgian residency rules can be complex. Mistakes or missing documents can lead to delays or rejections. Contact us for a free consultation and make your relocation to Georgia legally seamless.
