The permit is valid for 1 year and can be renewed annually, provided the investment activity continues and the applicant meets the criteria on the date of renewal. Applications are submitted to the Civil Registry Agency under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia (SDA) or at a Public Service Hall (House of Justice).
The investor residence permit differs from a property-based residence permit: it requires active business operations, not merely ownership of assets. Holders are entitled to reside in Georgia lawfully, open bank accounts, and work within their own company.
Required Documents
- Valid international passport
- Extract from the Business Registry confirming company registration
- Documentary proof of investment: bank statements, purchase agreements, payment orders
- Employment contracts and payroll records for Georgian employees (for the staffing-based ground)
- Proof of accommodation in Georgia: lease agreement or property title extract
The standard processing time is 10 to 30 business days depending on the service mode chosen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I obtain an investor residence permit if my company is registered but not yet operating?
No. You must provide evidence of actual investment or active employment relationships with at least three Georgian citizens. Formal registration without operations is not a sufficient ground.
Does purchasing real estate count toward the 300,000 lari threshold?
Yes, if the real estate acquisition qualifies as an investment in the Georgian economy and is properly documented. Note that there is a separate property-based residence permit with different criteria.
Must the applicant be physically present in Georgia to submit the application?
Yes. Applications are filed in person at the SDA or at a House of Justice, so the applicant's presence in Georgia at the time of submission is required.
Can an investor residence permit eventually lead to permanent residency?
After 6 years of continuous legal residence in Georgia on a temporary permit, a foreign national may apply for a permanent residence permit. An investor residence permit counts toward this period provided it is renewed each year.
What happens to the permit if the company ceases operations?
The investor residence permit is tied to ongoing investment activity. Cessation of operations is grounds for denial of renewal or revocation of status. Changes must be reported to the SDA.