Immigration (D) Visa for Georgia: D1–D5 Explained (2026)

The immigration visa (category D) is Georgia’s long-term visa category. It is intended for foreign nationals who plan to relocate to Georgia for purposes such as work, business, study, family reunification or qualifying property ownership.

In many cases, a D visa serves as the basis for applying for a Georgian residence permit, although Georgian law also allows certain foreign nationals who are already lawfully present in Georgia to apply for a residence permit directly from within the country. Choose the D subcategory that matches the purpose of your stay.

The subcategories

• D1 — Work and business. For a foreign national who has obtained the right to labour activity, and for those coming to Georgia to carry out entrepreneurial activity in accordance with the Law of Georgia on Entrepreneurs.
• D2 — Missions, freelancers and media. For persons participating in scientific, sporting, cultural or educational missions; freelancers; interns and volunteers; and representatives of the mass media performing official duties.
• D3 — Study and research. For adult foreign nationals coming to Georgia to study or conduct research at an authorised educational institution, or to study under recognised international educational programmes.
• D4 — Family reunification. For foreign nationals arriving in Georgia for the purpose of family reunification.
• D5 — Property owners. For owners of Georgian real property (other than agricultural land) with a market value exceeding the GEL equivalent of USD 150,000, together with their spouse and child(ren). The market value must be confirmed by a certified property valuer accredited by the Georgian Accreditation Centre.
• D6 — Minor students (from 1 September 2026). For a minor studying at an authorised higher education institution, vocational education institution or general education institution in Georgia. Where the student is a minor, the category also covers the student’s parents or other legal representatives and minor siblings until the student reaches 18 years of age. The D6 category takes effect on 1 September 2026. From the same date, D3 is limited to adult students and researchers. See the D6 Visa Guide.

Type and validity

D visas are multiple-entry immigration visas.

Depending on the applicable category, they may be issued with a validity period of 90 calendar days or one year. From 1 September 2026, a one-year D visa may be issued only under the D5 and D6 categories. The remaining D categories are issued with a validity period of 90 calendar days. Until that date, the one-year validity applies only to D5.

A D visa is intended for foreign nationals relocating to Georgia for long-term purposes and may, where applicable, serve as the basis for applying for a Georgian residence permit.

Processing time

Applications for D-category immigration visas are processed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia through Georgian diplomatic missions and consular offices.

The statutory processing time is:

• up to 30 calendar days for all D-category visas, except D5; and
• up to 10 calendar days for D5 visas.

Foreign nationals who are already lawfully present in Georgia and are eligible to apply for a D visa from within the country should submit their application no later than 45 calendar days before their authorised period of stay expires.

Extensions

The D3 (study and research) and D5 (property ownership) immigration visas may be extended, provided the statutory conditions continue to be satisfied.

For D5 extensions, applicants are not required to submit a new property valuation report.

Applications to extend D3 and D5 visas are submitted to the Public Service Development Agency (PSDA), including through Public Service Halls.

The 2026 right-to-work reform

Since 1 March 2026, foreign nationals carrying out labour activity in Georgia generally follow a two-stage process.

First, they obtain the required Right to Labour Activity. Once that right has been granted, they may apply for the appropriate D1 immigration visa or, where permitted, a Work Residence Permit.

Holding a temporary residence permit does not, by itself, confer the right to carry out labour activity in Georgia.

For further information, see the Right to Work Guide and the Work Residence Permit Guide.

From a D visa to a residence permit

A D-category immigration visa allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Georgia for a long-term purpose.

If you intend to remain in Georgia beyond the period authorised by your visa, you may apply for the appropriate residence permit, provided you satisfy the statutory requirements. Depending on the purpose of your stay, this may include, for example:

• D1 → Work Residence Permit
• D5 → Short-Term Residence Permit by Property

In many cases, a D visa serves as the basis for applying for a residence permit. However, Georgian law also allows certain foreign nationals who are already lawfully present in Georgia—including many persons benefiting from Georgia’s visa-free regime—to apply for a residence permit directly from within Georgia, provided they meet the applicable legal requirements.

For a complete overview of the available residence-permit categories, see the Guide to Residence Permits.

Frequently asked questions

What is an immigration (D) visa for?

It is Georgia's long-term visa and the required first step toward a residence permit. You choose the D subcategory that matches your purpose — work or business (D1), missions and freelancing (D2), study or research (D3), family reunification (D4), or property ownership over USD 150,000 (D5).

How long is a D visa valid?

D visas are multiple-entry with 90-day or one-year validity and duration of stay. The one-year option applies only to D5; the other D categories are issued with 90-day validity.

How long does a D visa decision take?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Georgia's missions decide on a D-category immigration visa within 30 calendar days of application — except D5, which is decided within 10 calendar days.

Which D visas can be extended?

D3 (study/research) and D5 (property) immigration visas can be extended if the conditions are still met. When extending a D5, the holder is exempt from re-submitting a market-value reassessment of the property.

Do I need a work permit as well as a D1 visa?

Yes, in most cases. Since 1 March 2026 the process is two-stage: you first obtain a 'Right to Labour Activity' permit, then apply for the D1 visa or a work residence permit. A temporary residence permit alone no longer grants the right to work.