Guide to Residence Permits in Georgia
Georgia offers several residence permits depending on the purpose of stay — work, IT, investment, study, family and more. Each has its own legal basis, conditions and validity.
Last reviewed: 12 June 2026 · Last checked: 26 June 2026
Georgia offers several types of residence permit, depending on the purpose of stay. Each permit is issued for a specific legal basis and has its own conditions, duration and extension rules.
Foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled unless covered by an international treaty. Documents not in Georgian must be translated and certified unless otherwise allowed.
Main residence permit types
Work Residence Permit — for foreigners who work or run a business in Georgia. Monthly income must be at least 5× the average subsistence minimum, and employer/company annual turnover at least GEL 50,000 per foreign employee (GEL 35,000 for educational or medical institutions).
IT Residence Permit — for IT professionals and entrepreneurs with at least 2 years of experience and annual income of at least USD 25,000. Valid for 3 years; absence of 183 days or more in any 12-month period terminates it.
Investment Residence Permit — for those who invest at least USD 300,000, or own non-agricultural real estate with a market value above USD 300,000.
Short-Term Residence Permit (real estate based) — for owners of non-agricultural real estate with a market value above USD 150,000 (threshold from 1 March 2026).
Eight further types exist: Family Reunification, Study, Indefinite, Permanent, Former Citizen, Stateless Person, Special, and the Domestic / Gender-Based Violence permit.
How the process works
- Check eligibility under the Law — determine the permit type and its legal conditions (income, investment, family ties).
- Collect documents — supporting documents, translation/legalisation, filed before any current permit expires.
- Submit your application — online, in person, or through an authorised representative.
- Agency review — the Agency verifies documents and may request more evidence. It decides within 30 days.
- Decision — if approved, collect your residence card within one month. If refused, you may re-apply after one month.
Comparison of key permits
| Permit type | Key legal criteria | Initial validity |
|---|---|---|
| Work | Income ≥ 5× subsistence minimum; turnover ≥ GEL 50,000 / foreigner | 6–12 months |
| IT | 2+ years experience; income ≥ USD 25,000; < 183 days absence | 3 years |
| Study | Enrollment in an authorised institution | 6–12 months |
| Family Reunification | Valid permit of a family member; proof of relationship | 6–12 months |
| Short-Term (property) | Real estate value > USD 150,000 | 1 year |
| Investment | USD 300,000 investment OR real estate > USD 300,000 | Up to 5 years |
| Permanent | Close relative of a citizen OR 10 years legal residence | Permanent |
| Indefinite | 5 years investment permit + Year-5 turnover ≥ USD 120,000 | Indefinite |
Frequently asked questions
How long does a residence permit decision take in Georgia?
The Agency must decide within 30 days of receiving all required documents. It may request additional evidence or interviews during that period.
Which residence permit is best for remote workers and IT professionals?
The IT Residence Permit is designed for IT professionals and entrepreneurs with at least 2 years of experience and annual income of at least USD 25,000. It is valid for 3 years.
Can I get residency in Georgia by buying property?
Yes. A Short-Term Residence Permit is available to owners of non-agricultural real estate with a market value above USD 150,000 (threshold from 1 March 2026). Property above USD 300,000 can qualify for an Investment Residence Permit.