Temporary Residence Permit in Georgia: grounds and acquisition procedure
February 15, 2024 (Updated September 1, 2025)
The Law of Georgia "On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in Georgia" provides for two types of residence permits in Georgia: temporary (including short-term) and permanent (including indefinite). Here, we will try to describe as fully and briefly as possible all the grounds for obtaining a temporary residence permit, the documents required for this, as well as the costs (temporary and financial) for each procedure.
Attention — the article discusses direct expenses related to obtaining a residence permit, not the cost of services provided by the company JUST Advisors. You can handle everything yourself, and we explain below how, or you can take advantage of the professionalism and experience of our lawyers, saving time and increasing the chances of a positive decision.
Grounds 1. Business in Georgia (or Residence Permit through Individual Entrepreneurship)
Type of Residence Permit: temporary
Validity period: first time — 6 months/1 year, extension possible for up to 10 years.
Grounds:
1) application form;
2) notarized copy and translation of the passport;
3) certificate of availability of funds on the personal account;
4) certificate from the tax authorities on the status of the Individual Entrepreneur as a VAT payer and on the turnover of the Individual Entrepreneur*;
5) certificate on the number of employed foreigners;
6) photo of the applicant.
To apply for the Residence Permit the Applicant must confirm sufficient minimum income for living in Georgia. In accordance with the Resolution of the Government of Georgia No. 352 of July 30, 2019, the monthly minimum income for the purposes of the Residence Permit on this ground must correspond to five times the subsistence minimum. From March 18, 2025, the Civil Registry updated the minimum subsistence minimum for the purposes of the Residence Permit and set it at 230.5 GEL. Accordingly, the fivefold minimum amounts to 1152.5 GEL. Thus, at the time of submitting the application on this ground you must show on the bank account the amount: 230.5*5=1152.5 GEL * 12 months = 13,830 GEL.
Application processing time and cost:
Obtaining Residence Permit: 30 days/300 GEL; 20 days/450 GEL; 10 days/600 GEL.
Obtaining Residence permit ID card, Binadrobа'': on the 10th working day — 60 GEL, on the 5th working day — 80 GEL, on the 3rd working day — 100 GEL, within 24 hours — 120 GEL, on the day of application submission — 150 GEL.
Validity period: first time — 6 months/1 year, extension possible for up to 10 years.
Grounds:
- an active Individual Entrepreneur (with small business status or without)
- availability of turnover of the Individual Entrepreneur from 50,000 GEL (at the exchange rate on the date of writing the article approximately 19,000 USD) for the last 12 months preceding the application for the Residence Permit
1) application form;
2) notarized copy and translation of the passport;
3) certificate of availability of funds on the personal account;
4) certificate from the tax authorities on the status of the Individual Entrepreneur as a VAT payer and on the turnover of the Individual Entrepreneur*;
5) certificate on the number of employed foreigners;
6) photo of the applicant.
To apply for the Residence Permit the Applicant must confirm sufficient minimum income for living in Georgia. In accordance with the Resolution of the Government of Georgia No. 352 of July 30, 2019, the monthly minimum income for the purposes of the Residence Permit on this ground must correspond to five times the subsistence minimum. From March 18, 2025, the Civil Registry updated the minimum subsistence minimum for the purposes of the Residence Permit and set it at 230.5 GEL. Accordingly, the fivefold minimum amounts to 1152.5 GEL. Thus, at the time of submitting the application on this ground you must show on the bank account the amount: 230.5*5=1152.5 GEL * 12 months = 13,830 GEL.
Application processing time and cost:
Obtaining Residence Permit: 30 days/300 GEL; 20 days/450 GEL; 10 days/600 GEL.
Obtaining Residence permit ID card, Binadrobа'': on the 10th working day — 60 GEL, on the 5th working day — 80 GEL, on the 3rd working day — 100 GEL, within 24 hours — 120 GEL, on the day of application submission — 150 GEL.
Grounds 2. Employment relationship with a Georgian company (Work Residence Permit)
Type of Residence Permit: temporary
Validity period: first time — 6 months/1 year, extension possible for up to 10 years, but not longer than the term of the employment contract.
Grounds:
1) application form;
2) notarized copy and translation of the passport;
3) certificate of availability of funds on the personal account;
4) certificate from the tax authorities on the status of the Individual Entrepreneur as a VAT payer and on the turnover of the Individual Entrepreneur*;
5) certificate on the number of employed foreigners;
6) photo of the applicant.
The founders and director of the company may NOT be citizens of Georgia. Persons applying for the Residence Permit may be directors or founders of the company, but must also necessarily work in the company under an employment contract.
To apply for the Residence Permit the Applicant must confirm sufficient minimum income for living in Georgia. In accordance with the Resolution of the Government of Georgia No. 352 of July 30, 2019, the monthly minimum income for the purposes of the Residence Permit on this ground must correspond to five times the subsistence minimum. From March 18, 2025, the Civil Registry updated the minimum subsistence minimum for the purposes of the Residence Permit and set it at 230.5 GEL. Accordingly, the fivefold minimum amounts to 1,152.5 GEL. Thus, at the time of submitting the application on this ground you must show on the bank account the amount: 230.5*5=1,152.5 GEL * 12 months = 13,830 GEL.
Application processing time and cost:
Obtaining Residence Permit: 30 days/300 GEL; 20 days/450 GEL; 10 days/600 GEL.
Obtaining Residence permit ID card, Binadrobа'': on the 10th working day — 60 GEL, on the 5th working day — 80 GEL, on the 3rd working day — 100 GEL, within 24 hours — 120 GEL, on the day of application submission — 150 GEL.
Validity period: first time — 6 months/1 year, extension possible for up to 10 years, but not longer than the term of the employment contract.
Grounds:
- an active employment contract with a Georgian company/Individual Entrepreneur;
- availability of company turnover from 50,000 GEL (at the exchange rate on the date of writing the article approximately 19,000 USD) per each employed foreigner for the 12 months preceding the application for the Residence Permit.
1) application form;
2) notarized copy and translation of the passport;
3) certificate of availability of funds on the personal account;
4) certificate from the tax authorities on the status of the Individual Entrepreneur as a VAT payer and on the turnover of the Individual Entrepreneur*;
5) certificate on the number of employed foreigners;
6) photo of the applicant.
The founders and director of the company may NOT be citizens of Georgia. Persons applying for the Residence Permit may be directors or founders of the company, but must also necessarily work in the company under an employment contract.
To apply for the Residence Permit the Applicant must confirm sufficient minimum income for living in Georgia. In accordance with the Resolution of the Government of Georgia No. 352 of July 30, 2019, the monthly minimum income for the purposes of the Residence Permit on this ground must correspond to five times the subsistence minimum. From March 18, 2025, the Civil Registry updated the minimum subsistence minimum for the purposes of the Residence Permit and set it at 230.5 GEL. Accordingly, the fivefold minimum amounts to 1,152.5 GEL. Thus, at the time of submitting the application on this ground you must show on the bank account the amount: 230.5*5=1,152.5 GEL * 12 months = 13,830 GEL.
Application processing time and cost:
Obtaining Residence Permit: 30 days/300 GEL; 20 days/450 GEL; 10 days/600 GEL.
Obtaining Residence permit ID card, Binadrobа'': on the 10th working day — 60 GEL, on the 5th working day — 80 GEL, on the 3rd working day — 100 GEL, within 24 hours — 120 GEL, on the day of application submission — 150 GEL.
Grounds 3. Acquisition of real estate in Georgia (from 100,000/150,000 USD) (Residence Permit by real estate)
Type of Residence Permit: short-term residence permit
Validity period: 1 year
Grounds:
— application form;
— notarized copy and translation of the passport;
— appraisal/conclusion by a certified appraiser;
— photo of the applicant.
Application processing time and cost:
Obtaining Residence Permit: 30 days/300 GEL; 20 days/450 GEL; 10 days/600 GEL.
Obtaining Residence permit ID card, Binadrobа'': on the 10th working day — 60 GEL, on the 5th working day — 80 GEL, on the 3rd working day — 100 GEL, within 24 hours — 120 GEL, on the day of application submission — 150 GEL.
Validity period: 1 year
Grounds:
- ownership of real estate by the applicant;
- confirmed market value of the real estate by a certified appraiser of at least 100,000 USD (after March 1, 2026 — at least 150,000 USD; see the text of the law at the link).
— application form;
— notarized copy and translation of the passport;
— appraisal/conclusion by a certified appraiser;
— photo of the applicant.
Application processing time and cost:
Obtaining Residence Permit: 30 days/300 GEL; 20 days/450 GEL; 10 days/600 GEL.
Obtaining Residence permit ID card, Binadrobа'': on the 10th working day — 60 GEL, on the 5th working day — 80 GEL, on the 3rd working day — 100 GEL, within 24 hours — 120 GEL, on the day of application submission — 150 GEL.
More useful information about the legal aspects of purchasing, selling, managing, and taxing real estate in Georgia can be found in our articles:
Grounds 4. Making Investments in the Economy of Georgia in the Amount of $300,000 USD
Type of Residence Permit: temporary residence permit for investment purposes
Validity period: 5 years
Grounds:
— application form;
— notarized copy and translation of the passport;
— appraisal/conclusion by a certified appraiser and/or auditor;
— recommendations from three directors of Georgian companies — citizens of Georgia;
— photo of the applicant.
Application processing time and cost:
Obtaining Residence Permit: 30 days/300 GEL; 20 days/450 GEL; 10 days/600 GEL.
Obtaining Residence permit ID card, Binadrobа'': on the 10th working day — 60 GEL, on the 5th working day — 80 GEL, on the 3rd working day — 100 GEL, within 24 hours — 120 GEL, on the day of application submission — 150 GEL.
If the investment Residence Permit is obtained through participation in the capital of a Georgian company, the Investor must annually, for 5 years, prove their business activity and confirm the turnover of the company in which they invested: in the first year — turnover of their investment must be at least 50,000 USD, in the second year — at least 100,000 USD, and in years 3−5 — at least 120,000 USD.
If the investment Residence Permit is obtained through investment in real estate, the composition of the real estate may change, but the total market value of all properties must not be less than 300,000 USD.
Upon completion of 5 years of holding the investment Residence Permit — eligibility for a permanent Residence Permit.
Validity period: 5 years
Grounds:
- ownership of real estate by the applicant;
- confirmed market value of the real estate by a certified appraiser of at least 300,000 USD;
- OR
- participation of the applicant in the capital of a Georgian company (LLC or JSC);
- confirmed value of the investment in the company by an auditor's report of at least 300,000 USD
— application form;
— notarized copy and translation of the passport;
— appraisal/conclusion by a certified appraiser and/or auditor;
— recommendations from three directors of Georgian companies — citizens of Georgia;
— photo of the applicant.
Application processing time and cost:
Obtaining Residence Permit: 30 days/300 GEL; 20 days/450 GEL; 10 days/600 GEL.
Obtaining Residence permit ID card, Binadrobа'': on the 10th working day — 60 GEL, on the 5th working day — 80 GEL, on the 3rd working day — 100 GEL, within 24 hours — 120 GEL, on the day of application submission — 150 GEL.
If the investment Residence Permit is obtained through participation in the capital of a Georgian company, the Investor must annually, for 5 years, prove their business activity and confirm the turnover of the company in which they invested: in the first year — turnover of their investment must be at least 50,000 USD, in the second year — at least 100,000 USD, and in years 3−5 — at least 120,000 USD.
If the investment Residence Permit is obtained through investment in real estate, the composition of the real estate may change, but the total market value of all properties must not be less than 300,000 USD.
Upon completion of 5 years of holding the investment Residence Permit — eligibility for a permanent Residence Permit.
Grounds 5. "Student" Residence Permit (for studying at an authorized educational institution in Georgia)
Type of Residence Permit: temporary residence permit for study purposes
Validity period: generally 1 year
Grounds:
— application form;
— notarized copy and translation of the passport;
— notarized copy and translation of the birth certificate;
— certificate from the educational institution confirming enrollment and study period;
— bank statement confirming availability of funds in the student’s personal bank account (for a minor applicant, the statement must be for the parent’s bank account)*;
— photo of the applicant.
To apply for the Residence Permit the Applicant must confirm sufficient minimum income for living in Georgia. In accordance with the Resolution of the Government of Georgia No. 352 of July 30, 2019, the monthly minimum income for the purposes of the Residence Permit on this ground must correspond to twice the subsistence minimum. From March 18, 2025, the Civil Registry updated the minimum subsistence minimum for the purposes of the Residence Permit and set it at 230.5 GEL. Accordingly, the twofold minimum amounts to 461 GEL. Thus, at the time of submitting the application on this ground you must show on the bank account the amount: 230.5*2=461 GEL * 12 months = 5,532 GEL.
Application processing time and cost:
Obtaining Residence Permit: 30 days/300 GEL; 20 days/450 GEL; 10 days/600 GEL.
Obtaining Residence permit ID card, Binadrobа'': on the 10th working day — 60 GEL, on the 5th working day — 80 GEL, on the 3rd working day — 100 GEL, within 24 hours — 120 GEL, on the day of application submission — 150 GEL.
Validity period: generally 1 year
Grounds:
- Study in an educational institution authorized by the Ministry of Education of Georgia (school or university).
- Language of instruction, tuition fees, and study program do not matter.
— application form;
— notarized copy and translation of the passport;
— notarized copy and translation of the birth certificate;
— certificate from the educational institution confirming enrollment and study period;
— bank statement confirming availability of funds in the student’s personal bank account (for a minor applicant, the statement must be for the parent’s bank account)*;
— photo of the applicant.
To apply for the Residence Permit the Applicant must confirm sufficient minimum income for living in Georgia. In accordance with the Resolution of the Government of Georgia No. 352 of July 30, 2019, the monthly minimum income for the purposes of the Residence Permit on this ground must correspond to twice the subsistence minimum. From March 18, 2025, the Civil Registry updated the minimum subsistence minimum for the purposes of the Residence Permit and set it at 230.5 GEL. Accordingly, the twofold minimum amounts to 461 GEL. Thus, at the time of submitting the application on this ground you must show on the bank account the amount: 230.5*2=461 GEL * 12 months = 5,532 GEL.
Application processing time and cost:
Obtaining Residence Permit: 30 days/300 GEL; 20 days/450 GEL; 10 days/600 GEL.
Obtaining Residence permit ID card, Binadrobа'': on the 10th working day — 60 GEL, on the 5th working day — 80 GEL, on the 3rd working day — 100 GEL, within 24 hours — 120 GEL, on the day of application submission — 150 GEL.
More useful information about the rights of minors can be found in our articles:
Grounds 6. Family reunification (in case any family member has previously obtained any residence permit based on grounds 1-6).
Type of Residence Permit: the same as that of the family member with whom the applicant is reuniting
Validity period: the same as that of the main Residence Permit holder
Grounds:
Having a Residence Permit held by the following family members of the applicant:
— spouse (the other spouse joins them),
— minor child (parents join them),
— parent (minor children join them OR adult children ONLY if the parent holds a short-term Residence Permit by real estate).
Documents:
— application form;
— notarized copy and translation of the passport;
— notarized translation of the document confirming the relationship with the family member holding the Residence Permit;
— bank statement confirming sufficient funds in the applicant’s personal bank account (for a minor applicant, the statement must be for the parent’s bank account)*;
— photo of the applicant.
To apply for the Residence Permit the Applicant must confirm sufficient minimum income for living in Georgia. In accordance with the Resolution of the Government of Georgia No. 352 of July 30, 2019, the monthly minimum income for the purposes of the Residence Permit on this ground must correspond to twice the subsistence minimum. From March 18, 2025, the Civil Registry updated the minimum subsistence minimum for the purposes of the Residence Permit and set it at 230.5 GEL. Accordingly, the twofold minimum amounts to 461 GEL. Thus, at the time of submitting the application on this ground you must show on the bank account the amount: 230.5*2=461 GEL * 12 months = 5,532 GEL.
Application processing time and cost:
Obtaining Residence Permit: 30 days/300 GEL; 20 days/450 GEL; 10 days/600 GEL.
Obtaining Residence permit ID card, Binadrobа'': on the 10th working day — 60 GEL, on the 5th working day — 80 GEL, on the 3rd working day — 100 GEL, within 24 hours — 120 GEL, on the day of application submission — 150 GEL.
Validity period: the same as that of the main Residence Permit holder
Grounds:
Having a Residence Permit held by the following family members of the applicant:
— spouse (the other spouse joins them),
— minor child (parents join them),
— parent (minor children join them OR adult children ONLY if the parent holds a short-term Residence Permit by real estate).
Documents:
— application form;
— notarized copy and translation of the passport;
— notarized translation of the document confirming the relationship with the family member holding the Residence Permit;
— bank statement confirming sufficient funds in the applicant’s personal bank account (for a minor applicant, the statement must be for the parent’s bank account)*;
— photo of the applicant.
To apply for the Residence Permit the Applicant must confirm sufficient minimum income for living in Georgia. In accordance with the Resolution of the Government of Georgia No. 352 of July 30, 2019, the monthly minimum income for the purposes of the Residence Permit on this ground must correspond to twice the subsistence minimum. From March 18, 2025, the Civil Registry updated the minimum subsistence minimum for the purposes of the Residence Permit and set it at 230.5 GEL. Accordingly, the twofold minimum amounts to 461 GEL. Thus, at the time of submitting the application on this ground you must show on the bank account the amount: 230.5*2=461 GEL * 12 months = 5,532 GEL.
Application processing time and cost:
Obtaining Residence Permit: 30 days/300 GEL; 20 days/450 GEL; 10 days/600 GEL.
Obtaining Residence permit ID card, Binadrobа'': on the 10th working day — 60 GEL, on the 5th working day — 80 GEL, on the 3rd working day — 100 GEL, within 24 hours — 120 GEL, on the day of application submission — 150 GEL.
More useful information on family law in Georgia can be found in our articles:
Basis 7. Residence Permit for IT Specialists
Type of Residence Permit: IT Specialist Residence Permit
Who can apply for the IT Residence Permit:
— employees of IT companies registered in Georgia;
— individual entrepreneurs (IE) with small business status working in IT;
— authorized representatives and managers of international IT companies.
Requirements for obtaining an IT Residence Permit:
— confirmed work experience in the field of information technology of at least 2 years;
— income from IT activities — at least $ 25,000 per year (equivalent in GEL);
— for international IT companies — documents confirming the status and authority of the representative.
Who is legally considered "employed in the IT sector" (for the purposes of this Residence Permit):
— professions according to ISCO-08, code 25 and relevant sub-codes;
— types of activities according to NACE Rev.2: 58.21, 58.29, 62.01, 62.02, 62.03, 62.09, 63.1, 63.12.
Conditions for extending the IT Residence Permit:
— the IT Residence Permit is issued initially for 3 years;
— it can be extended repeatedly, each time for another 3 years, but not exceeding a total of 12 years;
— after 10 years of temporary residence, the holder can apply for a permanent Residence Permit.
Grounds for cancellation of the IT Residence Permit:
— if the holder of such a Residence Permit does not stay in Georgia for 183 days or more within any consecutive 12 months, the Residence Permit is canceled;
— exception — departure from Georgia for medical reasons (treatment).
Who can join the IT Residence Permit:
— spouse, children, and other family members (as defined by law) accompanying the main applicant are entitled to receive a Residence Permit on the same grounds and for the same period.
Documents:
— application form;
— notarized copy and translation of the passport;
For employed IT staff (registered as labor migrants with the Ministry of Labor):
— documents proving at least 2 years of IT experience;
— certificate confirming that the remuneration received from labor or business activity in IT over the past year is at least the equivalent of $ 25,000 in GEL. The remuneration must be received in at least two payments with an interval of at least 30 days.
For individual entrepreneurs (small business) in IT:
— documents proving at least 2 years of IT experience;
— certificate confirming that the remuneration received from labor or business activity in IT over the past year is at least the equivalent of $ 25,000 in GEL. The remuneration must be received in at least two payments with an interval of at least 30 days;
— document confirming small business status in Georgia;
— confirmation of IT activity (see ISCO/NACE above).
For Managers/Authorized Representatives of international IT companies:
— document confirming authority.
Application processing time and cost:
Obtaining Residence Permit: 90 days/500 GEL; 60 days/750 GEL.
Obtaining Residence permit ID card, Binadrobа'': on the 10th working day — 60 GEL, on the 5th working day — 80 GEL, on the 3rd working day — 100 GEL, within 24 hours — 120 GEL, on the day of application submission — 150 GEL.
Who can apply for the IT Residence Permit:
— employees of IT companies registered in Georgia;
— individual entrepreneurs (IE) with small business status working in IT;
— authorized representatives and managers of international IT companies.
Requirements for obtaining an IT Residence Permit:
— confirmed work experience in the field of information technology of at least 2 years;
— income from IT activities — at least $ 25,000 per year (equivalent in GEL);
— for international IT companies — documents confirming the status and authority of the representative.
Who is legally considered "employed in the IT sector" (for the purposes of this Residence Permit):
— professions according to ISCO-08, code 25 and relevant sub-codes;
— types of activities according to NACE Rev.2: 58.21, 58.29, 62.01, 62.02, 62.03, 62.09, 63.1, 63.12.
Conditions for extending the IT Residence Permit:
— the IT Residence Permit is issued initially for 3 years;
— it can be extended repeatedly, each time for another 3 years, but not exceeding a total of 12 years;
— after 10 years of temporary residence, the holder can apply for a permanent Residence Permit.
Grounds for cancellation of the IT Residence Permit:
— if the holder of such a Residence Permit does not stay in Georgia for 183 days or more within any consecutive 12 months, the Residence Permit is canceled;
— exception — departure from Georgia for medical reasons (treatment).
Who can join the IT Residence Permit:
— spouse, children, and other family members (as defined by law) accompanying the main applicant are entitled to receive a Residence Permit on the same grounds and for the same period.
Documents:
— application form;
— notarized copy and translation of the passport;
For employed IT staff (registered as labor migrants with the Ministry of Labor):
— documents proving at least 2 years of IT experience;
— certificate confirming that the remuneration received from labor or business activity in IT over the past year is at least the equivalent of $ 25,000 in GEL. The remuneration must be received in at least two payments with an interval of at least 30 days.
For individual entrepreneurs (small business) in IT:
— documents proving at least 2 years of IT experience;
— certificate confirming that the remuneration received from labor or business activity in IT over the past year is at least the equivalent of $ 25,000 in GEL. The remuneration must be received in at least two payments with an interval of at least 30 days;
— document confirming small business status in Georgia;
— confirmation of IT activity (see ISCO/NACE above).
For Managers/Authorized Representatives of international IT companies:
— document confirming authority.
Application processing time and cost:
Obtaining Residence Permit: 90 days/500 GEL; 60 days/750 GEL.
Obtaining Residence permit ID card, Binadrobа'': on the 10th working day — 60 GEL, on the 5th working day — 80 GEL, on the 3rd working day — 100 GEL, within 24 hours — 120 GEL, on the day of application submission — 150 GEL.
More useful information for those working in the IT sector can be found in our articles:
The procedure for submitting documents
When applying for any type of temporary residence permit in person, the Agency officer requires the applicant to present the original identity document used abroad to enter Georgia, bearing the border crossing stamp (passport).
An adult can apply for a residence card (ID card) only in person, while a minor may do so through their parents or personally starting from the age of 9.
Together with the application for the residence card, it is mandatory to provide the property owner’s consent for registration at the temporary address. The consent may either be signed in person in the presence of Agency representatives or the signature must be notarized. Registration at a temporary address is allowed in any type of real estate located in Georgia.
- Submission of an application for obtaining a temporary residence permit for the first time is possible in person or through a representative. At the same time:
- At the time of submission, the Applicant MUST be on the territory of Georgia.
- There must be at least 40 days remaining until the end of the period of their legal stay in the country.
2. Submission of an application for extending a residence permit is possible in person or remotely, as well as through a representative provided that:
- For investment residence permits or residence permits based on real estate, 7 calendar days remain until the expiration,
- For other temporary residence permits, 40 calendar days remain until the expiration.
3. The package of documents for extending a residence permit is the same as for obtaining the initial residence permit.
4. When submitting an application, the Representative will require a notarized power of attorney.
Terms for issuance and extension of residence permits
Initial issuance period
Most temporary residence permits are extended for the period of the foreigner’s intended stay in Georgia (p. 3 art.14 of Government Resolution No. 520).
Exceptions:
— Investment residence permit — up to 5 years (upon confirmation of turnover).
— Short-term residence permit based on property — annually for 1 year.
— IT residence permit — for 3 years.
Maximum total period (cumulative)
The general limit for most temporary residence permits — up to 12 years.
Exceptions (do not fall under "12 years"):
— Investment residence permit — 5 years;
— Permanent residence permit — indefinite, no limit;
— Lifetime residence permit — unlimited;
— IT residence permit — separately established limit: extension for 3 years, total limit — 12 years.
Application deadlines for extension and procedural requirements
- Work residence permit — from 6 months to 1 year.
- Study residence permit — duration of study, but no more than 1 year.
- Family reunification residence permit — from 6 months to 1 year.
- Residence permit for former citizens of Georgia / stateless persons — from 6 months to 1 year.
- Special residence permit — 1 year (previously 6−12 months).
- Investment residence permit — 5 years (annual confirmation is required if the basis is not real estate worth from $ 300,000).
- Short-term residence permit based on property (real estate worth from $ 100,000) — 1 year.
- IT residence permit — 3 years.
Most temporary residence permits are extended for the period of the foreigner’s intended stay in Georgia (p. 3 art.14 of Government Resolution No. 520).
Exceptions:
— Investment residence permit — up to 5 years (upon confirmation of turnover).
— Short-term residence permit based on property — annually for 1 year.
— IT residence permit — for 3 years.
Maximum total period (cumulative)
The general limit for most temporary residence permits — up to 12 years.
Exceptions (do not fall under "12 years"):
— Investment residence permit — 5 years;
— Permanent residence permit — indefinite, no limit;
— Lifetime residence permit — unlimited;
— IT residence permit — separately established limit: extension for 3 years, total limit — 12 years.
Application deadlines for extension and procedural requirements
- Basic rule — submit for extension no later than 40 calendar days before expiration.
- Exceptions to "40 days" — lifetime, investment, special, temporary, short-term, and IT residence permits.
- Minimum submission period — no earlier than 90 days before expiration.
- For family/short-term — the main holder of the residence permit must have more than 6 months remaining on the expiration date.
Q&A: Temporary Residence Permit in Georgia
Updated as of September 7, 2025
Topics:
IT Residence Permit: Grounds, Documents, Terms
Who can apply for an IT Residence Permit?
Answer: employees of Georgian IT companies; individual entrepreneurs with “small business” status and IT activity; head/authorized representative of an international IT company; spouse and minor children of the main applicant.
Who is considered “employed in IT”?
Answer: for employees — professions under ISCO-08 (group 25 and relevant subcodes). For individual entrepreneurs — types of activity under NACE Rev.2 (e.g., 58.21, 58.29, 62.01–62.03, 62.09, 63.1, 63.12).
What is the validity period and how is the IT Residence Permit extended?
Answer: initial issuance — 3 years; extensions — every 3 years; total limit — 12 years.
What are the requirements for actual residence under the IT Residence Permit?
Answer: the permit is terminated if absent from Georgia for 183+ days in any consecutive 12 months (exception — confirmed medical treatment).
What are the processing times and fees for the IT Residence Permit?
Answer: standard — 90 days (500 GEL); expedited — 60 days (750 GEL).
When to apply for an extension and does the “–40 days” rule apply?
Answer: you can apply 90 days before expiration; the “–40 days” rule does not apply to IT extensions.
What documents are required for IT Residence Permit subtypes?
Answer:
— Employee: ≥2 years of IT experience and income for the last year ≥ equivalent of 25,000 USD in GEL (at least two payments with an interval of ≥30 days).
— Individual entrepreneur “small business”: same requirements + “small business” status + confirmation of IT activity (NACE).
— Head/authorized representative: appointment decision and extract from the public registry.
— Employee: ≥2 years of IT experience and income for the last year ≥ equivalent of 25,000 USD in GEL (at least two payments with an interval of ≥30 days).
— Individual entrepreneur “small business”: same requirements + “small business” status + confirmation of IT activity (NACE).
— Head/authorized representative: appointment decision and extract from the public registry.
How to submit foreign documents: language and validity?
Answer: documents must be submitted in Georgian; if issued in another language — a notarized translation into Georgian (in Georgia) is required. For validity: CIS countries — original; EU/USA/Israel/UK — apostille; Thailand and others — consular legalization.
How to confirm 2 years of IT experience (what is already accepted)?
Answer: valid employment contracts; valid civil contracts; employer certificates of past employment; client certificates of contractual relations in past periods.
Does an employment contract confirm work experience?
Answer: yes, if it is a valid employment contract with a Georgian company.
Who is an “authorized representative of an international IT company” and how to confirm the status?
Answer: presumably, this refers to the head of a branch/permanent establishment. Confirmation: decision of the authorized body on appointment and extract from the public registry.
Can the family apply together with the main applicant for the IT Residence Permit?
Answer: spouse and minor children apply after approval of the main applicant’s IT Residence Permit; validity term — same as the main applicant’s.
Are a criminal record certificate and address registration required for the IT Residence Permit?
Answer: a criminal record certificate is usually requested; address registration is required after approval to obtain the ID card.
What is the status if the visa-free period/residence permit has expired but the decision is still pending?
Answer: after submitting an application for a residence permit/its extension, you are considered legally residing in Georgia during the review period.
Can a Georgian residence permit be used to obtain visas for other countries?
Answer: generally, yes — it is an acceptable basis for applying at consulates/embassies in Georgia; the final decision is made by the specific consulate.
Real Estate and Residence Permit
Is reappraisal required when extending a short-term residence permit based on property ownership?
Answer: not required, if ownership is maintained.
What to do if property for residence permit purposes is registered under different passports?
Answer: 1) choose the passport for the residence permit (last entry before application — with this passport); 2) submit an application to the Public Registry to update the owner’s data for properties registered under another passport (processing time — up to 4 business days, state fee — to be clarified; a notarized copy of the passport that will be listed in the registry is required); 3) prepare a single appraiser’s report for all properties.
Can both spouses obtain residence permits with shared property ownership?
Answer: yes, if the appraisal shows that each spouse’s share meets the required threshold (“per person”).
Who should be contacted for property appraisal?
Answer: a certified appraiser; within our support service we help organize the appraisal and documentation package.
Criminal Record Certificate
How to prepare a criminal record certificate (Ukraine)?
Answer: option 1 — paper certificate from the Ministry of Internal Affairs → original sent to Georgia → notarized translation into Georgian → submission. Option 2 — e-certificate → notarized by a Ukrainian notary → sent to Georgia → notarized translation into Georgian → submission.
Is a “clean” e-certificate without a paper original acceptable?
Answer: no. Georgian authorities cannot verify its validity without the established authentication procedure.
Is a criminal record certificate required for an investment residence permit (300,000 USD)?
Answer: it is not on the mandatory list, but the authority may request it additionally.
Work Permit
Who issues the work permit and who needs it?
Answer: Ministry of Labor. An individual entrepreneur (IE) operating in Georgia is required to obtain a permit after March 1, 2026.
What is the transition period for employers?
Answer: until January 1, 2027 — for employees employed and registered on the Ministry of Labor portal as of March 1, 2026; during this period the employer must issue permits.
Does a foreign director without an employment contract need a work permit?
Answer: no, it is not required.
Do remote employees residing abroad need a permit?
Answer: yes, a work permit is required; a residence permit is not.
Do existing employment contracts need to be amended?
Answer: based on current documents — no. If new requirements arise, we will update the Q&A.
Do I need to update my residence permit if it was issued for an IE until 2030?
Answer: a work permit is required; reissuing an existing residence permit is not (under current legislation).
Is it possible with a family reunification residence permit to open an IE and work without a D visa after February 2026?
Answer: yes, if your citizenship allows you to work in Georgia without a special visa.
Procedures, forms, address, ID
Where can I download the new residence permit application form?
Answer: on the Service Development Agency website — sda.gov.ge → Application forms.
What are the timelines and fees for ID/registration after residence permit approval?
Answer: 10 business days — 60 GEL; 5 — 80; 3 — 100; 24 hours — 120; same day — 150.
Do I need to notify about a change of address while holding a valid residence permit?
Answer: yes. Deadlines are not set, but notification is required; the actual place of residence must be indicated.
Stay, Exit, Responsibility
How is overstay detected and what sanctions are applied?
Answer: most often — at departure and during random document checks. Sanctions and possible entry bans depend on the duration of the violation.
When must one leave the country after a residence permit expires?
Answer: if by the date of residence permit expiration a year has already passed since the last entry and there are no other grounds for stay — one must leave the country immediately.
Permanent Residence
When can one apply for permanent residence?
Answer: after 10 years of continuous residence in Georgia on the basis of a residence permit (any types are counted, except student permits).
"Compatriot"
What are the validity periods of the "compatriot" certificate?
Answer: if obtained before age 20 — 3 years; from age 20–65 — 10 years; from age 65+ — unlimited.
What type of residence permit is available for a "compatriot"?
Answer: a special residence permit for up to 1 year with subsequent extension — free of charge.
Residence Permit Terms by Type (reference)
What are the initial terms by residence permit type and the general limit?
Answer: Work — 6–12 months; Study — study period (up to 1 year); Family — 6–12 months; Former citizens/stateless persons — 6–12 months; Special — 1 year; Investment — up to 5 years; Short-term by property — 1 year; IT residence permit — 3 years. General limit for temporary residence permits — up to 12 years (IT residence permit also up to 12 years in total).
Pending Clarifications
Which issues are still unresolved?
Answer: some technical details of the Ministry of Labor portal, algorithms for automatic document verification, and certain state fee rates for micro-procedures — there are no clarifications on this yet; we will update the section as information becomes available.
In the article, we have thoroughly discussed the process of obtaining a residence permit; however, remember: each situation is unique, and it is important to thoroughly prepare for the application. According to statistics, more than 30% of refusals are due to simple mistakes made by applicants. You can go through this process on your own, but if you value your time and want to maximize your chances of success, our knowledge and professionalism are at your service.
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MARIA GUSEINOVA
Leading Manager of Commercial Department
Leading Manager of Commercial Department
