Family Reunification Residence Permit in Georgia (2026)
The family reunification residence permit lets the family members of a foreign national who legally resides in Georgia — or of a Georgian citizen — live in the country on the basis of family unity. It is usually issued for 6 months to 1 year and is renewable while the sponsor's status and the family relationship remain valid. Applicants must show legal income of at least twice the subsistence minimum per month (or equivalent funds in a bank account) and proof of the qualifying relationship.
Last reviewed: 10 July 2026 · Last checked: 28 July 2026
A Family Reunification Residence Permit is granted to the family members of a Georgian citizen or of a foreign national holding a residence permit in Georgia, allowing them to live together in the country on the basis of family unity. It is the residence status available to a spouse, children and other qualifying family members who do not have their own independent basis for obtaining a residence permit.
Who is eligible
The permit is available to the family members of a Georgian citizen or of a foreign national holding a valid Georgian residence permit or permanent residence permit (the “sponsor” or main permit holder). The sponsor may hold, for example, a Work Residence Permit, an Investment Residence Permit, a Study Residence Permit, or another type of Georgian residence permit.
A. Family members of a foreigner or a stateless person with status in Georgia. This may include:
- spouse;
- minor child;
- minor under guardianship or custody;
- minor fully dependent on the foreigner;
- a dependent person receiving support;
- a person with a disability, or incapable of work, who is dependent on the foreigner;
- parent of a minor foreigner;
- parent of a minor stateless person with status in Georgia.
B. Family members of a Georgian citizen. This may include:
- foreign spouse of a Georgian citizen;
- minor child;
- minor under guardianship or custody;
- minor fully dependent on the Georgian citizen;
- parent of a minor Georgian citizen.
The sponsor’s residence status is the basis for the Family Reunification Residence Permit. As a result, the family member’s right to remain under this permit is linked to the sponsor’s status. If the sponsor’s residence permit expires, is revoked, or otherwise ceases to be valid, the family member’s residence status may also be affected and should be reviewed promptly.
Financial conditions
The applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support their stay in Georgia. This requirement may be satisfied by providing a document confirming legal income of:
- the foreign national;
- the Georgian citizen; or
- the sponsoring relative residing in Georgia who holds a residence permit.
The income must be at least twice the subsistence minimum of an average consumer in Georgia per month, calculated for the entire duration of the requested Family Reunification Residence Permit.
If this requirement cannot be met through income documents, it may instead be satisfied by submitting a bank statement for the foreign national’s personal bank account showing funds equivalent to at least twice the monthly subsistence minimum for the entire requested period of residence.
Application
Applications are submitted to the Public Service Development Agency of Georgia. The typical document set is:
- the application;
- a copy of the passport or travel document;
- a document confirming lawful stay in Georgia;
- a copy of the residence permit of the principal foreign applicant, or proof of Georgian citizenship;
- a document confirming the family relationship — for example a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other official document confirming family ties;
- proof of legal income meeting the financial condition, or a qualifying bank statement;
- a colour photograph, 3×4 cm, in electronic format;
- the receipt confirming payment of state fee.
Foreign documents must generally be legalised or apostilled and accompanied by a Georgian translation certified by a Georgian notary.
Duration and renewal
A Family Reunification Residence Permit is generally issued for a period that corresponds to the validity of the sponsor’s residence permit, although the exact duration is determined by the Public Service Development Agency based on the circumstances of the case.
The permit may be renewed, provided that the legal grounds for family reunification continue to exist. In particular, the sponsor must continue to hold a valid residence permit (where applicable), and the qualifying family relationship must remain in place.
Time spent lawfully in Georgia under qualifying temporary residence permits may count towards the ten-year residence requirement for a Permanent Residence Permit, provided the statutory conditions are met. For an overview of all residence permit categories, see our Guide to Residence Permits.
Processing time and state fees
The state fee depends on how quickly the application is processed:
| Processing time | State fee |
|---|---|
| 30 calendar days | GEL 300 |
| 20 calendar days | GEL 450 |
| 10 calendar days | GEL 600 |
Georgian ID (residence) card
After obtaining the Family Reunification Residence Permit, a foreign national must apply for a Georgian residence (ID) card within one month. Applications may be submitted through the Public Service Hall or a territorial office of the Public Service Development Agency.
The fee depends on the processing time:
| Issuance time | Fee |
|---|---|
| 10 working days | GEL 60 |
| 5 working days | GEL 80 |
| 3 working days | GEL 100 |
| 2 working days | GEL 120 |
| Same day | GEL 150 |
Frequently asked questions
Who can get a Family Reunification Residence Permit?
Family members of a foreign national who already holds a valid Georgian residence permit, or family members of a Georgian citizen. This typically covers a spouse, minor children, minors under guardianship or custody, dependants, and the parent of a minor foreigner, stateless person or Georgian citizen.
How long is it valid?
It is usually issued for 6 months to 1 year and is renewable while the main permit holder continues to reside lawfully in Georgia and the family relationship remains valid. Its validity usually corresponds to the validity of the main applicant's residence permit.
What financial conditions apply?
The sponsor or applicant must show legal income of at least twice the subsistence minimum of an average consumer per month, for the duration of the requested permit. If income cannot be demonstrated through employment or other income documents, funds held in the foreigner's personal bank account (shown by a bank statement) corresponding to at least twice the subsistence minimum per month may be accepted instead.
What documents prove the relationship?
Civil-status documents such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate, or other official documents confirming family ties, together with a copy of the sponsor's valid residence permit or proof of Georgian citizenship. Foreign documents must generally be legalised or apostilled and translated into Georgian and notarised.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
State fees depend on the processing speed — GEL 300 for a 30-day review, GEL 450 for 20 days and GEL 600 for 10 days. After the permit is granted, the Georgian ID (residence) card costs a further GEL 60 (10 working days) up to GEL 150 (same-day issuance).
Can the permit lead to permanent residence?
Time spent lawfully on qualifying temporary permits can count toward the ten years needed for a permanent residence permit, and family members of Georgian citizens may qualify for permanent residence directly. See the permanent residence guide for the routes.
Sources
- Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons — Legislative Herald (matsne)
- Government of Georgia Resolution No. 520 of 1 September 2014 — Procedure for reviewing and deciding on the issuance of residence permits in Georgia (matsne)
- Public Service Development Agency — Migration / Residence Permits