Armenia is one of Georgia’s bordering countries and citizens from this country make up approximately 4.5% of the ethnic composition, according to a 2014 census. Individuals interested in Georgia immigration are primarily from the country’s neighboring states, as is the case with Russian or Turkish citizens. Armenian citizens who are interested in relocating to Georgia can read this article for basic information about the residence and citizenship conditions and they can reach out to our agents for details on how to obtain Georgia permanent residence.
Armenian nationals looking to obtain short or long-term residency in Georgia can reach out to us for more information about the requirements for relocation. Moving to Georgia for long-term purposes is common for employment, but also for those who are able to make a minimum investment in real estate. This article highlights the main conditions, but you can always reach out to our team if you have questions.
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Obtaining the residence permit in Georgia
There are several types of visas for those willing to enter Georgia, however, only one category, the D immigration visa is suitable for those who wish to relocate to Georgia from Armenia and thus remain in the country for more than one year and derive income from some type of economic activity (employment, in most cases).
For Armenians traveling to Georgia, it is important to note that they can enter the country under a visa-free regime and remain for up to one year from the date of their arrival. This, however, does not mean that they will become residents. The following types of immigration visas, starting with the Georgia work visa, should be taken into consideration according to the purpose of the prolonged stay:
- D1: this is the work visa, for individuals who will engage in remunerated employment as well as those who move to Georgia to Armenia as entrepreneurs; it is also issued to company consultants and representatives who are transferred here or who are on official company business in Georgia;
- D2: the visa for athletes, artists, volunteers, those who will be involved in research or cultural activities;
- D3: the study visa for Georgia; suitable for Armenians who have been admitted to the Tbilisi State University;
- D4: the visa for family reunification purposes that can take place under certain conditions (having to do primarily with proving the relationship between family members);
- D5: the visa for individuals who have the right of real estate property ownership in the country, provided that certain conditions for the minimum market value of the property are met; this can be a suitable manner to immigrate to Georgia from Armenia, provided that the investment is possible.
These visas, as well as the ones from other categories (ordinary, special, diplomatic, or transit) are issued by the Embassies or Consular Offices in the applicant’s country of origin, for example, the Embassy of Georgia in Yerevan. Our team of agents who specialize in Georgia immigration can help you during the application phase for the residence permit in Georgia.
The residence permit is commonly issued within 30 days from the receipt of the complete set of documents. An accelerated procedure is also available. The holder of the permit is required to apply for a residence card with the authorities within 6 months from receiving the permit. Failure to do so will result in the termination of the residence permit. We can give you details about this procedure if you wish to relocate to Georgia from Armenia.
Georgia citizenship for Armenians
Armenians can acquire Georgian citizenship by naturalization and this can be an important goal for many of those who decide to immigrate to Georgia from Armenia. The ordinary procedure has the following requirements:
- Minimum residence period: an Armenian must have lived continuously in Georgia for at least 5 years before applying for citizenship;
- Language: it is also mandatory to have a certain level of fluency in Georgian, which will be subject to a formal examination;
- History and law: the applicant will also be asked to possess essential Georgian law and history knowledge;
- Activity: Armenians applying for citizenship need to be employed in Georgia, engaged in entrepreneurial activity, own real estate, interest or shares in a Georgian company.
A faster procedure is allowed when an Armenian is married to a Georgian citizen and they have lived in Georgia continuously for two years. The other requirements, for language, law, and history knowledge, will still apply when one can move to Georgia from Armenia in this manner.
The decision for granting Georgian citizenship under the naturalization procedure is commonly issued within a three-month period. If the application is rejected, the individual can re-apply after six months.
If you have questions about how Georgian citizenship is granted, our team is here to answer questions about the ordinary procedure, as well as the simplified one or about the other applicable special circumstances, such as the restoration of citizenship. We also assist those who are able to apply for this status based on their ancestry (such as citizenship granted at birth).
Armenians in Georgia
According to data from Geostat, the Armenians are the third most numerous foreign nationals living in Georgia, after Russian and Turkish citizens. Our Georgia immigration agents highlight the following numbers for 2015 and 2016:
- in 2015 there were 4,143 Armenians living in Georgia, our of which 2,582 were men;
- by 2016 their number increased to 6,241;
- out of the total number of Armenian citizens living in Georgia in 2016, 3,550 were men and 2,691 women.
Are you interested in more information on how to relocate from Armenia? You can contact our Georgia permanent residence agents for more details and personalized assistance for relocation.
