What a Georgian Residence Permit Gives You
- Right to family reunification.
- Ability to apply for a Schengen visa.
- A path to a permanent residence permit.
- Simplified banking procedures.
Types of Residence Permit in Georgia
Work Residence Permit
For those employed by a Georgian company or running their own business in Georgia. The key threshold is an annual turnover of at least 50,000 GEL per employed foreigner or business owner.
Details: Work Residence Permit in Georgia
Residence Permit Based on Property Ownership
Grounds: title to property in Georgia, except agricultural land, with a market value above USD 150,000. The value is established by a certified assessor of an accredited body.
Details: Residence Permit by Property
Residence Permit for Family Reunification
For family members of a person who already has legal status in Georgia, including parents of a child who has received a student residence permit.
Details: Residence Permit by Marriage and Family Reunification
Student Residence Permit
Based on enrolment in an accredited Georgian educational institution.
State Fees at the House of Justice
| Review period | State fee |
|---|---|
| 10 days | 600 GEL |
| 20 days | 450 GEL |
| 30 days | 300 GEL |
Fees and review times by permit type
The fees of the Public Service Development Agency (SDA) depend on the permit type and the review period:
| Permit type | 30 days | 20 days | 10 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work, study, family reunification, investment, short-term by property | GEL 300 | GEL 450 | GEL 600 |
| IT residence permit | GEL 500 | GEL 750 | GEL 1,000 |
| Permanent | GEL 500 | GEL 650 | not available |
The residence permit for the spouse of a Georgian citizen is reviewed within 90 days, with a state fee of GEL 500. A residence permit application must be filed no later than 40 calendar days before your lawful stay in Georgia expires.
Key requirements by permit type
- Work. Monthly income of at least five times the subsistence minimum and employer turnover of at least GEL 50,000 a year per foreign national. The application carries the unique code from the Ministry's registration system.
- Family reunification and spouse of a citizen. The sponsoring family member's income of at least twice the subsistence minimum per month.
- Investment. An investment of at least USD 300,000 or property worth more than USD 300,000, and annual turnover from USD 50,000 in the first year. Details are on our investor residence permit page.
- Short-term by property. Property, except agricultural land, with a market value above USD 150,000.
- IT residence permit. For an employee or an entrepreneur with Small Business Status: at least 2 years of experience in the profession or activity and annual income of at least USD 25,000, received at least twice during the last year. The entrepreneur must work under activity codes 58.21, 58.29, 62.01, 62.02, 62.03, 62.09, 63.1 or 63.12.
Foreign documents are submitted apostilled or legalised unless an international agreement provides otherwise. Full document lists are on the SDA residence permits page.
Service Packages
Work Residence Permit
- Notarised copy of passport.
- Turnover statement from the IRS tax portal.
- Completion of the application questionnaire.
- Escort to the Ministry of Justice for document submission.
Residence Permit for Family Reunification
- Notarised copy of passport.
- Completion of the application questionnaire.
- Escort to the Ministry of Justice for document submission.
FAQ
I have a registered IE in Georgia with declared income — when can I apply for a work residence permit?
Once your IE's annual turnover reaches 50,000 GEL and has been declared to the Revenue Service of Georgia, you are eligible to apply for a work residence permit.
I work for a Georgian company — can I get a residence permit?
Yes. The company must have an annual income of at least 50,000 GEL per employed foreign national. If the company has not yet reached that threshold, there are no grounds to apply at this stage.
Do I have to stay in Georgia while my application is being reviewed?
You are not legally required to remain in Georgia during the review period. However, we recommend not leaving the country until you receive a response from the Public Service Development Agency (SDA).
Can I apply for a residence permit based on my child's school enrolment?
Yes. Once your child receives a student residence permit, both parents may apply for family reunification residence permits. The institution must be officially accredited. The parent acting as guarantor must demonstrate an annual living wage for both themselves and the child (approximately 16,000 GEL per year). From 2024, accreditation also extends to preschool institutions.
Can both parents apply simultaneously?
Yes. Both parents may submit applications at the same time, provided each can confirm the minimum living wage amount in their account.
What is a Georgian registration address?
A registration address is the formal registration of a person at a residential address in Georgia. A rental agreement does not substitute for this — actual registration at the address is required.
When should I apply for a residence permit?
No later than 40 calendar days before your lawful stay in Georgia expires. The review period depends on the fee: for most permit types it is 30, 20 or 10 calendar days, and for the spouse of a Georgian citizen up to 90 days.
What property value is needed for a residence permit?
For the short-term residence permit, the property's market value must exceed USD 150,000, and for the investment permit USD 300,000. Agricultural land does not count, and the value is established by a certified assessor of an accredited body.
What is the IT residence permit?
A separate residence permit for IT specialists. An employee or entrepreneur must show at least 2 years of experience and annual income of at least USD 25,000. The state fee is GEL 500, 750 or 1,000 depending on the review period.