Residence & migration

Residence Permit in Georgia by Marriage to a Georgian Citizen

A foreign national married to a Georgian citizen is entitled to a residence permit on the grounds of family reunification. The permit is issued for 1 year and renewed annually as long as the marriage remains valid. After 5 years of continuous lawful residence in Georgia, the holder may apply for a permanent residence permit.

Residence Permit in Georgia by Marriage to a Georgian Citizen

Required Documents

The application requires: a valid foreign passport, a marriage certificate with a certified translation into Georgian, proof of the Georgian spouse's citizenship, photographs, and a completed application form. If the marriage was registered outside Georgia, the certificate must first be apostilled in the country of issue.

Application Procedure

Applications are submitted at the Service Development Agency (SDA) or at any Public Service Hall (House of Justice). The standard processing time is 10–30 business days. Dissolution or suspension of the marriage is grounds for refusal to renew the permit.

FAQ

Can I apply if the marriage was registered in another country?

Yes. A foreign marriage certificate is accepted with an apostille and a translation into Georgian certified by a Georgian translator or notary.

Do I need to live in Georgia full-time to keep my status?

Georgian law does not set a minimum presence requirement for this type of permit, but extended absence may be considered during renewal review.

Does a residence permit by marriage allow me to work in Georgia?

Yes. Any Georgian residence permit grants the right to work as an employee or run a business without additional work authorisation.

How many years until I can apply for permanent residence?

After 5 years of continuous lawful residence in Georgia, you may apply for a permanent residence permit, which has no expiry date.

What happens to my residence permit if I divorce?

Divorce removes the legal basis for renewal. The permit remains valid until its current expiry date, after which it will not be renewed unless another legal ground for residence exists.

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