| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement (from EU) | No |
Entry visa requirement (outside EU) | Yes, depending on nationality |
Types of visas available | Diplomatic Special Ordinary Immigration Transit |
| Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.) | 30 calendar days |
| Validity of the temporary residence permit | 1 year |
| Time frame for obtaining permanent residence (approx.) | 10 – 30 calendar days |
| Investor Visa Availability | Yes |
| Sponsorship requirement | No |
| Time frame for obtaining citizenship | 10 years under the ordinary procedure |
| Citizenship/Residency by investment scheme availability | Yes |
| Tax benefits for expats | A special tax regime for individuals (not exclusively expats) can apply in some cases. |
| Georgian authority that processes residence permit applications | The Public Service Development Agency |
Changing the residence permit type | Possible, if the applicant meets the conditions for the new type of permit. |
Conditions for renewing temporary residence permit | Renewal is possible when the initial conditions for the permit continue to be observed. |
| Restrictions on foreign investors | Not applicable |
| Types of investments for the investor residence permit | Immovable property, entrepreneurial activities. |
| Minimum investment amount for the investor’s residence permit | USD 300,000 (the equivalent in GEL) for immovable property. |
| Conditions for citizenship by naturalization | Lawful residence for at least 10 consecutive years in Georgia; knowledge of Georgian language, history and law; proof of doing business or having a job in Georgia |
| Dual citizenship | Yes. Can be subject to approval in some cases. |
| Advantages for those who immigrate to Georgia | Low living costs, work opportunities, the possibility to start one’s own business, etc. |
| How we can help you | Our immigration lawyers in Georgia assist with a wide range of issues, from residence permit/ citizenship applications to appeals, and other matters of interest for immigrants. |
| When to reach out to us | As soon as you decide to apply for a temporary residence permit. |
What are the immigration services that you offer?
We provide legal assistance in immigration cases, including:
- Applications for residence permits;
- Obtaining temporary and permanent residency;
- Applications and renewal of visas in Georgia;
- Business immigration to Georgia;
- Immigration related to work and employment;
- Family reunification visa applications;
- Naturalization or obtaining citizenship in Georgia.
Can I have assistance for obtaining Georgia citizenship?
Yes, an individual may acquire Georgian citizenship in several manners, however, only some of these are suitable for foreign nationals who have been living in the country lawfully under a residence permit in Georgia. We present these below:
- The ordinary procedure: for a foreign national who has been lawfully living in the country for ten years;
- The simplified procedure: for an individual married to a Georgian citizen who has been lawfully living in the country for five years prior to the application;
- Through exception: for foreign nationals who have made exceptional contributions to the country;
- Through restoration: for those whose citizenship was wrongfully terminated (based on the parent’s decision or due to renunciation of citizenship).
Do I need assistance with immigration documents?
Yes, the immigration process normally involves complex paperwork and adherence to local regulations. The experts in our team may offer help to clients in preparing and handling:
- Residence permit paperwork;
- Citizenship application;
- Special translations;
- Legalization of immigration documents.
Can I invest in Georgia and receive immigration benefits?
Yes, foreign investors who want to invest in Georgia may find this country a beneficial spot for its business and real estate opportunities. We can assist you in:
- Immigration issues related to investment;
- Investment in business;
- Residence permit procedures;
- Legal services for foreign investors.
Main immigration benefits for investors in Georgia include:
- Owning residence visa for five years;
- Having eligibility for permanent residency;
- Right to apply for spouse and child residence visas;
- Right to legally live in Georgia;
- Entering and exiting country multiple times;
- Right to conduct business and invest in Georgia.
Is legal assistance available for special situations?
Yes, our team of immigration lawyers in Georgia can also help individuals who wish to return to the country. More specifically, we offer assistance as needed for reintegration purposes. The Georgian state supports the return of former Georgian nationals and has implemented a set of programmes that help assist them. The following categories of individuals are concerned: former Georgian citizens or stateless persons (who have a permanent residence permit) who have unlawfully resided abroad for more than one year and have applied for or received asylum there as well as those individuals who wish to be included in the State Programme for Reintegration of Returned Migrants (a process that is to take place within one year of their return to the country).
What are the key benefits that come with immigration to Georgia?
There are a number of advantages which foreign individuals who move to Georgia might benefit from when obtaining residence in Georgia or working there. The most significant advantages include:
- rather easy procedures for getting residence permits than those required in many other states;
- favorable taxation system for businessmen and investors;
- low living costs than in a number of European countries;
- ability to get temporary or permanent residence due to investments;
- access to banking and business opportunities in Georgia.
Our team can help you get settled in Georgia if you are interested in a long-term stay or in moving here and can also help you if you are temporarily in the country for employment or business reasons and require assistance with transiting or short-stay visas. Contact us for more information on Georgian immigration.