As of 2025, Georgia officially offers a citizenship by investment program through the Special Contribution Citizenship Program, enabling foreign investors to obtain Georgian citizenship directly without the need for prior residency. This marks a significant change from previous years, when only residency through investment followed by citizenship (in certain conditions) was possible. Below, our Georgian immigration lawyers offer guidance for relocating to Georgia.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Who can obtain residency by investment in Georgia? | Individuals who are willing to make a financial investment in the country through property purchase or other investment options. |
|
Minimum investment in a business for residency by investment |
300,000 GEL |
|
Minimum market price value for the immovable property for residency by investment |
11,252 GEL (except for agricultural land) |
| Validity period for investment residence permit | 6 months – 1 year, it can be extended for up to 5 years |
| Investments eligible for consideration for residency by investment |
In different fields, such as energy, hospitality (hotels and resorts), real estate, logistics, manufacturing and services. |
| Required documents for obtaining residency by investment |
– a certificate confirming legal stay in the country, – documents verifying the business investment, – proof of payment for the fees, – a certified copy of the passport, etc. |
| Short-term residence permit in Georgia for investors |
The short-term residency permit in Georgia is issued to the applicant and family members. |
| Obtaining permanent residency permit in Georgia |
A permanent residence permit in Georgia can be issued to a foreign citizen who has held a temporary residence permit in Georgia for the preceding six years. It can be issued to the spouse, parent, or child of a Georgian citizen. |
| Requirements for obtaining citizenship in Georgia |
Citizenship in Georgia can be acquired through various means, including birth, naturalization, and exceptional circumstances. |
| Obtaining Georgian citizenship through naturalization | Acquiring citizenship in Georgia through naturalization includes uninterrupted residency for at least 10 years, knowledge of the Georgian language and history, legal status of employment or ownership of real estate, entrepreneurial activity or ownership of interest or shares in a Georgian company. |
| Dual citizenship |
Georgia does not recognize dual citizenship, individuals seeking citizenship must renounce to their previous nationality. The only exception to this rule is through a special Presidential Decree. Please contact our specialist for more details regarding immigration in Georiga. |
| Nationalities with limited eligibility |
None |
| Advantages of obtaining citizenship in Georgia |
– visa-free travel, – affordable cost of living, – favorable tax system, – strategic location |
| Main taxes in Georgia |
– personal income tax, – capital gains tax, – rental property tax, – corporate tax, – VAT, etc. |
| Time frame for obtaining citizenship in Georgia | One month (approx.) |
Our team is ready to assist foreign entrepreneurs who are interested in making the required investments in the country. The process is not a complicated one, however, in order to ensure its success, it is recommended to work with a team of local agents, such as our specialists, who can help coordinate the process and provide information about the mandatory submissions with the Georgian authorities.
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Citizenship by investment: the Special Contribution Program
Under the Special Contribution Citizenship Program, investors can acquire Georgian golden visa by making a one-time non-refundable contribution of €250,000 (approximately $270,000 USD) to the country’s economy. This program is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs who plan to relocate to Georgia and whose presence and financial input support national development.
Key Features:
- no prior residency requirement;
- no language or cultural integration tests;
- citizenship granted within 3–6 months via presidential decree;
- dual citizenship is allowed under this program;
- spouses and dependents can be included.
The program offered to obtain Georgian passport by investment is one of the fastest and most accessible citizenship routes in Europe, particularly appealing to global investors seeking greater mobility and access to Georgia’s regional markets. For more information and support in the application process, our immigration lawyers in Georgia are at your disposal.
Application timeline and approval process
The citizenship by investment process under the Special Contribution Program typically takes 3 to 6 months from submission to approval. After submitting your application for citizenship and proof of contribution, it is reviewed by relevant government bodies before being sent to the President of Georgia, who issues the final decree. Applicants are not required to attend interviews or fulfill residency obligations, which significantly expedites the process. Legal support is highly recommended to ensure all documentation meets the Ministry of Justice and Public Service Hall requirements.
Exceptional citizenship in Georgia
It is possible to obtain citizenship in Georgia under some exceptional circumstances. However, getting Georgian citizenship by investment is not typically an available option, unless the investment in the country’s economy contributes substantially to its development.
The President can grant Georgian passport by investment by way of exception to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Georgia or based on the country’s state interests. The decision to grant citizenship under these circumstances is at the discretion of the President and may consider factors such as residency in occupied territories or exceptional achievements in fields like sports, science, or art.
Dual citizenship policy in Georgia
Georgia allows dual citizenship in specific cases, including through the Special Contribution Citizenship Program. This means that successful applicants can retain their original nationality, while enjoying the full rights and privileges of Georgian citizenship. However, it’s essential to verify whether your home country allows dual citizenship, as this varies widely. For instance, countries like Germany or the Netherlands may restrict it. Georgian citizens benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 115 countries, making dual citizenship particularly valuable for global mobility.
How can our immigration lawyers help?
Our Georgian immigration lawyers can provide full assistance throughout the relocation process. We can help interested individuals obtain citizenship by investment. Additionally, we offer support for those who wish to obtain citizenship through other means, such as naturalization.
We can help prepare and submit all necessary documentation and forms for citizenship applications. We will ensure that applications are completed accurately and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Our team will develop personalized strategies tailored to the individual circumstances of each case. We can also advise on the most effective pathways to achieve citizenship based on factors such as: employment, family ties, or other criteria.
If complications or obstacles arise during the application process, our Georgian immigration lawyers will assist in resolving these issues efficiently.
Immigration laws and regulations can change frequently. We are updated on changes in the law and will advise interested individuals accordingly, ensuring that everything complies with current requirements.
Statistics about Georgian immigration
If you wish to discover more facts about the Georgian immigration trends, we invite you to take a look at these statistics provided by the National Statistics Office for the year 2022:
- 151,487 immigrants were aged between 15-64 years old;
- Only 7,326 immigrants were aged 65+ years;
- 62,302 immigrants were Russian citizens;
- The net migration in Georgia in 2022 was 54,509 persons, indicating a positive influx of individuals into the country.
Although obtaining citizenship by investment in Georgia is not directly possible, you can contact our team for further assistance regarding the residency program and how to benefit from it.
