Residence permit in Georgia for former citizens: how to get it

To obtain this category of residence permit, you need to apply to the Public Service Development agency (via the Public Service Hall) in person or through a legal representative. In addition to the application, you need to provide:

1. Photo 3×4.
2. Passport.
3. A document confirming the loss of Georgian citizenship (for example, a copy of the Presidential decree on the termination of citizenship, ID or something else).

The period for consideration of an application for a residence permit depends on the amount of the state fee:

1. 30 days — 300 GEL.
2. 20 days — 450 GEL.
3. 10 days — 600 GEL.

During this period, the Agency checks whether there are any grounds for refusing to obtain a residence permit in relation to the applicant — they are provided in Article 18 of the mentioned law. If there are grounds (the person has provided forged or invalid documents), the Agency prepares a decision on the refusal to grant a residence permit. If there are no grounds for refusal and the applicant meets the requirements of the law, the Agency makes a decision on the issuance of a residence permit.

In the event that the Agency refuses to grant a residence permit, the law provide for a period of one month to appeal the decision. But since the Agency does not have a higher authority, it can only be appealed in court. The state fee for consideration of a case in the court of first instance is 100 GEL.

A residence permit has many advantages. In addition to the obvious right to stay in Georgia for a long time without a visa, the permit allows you to apply for a Schengen visa at local consulates, and in the future apply for the right of permanent residence and even citizenship under the general procedure.