Permanent Residence Permit in Georgia (2026)
Georgia's Permanent Residence Permit gives foreigners the right to live in the country indefinitely. There are two routes: being a close family member of a Georgian citizen — a spouse, a minor child, or a parent of a minor Georgian citizen — or having lived legally in Georgia for the last ten years on temporary residence permits. Applications go to the Public Service Development Agency and require proof of the qualifying basis (family relationship and legal income, or the ten-year residence record).
Last reviewed: 31 August 2026 · Last checked: 12 November 2026
The Permanent Residence Permit is the goal for many long-term residents: the right to live in Georgia indefinitely, without the recurring renewals required for temporary residence permits. Under Georgian law, it is available only in specific circumstances, principally through family relationships with a Georgian citizen or ten years of lawful residence in Georgia.
Who is eligible
Under Georgian law, a Permanent Residence Permit may be granted through two routes.
A. Family members of a Georgian citizen
A Permanent Residence Permit may be granted to:
- the spouse of a Georgian citizen;
- the minor child of a Georgian citizen; and
- the parent of a minor Georgian citizen.
B. Long-term residents of Georgia
A Permanent Residence Permit may also be granted to a foreign national who has lawfully lived in Georgia for the last ten years on the basis of a temporary residence permit.
For this purpose, the ten-year period does not include time spent in Georgia:
- for study;
- for medical treatment; or
- while working at a diplomatic mission or an equivalent mission.
Required documents
Applications for a Permanent Residence Permit are submitted to the Public Service Development Agency (PSDA). Depending on the circumstances, an application may be filed in person, through an authorised representative, or electronically, where permitted by law. The required supporting documents depend on the route under which the applicant qualifies.
Family members of a Georgian citizen:
- the application;
- a copy of the foreigner’s passport;
- a copy of a document confirming lawful stay in Georgia;
- a document confirming the family relationship with the Georgian citizen;
- A document confirming the lawful income in Georgia of the foreign national and/or their relative who is either a Georgian citizen or holds the right of residence in Georgia. If the Georgian citizen is of pensionable age or receives state social assistance, a document confirming receipt of the state pension or social assistance must be submitted. Funds held in the foreign national’s personal bank account may also be regarded as income.
- a colour photograph, 3×4 cm, in electronic format;
- the receipt confirming payment of the service fee.
Foreign national applying for a Permanent Residence Permit on the basis of having lived in Georgia for the last 10 years under a temporary residence permit:
- the application;
- a copy of the foreigner’s passport;
- a document confirming residence in Georgia for the last ten years on the basis of a temporary residence permit (copy of the residence permit / residence card);
- a document confirming that the foreign national has lived in Georgia for the last 10 years on the basis of a temporary residence permit (a copy of the temporary residence card and/or temporary residence permit);
- a document confirming the lawful income in Georgia of the foreign national and/or their relative who is either a Georgian citizen or holds the right of residence in Georgia, together with a document confirming the family relationship. If the Georgian citizen is of pensionable age or receives state social assistance, a document confirming receipt of the state pension or social assistance must instead be submitted. Funds held in the foreign national’s personal bank account may also be regarded as income.
- a colour photograph, 3×4 cm, in electronic format;
- the receipt confirming payment of the service fee.
What the permit does — and does not — provide
A Permanent Residence Permit allows its holder to live in Georgia indefinitely, without the need to renew their residence permit at regular intervals.
However, permanent residence is not the same as Georgian citizenship. A Permanent Residence Permit does not entitle its holder to a Georgian passport, the right to vote, or any other rights reserved exclusively to Georgian citizens.
Permanent residence may also be terminated in the circumstances prescribed by law, including certain periods of absence from Georgia or other statutory grounds.
Although the residence permit itself is granted for an indefinite period, the holder must continue to obtain and renew the residence card (ID card) in accordance with the applicable rules.
Permanent Residence Permit vs. Indefinite Residence Permit
Georgia provides for two residence permits that allow a foreign national to reside in the country without a fixed expiry date, but they are intended for different categories of applicants.
The Permanent Residence Permit is available primarily to:
- certain family members of Georgian citizens; and
- foreign nationals who have lawfully lived in Georgia for the last ten years on the basis of a temporary residence permit.
By contrast, the Indefinite Residence Permit is available to qualifying holders of an Investment Residence Permit who continue to satisfy the statutory investment requirements over the prescribed period.
Both permits provide an indefinite right of residence, but the eligibility criteria and qualifying route differ.
For an overview of all Georgian residence permits, see our Guide to Residence Permits.
Processing time and state fees
The state fee for issuing a Permanent Residence Permit depends on the selected processing time:
| Processing time | State fee |
|---|---|
| 30 calendar days | GEL 350 |
| 20 calendar days | GEL 500 |
Before applying, make sure you can demonstrate the qualifying basis for the permit—either the required family relationship and legal income, or ten years of lawful residence in Georgia under a temporary residence permit.
If you are applying from within Georgia, ensure that you remain lawfully in the country throughout the application process.
As state fees, document requirements and administrative procedures may change, always confirm the current requirements with the Public Service Development Agency (PSDA) before submitting your application.
Georgian residence card
Once a residence permit has been granted, the foreign national must obtain a Georgian residence card, which serves as the holder’s identity document in Georgia.
Applications for a residence card may be submitted at a Public Service Hall or a territorial office of the Public Service Development Agency (PSDA).
The state fee depends on the selected 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 |
A residence card is issued separately from the residence permit decision. Although a Permanent Residence Permit is granted for an indefinite period, the residence card itself must be renewed or replaced in the cases provided for by law, such as expiry, loss, damage or changes to the holder’s personal details.
Frequently asked questions
Who can get a Permanent Residence Permit in Georgia?
Two groups. Close family members of a Georgian citizen — a spouse, a minor child, or a parent of a minor child who holds Georgian citizenship — and foreigners who have lawfully resided in Georgia for the last ten years on temporary residence permits.
Does all my time on temporary permits count toward the ten years?
The ten-year route requires continuous lawful residence on the basis of a temporary residence permit over the last ten years. Keep copies of your residence permits and residence cards, along with your presence and address records, to evidence the full period.
What documents do I need?
Family-route applicants file an application, a passport copy, proof of lawful stay, proof of the family relationship with the Georgian citizen, proof of legal income (their own, the citizen's, or a resident relative's — or a personal bank statement, or state pension/social assistance where relevant), a 3×4 photograph and the fee receipt. Ten-year residents file an application, a passport copy, proof of the ten years of residence on temporary permits, proof of legal income and family relationship where applicable, a 3×4 photograph and the fee receipt.
Does a permanent permit need to be renewed?
The permanent status itself is granted for an indefinite period and does not require periodic re-application the way temporary permits do. You still hold and replace the physical residence (ID) card according to its own validity.
How is this different from the Indefinite Residence Permit?
The Permanent Residence Permit is for family members of citizens or ten-year residents. The Indefinite Residence Permit is the onward step for holders of an investment residence permit who have met the turnover or property conditions over five years. Both give indefinite stay but via different qualifying routes.
What does it cost?
State fees are GEL 350 for a 30-day decision and GEL 500 for a 20-day decision, plus a separate Georgian ID (residence) card fee ranging from GEL 60 (10 working days) to GEL 150 (same-day issuance). Confirm current figures with the Public Service Development Agency.
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
- Legislative Herald of Georgia (Matsne)