Terms of obtaining residence permit and visa have simplified for foreigners staying in Georgia.

In November 2014, the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons was amended introducing, in the transitional period, softer terms for the acquisition of residence permit and visa for foreigners in Georgia. Moreover, those amendments specified legal grounds of a long-term stay of holders of status of compatriot living abroad in Georgia and simplified the procedures of transiting the country for participants in international cargo shipment. President of Georgia already signed legal amendments into the law which was published on the website of Legislative Herald of Georgia, a legal person in public law of the Justice Ministry (see the link of the Law)

As a result of enforcement of above regulations, the following concessions are established for foreigners:

A foreigner holding a residence permit in Georgia before 27 November 2014

May apply for residence permit to Public Service Development Agency and Public Service Hall without submitting a document certifying his/her legal stay in Georgia.

This regulation is in force from 27 November 2014 to 1 March 2015.

A foreigner having last entered Georgia after 17 March and by 27 November 2014 was on the territory of Georgia

May apply for residence permit to Public Service Development Agency and Public Service Hall without submitting a document certifying his/her legal stay in Georgia.

This regulation is in force from 27 November 2014 to 1 March 2015.

A foreigner who is in Georgia and at least 45 days are left before the expiry of the term of his/her legal stay in the country

May apply for immigration visa to the consular department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This regulation is in force until 25 December 2014.

A foreigner who last entered Georgia before 17 March, the term of his/her legal stay has expired and he/she has never been denied residence permit in Georgia

Must obtain an immigration visa before applying for a residence permit.

May apply for immigration visa to the consular department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This regulation is in force from 25 December 2014 to 1 March 2015.

A foreigner who last entered Georgia before 17 March and at least 30 days are left before the expiry of the term of his/her legal stay in the country

Must obtain an immigration visa before applying for a residence permit.

May apply for immigration visa to the consular department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

This regulation is in force until 25 December 2014.

A holder of a status of compatriot who wants to stay in Georgia for more than 30 days

May apply for special residence permit to Public Service Development Agency and Public Service Hall, which is issued for a longer period.

This regulation is in force from 27 November 2014.

Main and supporting drivers of vehicles in international cargo shipments are not required to provide guarantees of entry of third country when obtaining transit visas.

The transit visa is issued for the period of 10 days instead of five. Transit visa may be obtained in representations of Georgia abroad and at the state border of Georgia.

This regulation is in force from 27 November 2014.

Attention!!!

New visa regulations do not apply to foreigners having entered Georgia before 1 September 2014 until they leave Georgia, but no later than 1 March 2015.

To obtain a work residence permit to conduct entrepreneurial or labor activities in Georgia, a foreign citizen must submit the following documents to the Agency:

1. Application of an established form;
2. Copy of a travel document of foreigner;
3. Copy of a document certifying the legal stay in Georgia ;
4. Document certifying employment and entrepreneurial activity (labor contract or any other document certifying the employment); if this document does not evidence the legal income of a foreigner, the income may be the amount on the bank account of a foreigner provided it is not less than twice the amount of average consumer living subsistence applicable in Georgia per month over the duration of residence permit;
5. Photo 3×4 in size;
6. Receipt certifying the payment of service fee.

Terms and fees

Terms                                      Fees

Thirtieth calendar day          210 GEL

Twentieth calendar day        330 GEL

Within 10 days                     410 GEL

To obtain a work residence permit in Georgia, a freelance professional must submit the following documents to the Agency:

1. Application of an established form;
2. Copy of a travel document of foreigner;
3. Copy of a document certifying the legal stay in Georgia
4. A document certifying professional activity (a document from professional association or a documents certifying education (diploma, certificate, et cetera));
5. Document from the bank showing the amount on his/her personal account which shall not be less than twice the amount of average consumer living subsistence applicable in Georgia;
6. Recommendation from a citizen of Georgia or a foreigner holding a residence permit in Georgia on the issuance of work permit to a foreigner to perform activity for the benefit of persons’ or public interests;
7. Photo, sixe ¾;
8. Receipt certifying the payment of service fee.

Terms and fees

Terms                                     Fees

Thirtieth calendar day          210 GEL

Twentieth calendar day        330 GEL

Within 10 days                     410 GEL

Study residence permit is issued to a foreigner to obtain education at an authorized educational institution.

To obtain a study residence permit, a foreigner must submit the following documents to the Agency:

1. Application of an established form;
2. Copy of a travel document of foreigner;
3. Copy of a document certifying the legal stay in Georgia
4. A document from an authorized educational institution evidencing that a foreigner learns there (indicating expected length of learning);
5. Document certifying the legal income of a foreigner or/and a citizen of Georgia or his/her relative holding a residence permit in Georgia, and evidencing the kinship with the mentioned person. The income may also be the amount on the bank account of a foreigner, provided it is not less than twice the amount of average consumer living subsistence applicable in Georgia per month over the duration of study residence permit;
6. Photo 3×4 in size;
7. Receipt certifying the payment of service fee.

Terms and fees

Terms                                      Fees

Thirtieth calendar day          210 GEL

Twentieth calendar day        330 GEL

Within 10 days                     410 GEL

Residence permit for family reunification is issued to family members of a foreigner holding a residence permit.

To obtain a residence permit for family reunification, a foreigner must submit the following documents to the Agency:

1. Application of an established form;
2. Copy of a travel document of foreigner;
3. Copy of a document certifying the legal stay in Georgia;
4. A document certifying the kinship;
5. Document certifying the legal income of a foreigner or/and a citizen of Georgia or his/her relative holding a residence permit in Georgia, and evidencing the kinship with the mentioned person. The income may also be the amount on the bank account of a foreigner, provided it is not less than twice the amount of average consumer living subsistence applicable in Georgia per month over the duration of residence permit;
6. Photo 3×4 in size;
7. Receipt certifying the payment of service fee.

Terms and fees

Terms                                      Fees

Thirtieth calendar day          210 GEL

Twentieth calendar day        330 GEL

Within 10 days                     410 GEL

Residence permit of former citizen of Georgia is issued to a foreigner whose Georgian citizenship has been terminated.

To obtain a residence permit of former citizen of Georgia, a foreigner, whose citizenship was terminated, must submit the following documents to the Agency:

1. Application of an established form;
2. Copy of a travel document of foreigner;
3. Copy of a document certifying the legal stay in Georgia;
4. A document certifying the kinship;
5. Photo 3×4 in size;
6. Receipt certifying the payment of service fee

Note: A citizen with terminated Georgian citizenship who did not leave the territory of Georgia is not required to submit a copy of a document certifying the legal stay in Georgia in order to obtain a residence permit of a former citizen of Georgia.

Terms and fees

Terms                                      Fees

Thirtieth calendar day          210 GEL

Twentieth calendar day        330 GEL

Within 10 days                     410 GEL

Special residence permit is issued to an alien who based on a reasonable doubt, might be a victim of human trafficking pursuant to the Law of Georgia on Combating Human Trafficking; an alien the issuance of this permit to whom is initiated in writing by a member of government of Georgia; also, persons specified in Article 60 of this Law.

Documents required to be submitted to the Agency:

• To issue a special residence permit upon the initiative of a member of Georgian government:

1. Application of an established form;
2. Copy of a travel document of foreigner;
3. Written application of member of government of Georgia;
4. Copy of a document certifying the legal stay in Georgia
5. Photo 3×4 in size;

• To issue a special residence permit to a victim of human trafficking – a motion from an institution providing service to victims of human trafficking or a body conducting the process;

• To issue a special residence permit to persons specified in Article 60 of the Law:

1. Application of an established form;
2. Copy of a travel document of foreigner (if available);
3. Photo 3×4 in size;

Permanent residence permit is issued to a spouse, parent(s) and child (children) of a citizen of Georgia; also to a foreign citizen who based on a temporary residence permit has lived in Georgia during the preceding six years. This term does not include the period of residing in Georgia to obtain education or receive medical treatment and to perform activities in diplomatic and other equivalent representative offices.

Documents required to be submitted to the Agency:

• To issue a permanent residence permit to a spouse, parent(s) and child (children) of a citizen of Georgia:

1. Application of an established form;
2. Copy of a travel document of foreigner;
3. Copy of a document certifying the legal stay in Georgia
4. A document certifying the kinship;
5. Document certifying the legal income of a foreigner or/and a citizen of Georgia or his/her relative holding a residence permit in Georgia. If a citizen of Georgia is of retirement age or social assistance beneficiary – a document certifying the receipt of social pension or social assistance. The income may also be the amount on the bank account of a foreigner;
6. Photo 3×4 in size;
7. Receipt certifying the payment of service fee.

• To issue a permanent residence permit to a foreigner living in Georgia for the preceding six years on the basis of a temporary residence permit:

1. Application of an established form;
2. Copy of a travel document of foreigner;
3. Document certifying the legal stay in Georgia for the preceding six years on the basis of a temporary residence permit (a copy of temporary residence card/ residence permit in Georgia);
4. Document certifying the legal income of a foreigner or/and a citizen of Georgia or his/her relative holding a residence permit in Georgia and the kinship. If a citizen of Georgia is of retirement age or social assistance beneficiary – a document certifying the receipt of social pension or social assistance. The income may also be the amount on the bank account of a foreigner;
5. Photo 3×4 in size;
6. Receipt certifying the payment of service fee.

Terms and fees

Terms                                      Fees

Thirtieth calendar day          180 GEL

Twentieth calendar day        300 GEL

Investment residence permit is issued to an alien who made at least GEL 300 000 investment in Georgia in accordance with the Law of Georgia on Promotion and Guarantees of Investments, and his/her family members. Family members shall be an alien’s spouse, under-age child (children) and an incapable dependent(s).

To obtain an investment residence permit, a foreigner must submit the following documents to the Agency:

1. Application of an established form;
2. Copy of a travel document of foreigner;
3. Copy of a document certifying the legal stay in Georgia;
4. Document evidencing the investment of at least GEL 300 000 in Georgia (auditor’s opinion);
5. Written recommendation of a member of government of Georgia or three citizens of Georgia equipped with the power of representation of an entrepreneurial subject operating in Georgia;
6. Photo 3×4 in size;
7. Receipt certifying the payment of service fee.

2)  To obtain an investment residence permit, a family member of foreigner holding such permit must submit the following documents to the Agency:

1. Application of an established form;
2. Copy of a travel document of foreigner;
3. Copy of a document certifying the legal stay in Georgia;
4. Copy of residence permit of the foreigner holding the investment residence permit;
5. Document evidencing the kinship with the foreigner holding the investment residence permit;
6. Photo 3×4 in size;
7. Receipt certifying the payment of service fee.

Terms and fees

Terms                                      Fees

Thirtieth calendar day          180 GEL

Twentieth calendar day        300 GEL

• A copy of passport of Georgian citizen;
• Two photos 3×4 in size;

• For persons aged 18 – 27, a copy of a military service card or a document certifying the postponement of exemption from the military service;

If an application is submitted by a representative of the interested person:

• Document certifying the award of power of representation.

Ordinary visa is issued to foreigners having legally entered the territory of Georgia, travelling upon the invitation of legal or physical persons or for the aim of tourism, to receive treatment, visit relatives, or other aims.

If legal representatives of a minor fail to agree on the issue of minor’s emigration, the dispute will be referred to a court.

Required documents

• Copy of passport of citizen of Georgia;
• Two photos 3×4 in size;
• Copy of birth certificate (copy of birth certificate issued in a foreign country shall be duly legalized or apostilled if not otherwise specified in an international treaty of Georgia or agreement)
• Document certifying the consent of a legal representative.

Note: Emigration permit may be issued to a minor or incapable person on the basis of his/her legal representative’s consent either duly notarized or expressed in accordance with the established rule.

When an emigration permit is issued, a stamp with the imprint “permanent leave” is attached to a passport of Georgian citizen, indicating the date of issuance of permit and certified with a seal of Agency and signed by an authorized person.

In the event an emigrant renews the passport of citizen of Georgia, the Agency shall, within 10 days of submitting the emigration permit and application by an emigrant, issue a corresponding act and remove the stamp with a corresponding inscription into a new passport.

Terms and fees

Terms                                      Fees

Thirtieth calendar day          60 GEL

Twentieth calendar day        160 GEL

The State Commission on Migration Issues is conducting the information campaign titled “Legal Migration – The Best Choice” with support of the EU, within the framework of which a Guidebook on Legal Emigration was developed in Georgian and English Languages. The guidebook offers practical information on the whole range of issues such as the documents necessary for emigrants, the legal ways for temporary or permanent departure from Georgia or return to the country as well as provides information on the state and non-governmental organizations dealing with migration.

Within the framework of the information campaign “Legal Migration – The Best Choice” conducted by the State Commission on Migration Issues and supported by the EU, a guidebook on legal immigration has been developed in Georgian and English languages.

Up to now the only sources of information regarding the procedures and norms regulating legal immigration to Georgia were the websites of various state agencies and provisions scattered in different legislative acts and regulations. This type of information is hardly exhaustive, accessible or written in simple language. This guidebook has been developed to fill in this gap. It puts together a whole range of practical information on the documents necessary for foreign citizens staying in Georgia, procedures for obtaining these documents and relevant status, and regulations of legal movement.

• Guidebook on Legal Immigration