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.