Georgia is a modern and fast growing country with rich history and traditions, beautiful nature, excellent cuisine, low taxes, low crime rate, and low cost of living. Georgia offers visas, residence permits and tax residency status to investors, property owners, entrepreneurs, freelancers, workers and their family members, with a path to citizenship.

A knowledgeable local lawyer can help you navigate through the immigration process, avoid pitfalls and maximize your chances of success. Legal assistance can be very valuable in the process of purchasing properties, registering businesses, reviewing, certifying and translating documents, communicating with government agencies and tracking your case, obtaining residence cards, tax residence certificates, etc. Please contact us for a free evaluation of your case.

Legal Guide to Visa, Residence, and Passport in Georgia

#1. Visa

Visa-Free Travel. Nationals of almost 100 countries (listed below) can travel to Georgia visa-free. They are allowed to enter Georgia without a visa and stay in the country for one full year. As an exception, nationals of Iran are allowed to stay in the country for up to 45 days during one visit.

List of Countries the Citizens of Which Can Travel to Georgia Visa-Free

Europe	Asia & Africa	Americas & Pacific
All EU countries Albania Andorra Armenia Azerbaijan Belarus Bosnia Holy See Iceland Liechtenstein Moldova Monaco Montenegro Norway Russia San Marino Serbia Switzerland Ukraine	Bahrain Botswana Jordan Brunei Iran (45 days) Israel Japan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lebanon Malaysia Mauritius Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia Seychelles Singapore South Africa South Korea Tajikistan Thailand Turkey Turkmenistan UAE Uzbekistan	Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Australia Bahamas Barbados Belize Brazil Canada Chile Colombia Costa Rica Dominican Republic Ecuador El Salvador Honduras Mexico New Zealand Panama Saint Vincent USA Uruguay

Moreover, holders of visas or residence permits of around 50 countries (listed below) can also travel to Georgia visa-free. They are allowed to enter Georgia without a visa and stay in the country for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

List of Countries the Visas and Residence Permits of Which Allow Visa-Free Travel to Georgia

Europe	Asia	Americas & Pacific
All EU countries Iceland Liechtenstein Norway Switzerland	Bahrain Israel Japan Kuwait Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia South Korea UAE	Australia Canada New Zealand USA

In practice Georgian immigration authorities require visas to be multiple-entry sticker visas (single-entry visas and e-visas do not work) that are still valid and that were used at least once to enter the country which issued the visa.

E-Visa. For nationals of most countries it is not necessary to deal with embassies as ordinary visas can be obtained electronically (e-visa).

List of Countries the Citizens of Which Qualify for 90-Day (Multiple-Entry) E-Visa

Europe/Asia	Americas	Pacific
East Timor North Macedonia	Bolivia Cuba Dominica Grenada Guatemala Paraguay Peru Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Suriname Trinidad & Tobago	Kiribati Marshall Islands Micronesia Palau Samoa Solomon Islands Tuvalu Vanuatu

List of Countries the Citizens of Which Qualify for 30-Day (Multiple-Entry) E-Visa

Asia	Africa	Americas/Pacific
Bhutan Cambodia China Hong Kong India Indonesia Laos Macau Maldives Mongolia Myanmar North Korea Papua New Guinea Philippines Vietnam	Angola Benin Burkina Faso Burundi Cape Verde Central African Republic Comoros Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini (Swaziland) Ethiopia Guinea-Bissau Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Mozambique Namibia Rwanda Sao Tome and Principe Togo Zambia Zimbabwe	Fiji Guyana Haiti Jamaica Tonga

You may not be able to apply for a residence permit in Georgia if you visit the country on a 30-day visa because the requirement of having at least 40 days before the expiry of the lawful status will not be met.

Ordinary Visa (Category C). The nationals of countries that do not qualify for an e-visa must obtain a regular (sticker) visa from a Georgian embassy/consular office abroad. Single-entry visas allow visits to Georgia for a maximum of 30 calendar days. Multiple-entry visas allow visits to Georgia for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

List of Countries the Citizens of Which Must Obtain a Regular (Sticker) Visa at Embassy

Asia	Africa	Americas/Pacific
Afghanistan Bangladesh Iraq Nepal Pakistan Sri Lanka Syria Yemen	Algeria Cameroon Chad Congo Congo (DRC) Cote d'Ivoire Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Kenya Liberia Libya Mali Mauritania Morocco Niger Nigeria Senegal Sierra Leone Somalia South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Tunisia Uganda	Nauru Nicaragua Venezuela

Please note that it is not generally possible to get a Georgian visa on arrival (at the border). Visas are not subject to extension, unless there are exceptional circumstances. However, it may be possible to defer the obligation to leave Georgia if your visa is still valid for at least 7 days.

Immigration Visa (Category D). Immigration visas are issued to foreigners coming to Georgia for work and business (D1), freelancing (D2), family reunification (D4) as well as to owners of real estate worth $100,000 and higher (D5).

If you need an immigration visa you can apply for it at Georgian embassies abroad. It is also possible to obtain an immigration visa in Tbilisi, provided that the applicant has at least 45 days before his/her lawful status expires. You will have to submit documents showing 1) purpose of visit 2) sufficient financial means 3) proof of accommodation 4) travel and health insurance. Owners of real estate do not have to provide these documents. Instead, they must show a certificate of ownership of real estate.

An immigrant visa is normally issued within 30 days. Owners of real estate can get a D5 visas in 10 days. The government fees for obtaining an immigration visa are around $20.

Visa Overstay Penalties. If the overstay is less than 3 months the amount of the fine is GEL 180 (around $71). A longer overstay is punishable by a fine of GEL 360 (around $142).

#2. Overview of Residence Programs

Residence Permit	Investor (Perma-nent)	Property Owner (Short-Term)	Worker (Tem-porary)
Validity	Permanent (conditio-nal for 5 years)	One year, extendable	Six months and longer, extendable
Requirements	Invest in economy or real estate (except agricultural land)	Invest in real estate (except agricultural land)	Work or run a business
Min. Investment	$300,000	$100,000	N/A
Gov. Fees & Time	30 Days	GEL 180 ($73)	GEL 210 ($85)
20 Days	GEL 300 ($122)	GEL 330 ($134)
10 Days	N/A	GEL 410 ($166)
Passport	After 10 years of residence

#3. Business Owner or Employee (Work) Residence Permit

To qualify for a work residence permit as a business owner (entrepreneur, freelancer, etc.) or an employee you will have to produce an employment agreement or a similar document certifying your employment. Please note that the applicant's monthly salary cannot be less than around $315 (five times monthly subsistence minimum for working age male). If this document does not show your monthly income it is recommended to produce a bank account statement from a local bank confirming a balance of around $3,780 (12 mo. x $315/mo.).

Moreover, the annual turnover of the employer shall not be less than GEL 50,000 (around US$15,800) per each foreign employee that applies for residency. A lower amount of GEL 35,000 (around US$11,100) per foreign employee applies to medical and educational institutions.

A work residence permit is issued for a term of up to one year (typically six months), and can be extended for another 5 years, after which it can be converted into a permanent residence permit, provided that the employment continues throughout this period.

Procedure - Application Steps

Register a company or other business (for entrepreneurs)
Open an account with a local bank and obtain an account statement
Obtain an employment agreement
Visit Georgia (if not already in the country)
Have government fees paid and documents translated
File the application for work residency
Wait 10-30 days for the residency to be approved (applicant can leave Georgia in the meantime)
Apply for and get the residence card (ID card)

Documents Required (Main Applicant)

Travel document (passport etc.) - original and certified Georgian translation
Copy of visa or other document showing lawful stay in Georgia
Employment agreement or similar document
A certificate from the tax office confirming the employer's turnover
Bank account statement
Photographs (3x4cm)
Government fee payment receipt
Application form

Documents Required (Dependent)

Travel document (passport etc.) - original and certified Georgian translation
Copy of visa or other document showing lawful stay in Georgia
Copy of the work residence permit of the main applicant
Marriage or birth certificate or other similar document - original and certified Georgian translation
Bank account statement
Photographs (3x4cm)
Government fee payment receipt
Application form

Costs

Government fees
Legal fees
Bank charges
Tax compliance and legal address fees (if a company is registered)
Other minor expenses (translation, photos, copies, mailing etc.)
Travel, living and other personal expenses

#4. Property Ownership (Short-Term) Residence Permit

To qualify for a short-term residence permit you will need to become an owner of real estate, such as an apartment, house, development land or any other residential or commercial property (but not agricultural land) worth $100,000 and more. The value of the investment has to be verified by an independent auditor. A short-term residence permit is valid for one year, and can be extended by one-year increments for another 5 years, after which it can be converted into a permanent residence permit, provided that the investment remains in place.

Procedure - Application Steps

Identify the property (apartment, house or other property)
Open a bank account (optional)
Purchase the property
Obtain an auditor's opinion confirming the value of the property
Have government fees paid and documents translated
Visit Georgia (if not already in the country)
File the application for short-term residency
Wait 10-30 days for the residency to be approved (applicant can leave Georgia in the meantime)
Apply for and get the residence card (ID card)

Documents Required (Main Applicant)

Travel document (passport etc.) - original and certified Georgian translation
Copy of visa or other document showing lawful stay in Georgia
Auditor's opinion confirming the value of the property
Property ownership certificate
Photographs (3x4cm)
Government fee payment receipt
Application form

Documents Required (Dependent)

Travel document (passport etc.) - original and certified Georgian translation
Copy of visa or other document showing lawful stay in Georgia
Copy of the short-term residence permit of the main applicant
Marriage or birth certificate or other similar document - original and certified Georgian translation
Photographs (3x4cm)
Government fee payment receipt
Application form

Costs

Government fees
Auditor's fees
Legal fees
Transaction costs in connection with buying property
Bank charges (if a bank account is opened)
Other minor expenses (translation, photos, copies, mailing etc.)
Travel, living and other personal expenses

#5. Investment (Permanent) Residence Permit

To qualify for a permanent (investor) residence permit you will need to invest at least $300,000 in the Georgian economy - real estate or business. The permit is initially issued for a period of 5 years, after which it becomes permanent, provided that you have maintained your investment throughout this period.

If you invest in a Georgian business it will also need to meet minimum annual turnover requirements ($50,000 to 120,000) to allow you to maintain your permit and remove the condition after 5 years. Annual reports will have to be filed showing that the minimum turnover requirements have been met.

If you invest in real estate your residence permit will be revoked if you sell or otherwise dispose of your property during the 5-year conditional period. However, you are allowed to sell the property and acquire another Georgian property of equivalent or greater value.

Header	Real Estate	Business
Minimum Investment	US$300,000
Minimum Annual Turnover	N/A	Year 1	US$50,000
		Year 2	US$100,000
		Year 3	US$120,000
		Year 4
		Year 5

The value of the investment has to be verified by an independent auditor. Moreover, the application for a permanent residence permit has to be supported by three business managers who are Georgian citizens or by a member of the Georgian government. Although permanent residence permits are issued for an indefinite period of time the residence cards must be replaced every five years.

Procedure - Application Steps

Identify the investment target (real property or business)
Register a company (optional)
Open a bank account (optional)
Transfer funds, complete the investment
Obtain an auditor's opinion confirming the value of the investment
Obtain three reference letters from Georgia citizens who are business managers
Have government fees paid and documents translated
Visit Georgia (if not already in the country)
File the application for investment residency
Wait 20-30 days for the residency to be approved (applicant can leave Georgia in the meantime)
Apply for and get the residence card (ID card)
Submit annual reports on business turnover (not applicable to real property investments)
After five years, apply for removal of conditions and obtain the permanent permit

Documents Required (Main Applicant)

Travel document (passport etc.) - original and certified Georgian translation
Copy of visa or other document showing lawful stay in Georgia
Auditor's opinon confirming the value of the investment
Three reference letters from Georgian citizens/business managers
Photographs (3x4cm)
Government fee payment receipt
Application form

Documents Required (Dependent)

Travel document (passport etc.) - original and certified Georgian translation
Copy of visa or other document showing lawful stay in Georgia
Copy of the investment residence permit of the main applicant
Marriage or birth certificate or other similar document - original and certified Georgian translation
Photographs (3x4cm)
Government fee payment receipt
Application form

Costs

Government fees
Auditor's fees
Reference letter fees
Legal fees
Investment transaction costs (e.g. in connection with buying real estate)
Tax compliance & legal address fees (if a company is registered)
Bank charges (if a bank account is opened)
Other minor expenses (translation, photos, copies, mailing etc.)
Travel, living and other personal expenses

#6. Family Members

If you hold a Georgian residence permit your family members also can apply for "residence permits for family reunification." The following are considered family members:

Spouse
Son or daughter (minor and adult)
Parent
Minor, supported or incapable person under guardianship/custody of or fully dependent on the main applicant

A residence permit for family reunification is issued if documents are presented showing the kinship (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate) and availability of financial means (income or savings) to support the family members.

A residence permit for family reunification is normally issued for a term of up to one year, and can be extended for another 5 years (6 years in total), after which it can be converted into a permanent residence permit.

Please note that if you hold a property ownership (short-term) residence permit your family members qualify for the same type (i.e. short-term) residence status. If you hold an investor (permanent) residence permit only the following family members qualify for the same type (i.e. permanent) residence status: spouse, minor children (under 18), supported on disabled persons fully dependent on you or legally incapable persons fully dependent on you.

Procedure - Application Steps

Open an account with a local bank and obtain an account statement showing a balance of at least twice the monthly subsistence minimum for working age male (currently around $1,500 for one year)
Visit Georgia (if not already in the country)
Have government fees paid and documents translated
File the application for residency
Wait 10-30 days for the residency to be approved (applicant can leave Georgia in the meantime)
Apply for and get the residence card (ID card)

Documents Required

Travel document (passport etc.) - original and certified Georgian translation
Copy of visa or other document showing lawful stay in Georgia
Copy of the residence permit of the main applicant
Marriage or birth certificate or other similar document - original and certified Georgian translation
Bank account statement or employment agreement or a similar document showing income
Photographs (3x4cm)
Government fee payment receipt
Application form

Costs

Government fees
Legal fees
Bank charges
Other minor expenses (translation, photos, copies, mailing etc.)
Travel, living and other personal expenses

#7. Residence Card (ID Card)

	Fast-Track Fee
Fifth Business Day	GEL 40 (US$16)
Third Business Day	GEL 50 (US$20)
Second Business Day	GEL 60 (US$24)
Same Business Day	GEL 65 (US$26)

#8. Passport & Visa-Free Travel

#9. Tax Residence for High Net Worth Individuals

12 Reasons for a Georgian Residence Permit

1. Life in Georgia

Georgia is a modern and fast growing country with rich history and traditions, beautiful nature, excellent cuisine. It has a strategic location in the Caucasus region and is a primary spot for investors who want to access both the European and Asian markets. The country is a free and open democracy that boasts a uniquely liberal business and trade regimes, low taxes, developing infrastructure and a very low crime rate. Georgia's international rankings are available below.

2. Unrestricted Travel and Activities

A Georgian residence permit grants you the right to unrestricted stay in the country and the right to engage in any lawful activities, such as doing business, working, studying or simply retiring without work permits or additional documents. Georgian residents are not obliged to serve in the military.

3. Low Cost of Living

The cost of living in Georgia is very low compared to other European countries. A list of indicative prices can be found here.

4. Investment Opportunities

There are many ways to make smart business investments in Georgia, for example in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, real estate or outsourcing. The government offers many incentives and grants, has lowered or made certain taxes non-existent, thus generously lowering the costs of doing business.

5. Path to Citizenship

Becoming a resident of Georgia gives you and your family a path to citizenship. Georgian passport ranks 53rd in the world (as of 2020) and allows visa-free travel to 116 countries and territories, including EU (Schengen) countries, most of CIS countries, Iran and Turkey.

6. More Freedom and Options

Having a residence permit gives you more freedom and options and can serve as a valuable "insurance policy." Georgia is generally considered an exceptionally safe country with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. If the economic or political situation in your country gets worse you can use your residence permit to move to Georgia with your family. Having a residence permit can help you avoid problems resulting from your country’s foreign policy and domestic regulations (for example, difficulties with banking or increased tax burden).

7. Extension of Immigration Benefits to Family Members

Georgia grants "residence permits for family reunification" to the family members, including the spouse, sons and daughters, parents, minor, supported or incapable persons under guardianship (custody) of or fully dependent on the residence permit holder.

8. Consular and Visa Services

If you wish to travel to European or other countries, holding a residence permit may allow you to apply for a visa at an embassy in Georgia.

9. Fast, Easy and Inexpensive Process

The process of obtaining a residence permit normally takes less than a month. Once your petition is approved you can get your Georgian residence permit in a matter of days. Only minimum documents are required. There is no need to provide police certificates, proof of address, tax returns etc. Government fees are very low even if you use optional fast-track services.

10. No Tax on Foreign Income

Georgia's taxation of individuals is based on territory and foreign-sourced income is not taxable in Georgia even if you become a tax resident of the country. Tax residence certificates may be available to those who spend in Georgia more than 183 days in a year or, in certain cases, to high net worth individuals.

Obtaining a Georgian residence permit and establishing stronger ties with Georgia can help you to qualify for a non-resident status in your country of origin or other countries and take advantage of the tax benefits available to non-residents.

11. Inviting Other Foreigners

Once you become a resident of Georgia you are allowed to file invitation letters for other foreigners to support their visa applications.

12. Government Assistance

Georgian residents enjoy constitutional rights and freedoms, including rights to work, healthcare, social security, education, property and privacy rights, freedom of speech, conscience, religion and belief. Georgia has a number of social programs for its citizens, including government-financed education and medical treatment, welfare benefits for old, disabled and other classes of socially vulnerable people.

Properties Qualifying for Residence

Owning property will qualify you for residence if the market value of the property, as assessed by a qualified appraiser, exceeds $100,000. The average prices in the capital Tbilisi are around US$900 per sq.m., with properties in the center closer to US$1,500. Prices are slightly lower in the second largest city, the seaside resort Batumi. Rental properties are generally more profitable in Tbilisi which hosts tourists all year round, whereas Batumi is popular in summer.

FAQ on Residence in Georgia and Armenia

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about residence programs and responses for two jurisdictions: Armenia and Georgia. Questions focus on applications that are based on business ownership and investment in real estate. There may be other ways to qualify for residency (work, studies, etc.)

	Armenia	Georgia
Business Owners and Investors
Can I obtain a residence permit by setting up a new business or investing in an existing business?	Yes	Yes
Are there minimum investment requirements?	No	No, unless you apply for a permanent permit in which case the minimum investment is $300,000
Are there minimum income requirements?	No	Yes, around $315 per month per applicant
Are there minimum sales or turnover requirements?	No	Yes, around $15,000 annually per applicant
Do I need a work permit?	No	No
Are there restrictions on the type of business I can do?	No	No
Do I need to rent office premises or hire local staff?	No	No
Do I have to register a business and pay business taxes?	Yes	Yes
What is the validity of the residence permit?	Short-term (one year), long-term (five years) or special (ten years), all extendable	Up to five years, extendable for up to six years
Real Property Owners
Can I obtain a residence permit by purchasing real property?	Yes, provided that you use it as rental property and register a rental business	Yes
Are there minimum investment requirements?	No	$100,000, or if you apply for a permanent permit, $300,000
General Questions
Can I apply for residency while I am on regular (tourist) visa?	Yes	Yes, unless visa is expiring in less than 40 days
After how many years I can be eligible for a permanent residence permit?	Armenia does not issue permanent residence permits	After six years (five years if you invest more than $300,000 and meet certain turnover requirements)
After how many years I can be eligible for a passport?	Three years	Ten years
Is dual citizenship allowed?	Yes	No
How much are the government fees for obtaining a residence permit?	$210-300	$70-150
How long does it take to get a residence permit?	30-60 days	20-40 days
Do I have to provide any of the following?	Cell	Cell
- Police clearance certificate	No	No
- Medical check certificate	Yes	No
- Bank account statement	No	No, unless used to prove income
- Proof of address	No	No
- Proof of source of income	No	No
- Birth certificate	No	No
- Military records	No	No
- Fingerprints	No	No
Am I required to be physically present in the country to:
- file the application for residency?	Yes, unless applying for special residence permit	Yes
- obtain the residence permit?	No	Yes
Is there normally an interview with the immigration officer?	Yes	No
Can family members also qualify for a residence permit?		Cell
- Spouse, son or daughter, parent	Yes	Yes
- Brother or sister, grandparent or grandchild	Only for long-term and special residents	No
- Other dependents	No	Yes
Do I have to pay personal taxes to the country after becoming a resident?	No	No
Do I have to serve in the military after becoming a resident?	No	No
If my application for residence gets rejected can I reapply?	Yes, after one year	Yes, anytime
Can the rejection be appealed in court?	Yes	Yes

Georgia and Armenia Overview

Header
Area SQ.KM.	29,700	69,700
PopulatioN	2,962,000	3,714,000
Capital:	Yerevan (1,075,000)	TBILISi (1,114,000)
Religion:	christian (94.8%)	christian (88.1%)
lANGUAGE:	Armenian	georgian
LITERACY RATE:	99%	99%
Climate:	SUMMER 33C WINTER 4C	SUMMER 31C WINTER 8C
Currency:	DRAM ($1 = 491 AMD)	LARI ($1 = 3.18 GEL)
Average Salary:	$387	$415
GDP Growth:	7.6%	5.1%
GdP per capita:	$4,173	$4,763
Unemployment:	18%	12%
Inflation:	1.7%	4.3%

Georgia and Armenia in International Rankings

Index	Armenia	Georgia	Number of Countries
World Bank Doing Business 2020	47	7	190
Index of Economic Freedom 2020	34	12	180
Global Competitiveness Index 2019	69	74	141
WIPO Global Innovation Index 2019	64	48	129
Human Freedom Index 2019	54	41	162
Global Law and Order 2019	33	28	142
Prosperity Index 2019	61	53	167
Liberal Democracy Index 2020	42	61	179
World Democracy Index 2019	86	89	167
Corruption Perceptions Index 2019	77	44	180
Human Development Index 2019	81	70	189
Human Capital Index 2018	78	61	157
Travel & Tourism Competitiveness 2019	79	68	140

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Nerses Isajanyan

Managing Attorney
LL.M. Georgetown University
New York Bar | Armenian Chamber of Advocates

We are a team of licensed lawyers based in Armenia and Georgia. Our primary commitment is to provide quality service to clients at a compelling value that helps manage risk, overcome regulatory issues and advance their personal and business goals.