Permanent Residency in Georgia: How to Obtain It

The Georgian permanent residence permit is obtained after having lawfully lived in the country for a number of years while holding a temporary residence permit. If you wish to apply for residency in Georgia in 2026, our team is ready to answer your questions and will assist you as early as the pre-application phase, while you are still in your country of origin.

Quick Facts
Temporary residence permit types	– work residence permit, – study residence permit, – family reunification residence permit, – investment residence permit
Time needed to obtain the temporary residence permit (approx.)	30 days
Temporary residence permit validity	– 6 years for the work, study, family reunification residence permit (they have an initial validity of 1 year and can be extended for up to 5)
Documents for obtaining temporary residence	– filled in application, – identification documents, – specific documents: employment agreement, proof of investment, proof of study acceptance, proof of family ties, etc.
Mandatory registrations with state authorities (i.e. with the population/municipality register)	Yes
Dependents can join the temporary permit holder	Yes, in some cases, for example in case of the investment residence permit
Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes	Yes – residence permit for indefinite stay for investments in real estate (subject to conditions)
Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence	10 years
Documents for obtaining permanent residence	– proof of lawful temporary residence, – proof of accommodation and sources of sufficient income, – other documents as needed
Naturalization requirements	– sufficient knowledge of the Georgian language, – knowledge of Georgian history and law, within the prescribed limits, – being employed, running a business, owning real estate or holding interest or shares in a Georgian company
Citizenship after permanent residence	Yes, after having resided lawfully for 10 years in the country
Staying allowed beyond the prescribed residence permit term	– in case of special medical conditions, – in case of involvement in trial, – exceptional circumstances (natural disasters, transportation delays, traffic accidents, etc.), – if you receive an authorized request from a Ministry or State Entity
Punishment for unlawful stay	Fine of GEL 1,000 for an overstay of up to three months, and higher fines (up to GEL 3,000) and entry bans for longer overstays.
Post-arrival steps	– applying for a residence card, – registering your address, – exploring employment opportunities, – opening a bank account, etc.
Labor residence permit	– Apply to the Public Service Development Agency (Public Service Hall); – Obtain a work permit (right to work) first, required since 1 March 2026; – Provide an employment contract or proof of owning a Georgian company; – Show a monthly income of at least five times the subsistence minimum.
Study residence permit	– Provide a letter of acceptance from a Georgian educational institution; – Show proof of sufficient funds in a bank account.
Family reunification permit	Family members eligible for reunification include: your spouse, children, parents, and individuals under your guardianship.
Special Georgian residence permit	Available for foreigners who are victims or suspected victims of human trafficking and to individuals with a specific written recommendation from a government member.
Special tax residency regime for high net worth individuals	– provide evidence of owning assets exceeding three million GEL (approximately $1,075,000), – demonstrate a minimum income of 200,000 GEL in each of the past three consecutive calendar years.
Immigrating in Georgia by buying property	The immovable property must have a market price of at least 150,000 USD to gain a residence permit in Georgia.
Short-term residence permit	– available for individuals who own real estate valued at a minimum of 150,000 USD, – permit extended to the family members of the property owner.
Residency by marriage	– Marry a Georgian citizen (spouse residence permit) or a foreign resident (family reunification permit), – The marriage must be valid according to the law, – Spouses must meet the minimum age requirement for marriage.
Restricted nationalities	None
Dual citizenship allowed (YES/NO)	No, with the exception of a special Presidential Decree
Advantages of obtaining residency in Georgia	– simple application process, – visa-free traveling, – tax benefits, – economic opportunities, – residency by investment programs, – path to Georgian citizenship
Assistance	Our team can help you immigrate to Georgia and obtain the relevant residency permits there.

Which services do you offer in order to obtain residency in Georgia?

Our specialists help clients with the procedure of applying for a Georgian residence permit, starting with evaluation of residence category and up to providing all necessary documents. These services consist of:

evaluation of eligibility for the appropriate residence permit;
preparation and checking of application documents;
help with application for temporary, permanent and investment residence;
help with IT and short-term residence permits;
help with family reunification application;
communication with the respective Georgian authorities;
help with the procedure of obtaining the residence card.

What are the types of residence permits available in Georgia in 2026?

study residence permit: students can reside temporarily based on this permit;
family reunification permit: issued for temporary residence to a family member of a foreigner holding a Georgian residence permit (spouses of Georgian citizens receive a separate spouse residence permit);
special Georgian residence permit: this is issued under certain conditions and one of our Georgian immigration agents can provide more details;
investment residence permit: issued to individuals and their families who have a minimum investment in property;
Georgian permanent residence permit: issued to an individual who has stayed in the country for minimum ten years using one of the temporary permits described above.

Find more information on the types of residence permits in Georgia from this infographic:

How can I apply for permanent residence in Georgia?

Applicants who wish to obtain permanent residency in Georgia based on their temporary residence permit that has been renewed for the last minimum ten years are required to submit the following:

travel document;
evidence for having lived in the country;
income statements.

We invite you to watch a video about the process of becoming a permanent resident in Georgia in 2026:

What kind of documents are required to obtain a residence permit in Georgia in 2026?

Depending on the type of residence permit the person is applying for, in Georgia the main documents needed are:

Filled-in application form;
Valid travel document (passport);
Document proving lawful stay in Georgia;
Documents justifying the purpose of residence;
Evidence of lawful income/financial means;
Recent colored photograph;
Proof of payment of the respective application fee.

What are the requirements for residency in Georgia for investors?

Entrepreneurs who would rather open a business than buy real estate in the country can benefit from the rules on residency for investment purposes. However, in this case, the conditions are the following:

the company needs to have an annual turnover of at least USD 50,000 in the first year;
the turnover needs to be minimum USD 100,000 in the second year;
the company must have a turnover of minimum USD 120,000 in the third, fourth and fifth years after the business owner received the residence permit.

Under what circumstances is it possible to obtain a special residence permit in Georgia?

A special residence permit is used in special cases defined by Georgian legislation. The special permit may, for example, be issued to a victim of human trafficking or to a person having a protected status or inability to leave Georgia according to relevant laws.

Who can apply for a study residence permit in Georgia in 2026?

The study residence permit is intended for foreigners studying in Georgian educational institutions. In order to get the permit, foreigners need to show evidence of their education and income sufficient for staying in Georgia.

Who is eligible for a family reunification residence permit in Georgia?

The family reunification residence permit is issued to the family members of those who have already obtained a Georgian residence permit. Family members should prove their relationship with the holder of the residence permit and provide evidence of their income.

We provide complete services for obtaining Georgian permanent residence as well as obtaining short-term permits, as needed. Contact us for more information about our services. We can also help you if you want to purchase land in Italy. We can put you in touch with our experienced local partners from lawyersitaly.eu.