Georgia offers a clear set of residence permits, but the right one depends on why you are staying. This pillar guide explains how the system works, helps you pick the permit that fits your situation, and links to a detailed guide for each type. All conditions come from the Public Service Development Agency (SDA) and were last checked on 7 November 2026.
How residence permits work in Georgia
A foreigner stays in Georgia lawfully either visa-free or on a permit. A residence permit is issued by the SDA for a specific purpose: work, study, family, property or investment, IT work, or special cases. The conditions, the documents and the state fee depend on the type.
Which permit fits you? A quick guide
| Your situation | Permit | Core condition (SDA) |
|---|---|---|
| You work for a Georgian employer or run a business | Work residence | Income of at least 5x the subsistence level; employer turnover of GEL 50,000 per foreigner |
| You study at a Georgian university or college | Study residence | Funds of at least 2x the subsistence level |
| You join a family member who has a permit | Family reunification | Funds of at least 2x the subsistence level |
| You are married to a Georgian citizen | Spouse of a citizen | Income or funds of at least 2x the subsistence level; fee GEL 500 |
| You buy property worth over USD 150,000 | Short-term residence | Property title and certified valuation |
| You invest USD 300,000 or buy property above USD 300,000 | Investment residence | Audited investment or valued property, plus a reference |
| You work in IT | IT residence | 2 years of experience and USD 25,000 annual earnings |
| You already hold a long-term permit | Permanent residence | For example 10 years on a temporary permit, or 5 years as a spouse |
| You held a 5-year investment permit | Indefinite stay | Turnover or property ownership over the five years |
The process in five steps
- Choose the permit that matches your purpose, using the table above.
- Check the money or document conditions: income, funds, company turnover or property valuation. The subsistence level is set by the state, so check the current amount.
- Prepare the documents. Most permits need the application form, a copy of the travel document, proof of lawful stay, a colour photo 3×4 cm in electronic form and proof of the fee. Documents issued abroad must be legalised or apostilled.
- Apply in time. As a rule, apply at least 40 calendar days before your lawful stay ends. Some types, such as the IT, special, investment and short-term permits, are exempt.
- Pay the fee for the speed you choose. For most permits it is GEL 300 for 30 days, GEL 450 for 20 days and GEL 600 for 10 days.
State fees at a glance
| Permit | 30 days | 20 days | 10 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work, study, family reunification, former citizen | GEL 300 | GEL 450 | GEL 600 |
| Investment and short-term (property) | GEL 300 | GEL 450 | GEL 600 |
| Permanent residence | GEL 500 | GEL 650 | not listed |
| IT residence | GEL 500 | GEL 750 | GEL 1,000 |
| Spouse of a citizen | GEL 500 (listed decision time 90 days) | ||
| Special residence (Government initiative, trafficking victims, compatriots) | GEL 0 (10th day) | ||
Money conditions explained
Several permits are tied to the minimum subsistence level for the average consumer, a figure the state updates. The work permit asks for monthly income of at least five times that level. Study, family reunification and spouse permits ask for monthly income or funds of at least twice that level, calculated for the validity of the permit. Always check the current amount before you prepare bank statements.
Document checklist by situation
- Everyone: application form, copy of the travel document, proof of lawful stay in Georgia, electronic colour photo 3×4 cm, proof of fee payment.
- Work: proof of employment or business, proof of income, Revenue Service document confirming the employer’s turnover, certificate of the number of foreigners employed, and the registration code of the competent ministry.
- Study: certificate from the educational institution about the programme and duration, plus proof of income or funds.
- Family and spouse: proof of kinship (for example a marriage certificate) and proof of income or funds.
- Property and investment: title document, valuation report of a certified assessor, or audited proof of investment, plus a reference for the investment permit.
- IT: unique code from the State Employment Support Agency, proof of the right to work, proof of experience and earnings.
Timeline: what to expect
- Decide on the permit and check the money conditions (days or weeks, depending on the documents you have).
- Collect and, where needed, apostille or legalise documents issued abroad.
- Apply, ideally 40 days or more before your lawful stay ends, and pay the fee for the speed you chose.
- The decision comes within the listed time: 30, 20 or 10 days for most permits, 90 days for the spouse permit.
Keeping your status in order
- Write down the expiry date of your lawful stay and of the permit the day you receive it.
- If your reason for staying changes (a new job, marriage, studies ending), check whether you need a different permit.
- For long-term residents, keep the evidence you will need later for the permanent permit, such as tax and income records.
All residence permit guides
- Work residence permit
- Study residence permit
- Family reunification
- Spouse of a Georgian citizen
- Investment and property residence
- Short-term residence for property owners
- IT residence permit
- Permanent residence
- Indefinite stay residence permit
- Special residence permit
- Former citizen of Georgia
- Temporary residence for victims of domestic violence
Common mistakes
- Applying too late and losing lawful stay.
- Choosing the wrong permit type for the purpose of the stay.
- Income or turnover proof that does not match the required multiple or amount.
- Foreign documents that are not apostilled or legalised.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a permit decision take? You choose the speed when you pay the fee: 30, 20 or 10 calendar days for most permits. The spouse permit lists 90 days.
Can my family come with me? Yes. Several permits (IT, investment, short-term) have a route for spouses and children, and the family reunification permit exists for family members of a permit holder.
Can I switch to permanent residence later? Yes, if you meet the conditions of the permanent permit; read the detailed guide.
Also useful for newcomers
Read about temporary residence and our complete guide to immigrating to Georgia.
MITC prepares the documents, checks your eligibility and submits the application. Contact us for a consultation.
Source: Public Service Development Agency of Georgia (sda.gov.ge), page “Migration/Residence Permits”. Last verified: 7 November 2026. Rules and amounts can change; confirm them on the official website or with MITC before applying.
