Guide to Georgian Visas: All Visa Types Explained (2026)

Georgia’s immigration system combines a generous visa-free regime with a structured visa system for travellers who do not qualify for visa-free entry or who intend to stay in the country for a specific purpose.

Do you even need a visa?

For many travellers, the answer is no. Citizens of numerous countries and territories—including all EU Member States, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and many others—may enter Georgia without a visa.

For most of those nationalities, the visa-free period is one full year from the date of entry. An important exception is Chinese citizens, who may enter visa-free for up to 30 days, and only for tourism purposes.

Citizens of EU Member States may enter Georgia using either a valid passport or a national identity card that contains their name, surname, date of birth and photograph. Similar rules apply to citizens of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

For a detailed explanation of the visa-free regime, including the list of eligible countries and how the one-year period works in practice, see Visa-Free Entry & the One-Year Rule in Georgia (2026).

If you are not eligible for visa-free entry, you may still qualify to enter Georgia without a visaif you hold a qualifying visa or residence permit issued by certain countries. This separate regime in most cases, permits a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

If neither visa-free regime applies to you, you will generally need to obtain a Georgian visa before travelling.

Short-term visas

Short-term visas are intended for temporary visits to Georgia. They may be issued as either:

• a single-entry visa, allowing one entry and a stay of up to 30 calendar days; or
• a multiple-entry visa, with a validity period of up to five years. The permitted duration of each stay depends on the applicable legal rules and the conditions of the visa.

Georgia issues the following categories of short-term visas:

• A — Diplomatic visa (A1–A5): issued to heads of state and government, members of official state delegations, diplomatic and consular personnel, diplomatic couriers, family members accompanying eligible officials, and other persons entitled to diplomatic status under Georgian law.
• B — Special visa (B1–B4): issued to holders of service and official passports, members of official delegations and administrative or technical staff of diplomatic missions, as well as persons travelling under international agreements, peacekeeping missions or other missions serving Georgia’s national interests.
• C — Ordinary visa (C1–C5): the standard visa category for most travellers, covering tourism, business, family visits, short-term study, cultural, scientific, sporting and other private purposes.
• Transit visa (T): issued to foreign nationals transiting through Georgia on their way to a third country. A transit visa may permit a stay in Georgia of up to 10 calendar days.

The ordinary (C) visa categories

Most foreign nationals who require a Georgian visa will apply for one of the ordinary (C) visa categories.

• C1 – Tourism: for leisure travel and other tourism-related purposes.
• C2 – Private visits: for visiting relatives or friends in Georgia.
• C3 – Business and professional visits: for business meetings and negotiations, participation in conferences, scientific, cultural or sporting events, journalistic activities, and for members of ship crews and international cargo or passenger transport crews.
• C4 – Humanitarian and other special purposes: for humanitarian or charitable activities, medical treatment, guardianship or care, visiting graves, and religious or pilgrimage-related visits.
• C5 – Activities for a non-resident employer or client: for foreign nationals who carry out labour activity or provide services solely for a non-resident, where that activity is connected with the non-resident’s operations outside Georgia. The category also covers the applicant’s spouse and minor children.

A C5 visa may be issued as a multiple-entry visa with a validity period of up to five years, allowing its holder to stay in Georgia for up to one year on each entry, subject to the conditions of the visa.

Long-term (immigration) visas

Long-term visas are issued under category D. They are multiple-entry visas and may be issued with a validity period of 90 calendar days or one year, depending on the applicable category and the circumstances of the application.

A D visa is primarily intended for foreign nationals who plan to relocate to Georgia for work, study, family reunification, investment or other long-term purposes. In many cases, it also serves as the basis for applying for a Georgian residence permit, although certain residence permits may also be applied for from within Georgia by persons who are already lawfully present in the country.

For a detailed explanation of each category, see Immigration (D) Visa: D1–D6 Explained.

The D-visa categories are:

• D1 — for foreign nationals who have obtained the Right to Labour Activity in Georgia, as well as those coming to carry out entrepreneurial activity in accordance with the Law of Georgia on Entrepreneurs.
• D2 — for persons arriving to carry out scientific, cultural, educational or sporting activities; freelancers; interns and volunteers; and representatives of the media carrying out professional assignments.
• D3 — for study or research at an authorised educational institution in Georgia, including studies conducted under international programmes.
• D4 — for family reunification.
• D5 — for owners of immovable property in Georgia (other than agricultural land) with a market value of at least the GEL equivalent of USD 150,000, as confirmed by a certified property valuer, as well as their spouse and children.
• D6 — for a minor enrolled at an authorised educational institution in Georgia, as well as the minor’s parents or other legal representatives and minor siblings. This category takes effect on 1 September 2026.

New from 1 September 2026: the D6 student visa

A new immigration visa category, D6, takes effect on 1 September 2026.

The D6 visa is designed for minor foreign nationals who come to Georgia for education at an authorised educational institution. It covers pupils enrolled in a general education school until they complete full general education, as well as minors studying at authorised vocational or higher education institutions where permitted by law. The category also extends to the student’s parents or other legal representatives and minor siblings, until the student reaches the age of 18.

Like the other D-visa categories, D6 is a multiple-entry immigration visa that may be issued with a validity period of up to one year. It is intended for foreign nationals relocating to Georgia for long-term educational purposes and may also serve as the basis for applying for a Georgian residence permit where the statutory requirements are met.

The same legislative amendment also limits the scope of the D3 visa to adult students and researchers. From 1 September 2026, minor students will instead fall under the new D6 category.

For a detailed explanation of the eligibility requirements and supporting documents, see the D6 Visa Guide.

E-visa

Foreign nationals who require a visa and are eligible for the e-Visa programme may apply online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ e-Visa Portal, without visiting a Georgian embassy or consulate.

The portal allows applicants to submit their visa application electronically, pay the consular fee online and receive an electronic visa by email. An e-Visa has the same legal effect as a visa issued in the form of a visa sticker and is intended for short-term visits.

The e-Visa Portal also enables applicants to check whether their nationality is eligible for an e-Visa and provides up-to-date information on the application process, required documents and applicable consular fees.

Important 2026 change: most foreign nationals now need a work permit

One of the most significant recent changes to Georgia’s immigration system is the introduction of the Right to Labour Activity.

Since 1 March 2026, most foreign nationals who wish to engage in employment, self-employment or entrepreneurial activity in Georgia must first obtain a Right to Labour Activity (work permit) under the Law of Georgia on Labour Migration.

In most cases, the process is completed in two stages. First, the foreign national obtains the Right to Labour Activityfrom the competent authority. Once it has been granted, the applicant may then apply for the appropriate D1 immigration visa (if applying from abroad) or, where eligible, for a work residence permit.

A temporary residence permit does not, by itself, confer the right to work. Where a work permit is required, it must be obtained separately.

The legislation also provides a number of important exemptions. For example, the requirement does not generally apply to holders of permanent residence permits or investment residence permits, recognised refugees and asylum seekers, accredited diplomatic personnel, accredited foreign journalists, or foreign nationals who carry out labour activity or provide services solely for a non-resident, where that activity is connected with the non-resident’s operations outside Georgia. Additional statutory exemptions also apply.

Working without the required Right to Labour Activity may result in administrative liability, including fines. If you intend to work, register as an Individual Entrepreneur, or otherwise earn income from activities that require a work permit, you should ensure that the permit is obtained before commencing the activity.

What about digital nomads?

Georgia does not currently have a dedicated digital nomad visa.

Many remote workers can nevertheless spend extended periods in Georgia by relying on the country’s generous visa-free regime or, where applicable, a C5 ordinary visa.

Whether a remote worker requires a Right to Labour Activity depends on the nature of the activity being carried out. In particular, foreign nationals who perform labour activity or provide services solely for a non-resident, where that activity is connected with the non-resident’s operations outside Georgia, fall within a statutory exemption from the work-permit requirement. Other remote-working arrangements should be assessed on their own facts to determine whether a work permit is required.

Validity and length of stay at a glance

• Single-entry short-term visas may be issued for a stay of up to 30 calendar days.
• Multiple-entry short-term visas may be issued with a validity period of up to five years. In most cases, they allow stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. An exception applies to the C5 ordinary visa, which may be issued with a validity period of up to five years and permits a stay in Georgia for up to one year on each entry.
• Long-term (D) visas are multiple-entry visas issued with either 90-day or one-year validity. A one-year validity period is available for D5 visas and, from 1 September 2026, for D6 visas.
• Visa-free visitors may generally stay for one full year if they are nationals of a country listed in Government Ordinance No. 255, or, where eligible under Government Ordinance No. 256, for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

If you intend to remain in Georgia beyond the period permitted by your visa or visa-free stay, you should apply for an appropriate residence permit, provided you meet the relevant legal requirements.

Disclaimer

This guide provides a general overview of Georgia’s visa rules as in force on the date of publication. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Immigration legislation, visa policies and administrative practice may change over time. In particular, the list of visa-free countries, eligibility for visa-free entry, visa categories and documentary requirements may be amended by law or government ordinance.

Before making travel or relocation plans, you should always verify the latest requirements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the relevant Georgian embassy or consulate, or seek professional advice where your circumstances are complex.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit Georgia?

Often not. Citizens of more than 90 countries can enter visa-free and stay up to one year under a Government ordinance. Other visa-exempt travellers may stay 90 days within any 180-day period. Everyone else needs a short-term visa or an e-visa.

What is the difference between short-term and long-term visas?

Short-term visas (diplomatic A, special B, ordinary C, and transit) are for short stays — a single-entry short-term visa is issued for up to 30 days. Long-term immigration visas (D1–D6, with D6 in force from 1 September 2026) are multiple-entry with 90-day or one-year validity and are the precondition for obtaining a residence permit.

Which visa do digital nomads use?

Georgia has no dedicated digital-nomad visa. Remote workers typically rely on visa-free entry (up to a year) or the C5 short-term visa for activity performed only for a non-resident. Note that since 1 March 2026, performing paid work in Georgia generally requires a separate work permit.

What is the D5 visa?

An immigration visa for a person who owns Georgian real estate (other than agricultural land) with a market value of at least the GEL equivalent of USD 150,000, together with their spouse and children. It can be issued with one-year validity.

Do I need a work permit to work in Georgia?

Since 1 March 2026, most foreign nationals need a 'Right to Labour Activity' permit in addition to a D1 visa or work residence permit. Holding a temporary residence permit alone no longer grants the right to work or do business.