Family reunification is one of the most practical ways to live in Georgia with your spouse or relatives when one family member already holds a Georgian residence permit. This guide explains who the permit is for, which documents the Public Service Development Agency (SDA) asks for, the financial requirement, and the official fees.
What is a family reunification residence permit?
According to the SDA, a residence permit for the purpose of family reunification is issued to family members of a foreigner who holds a residence permit in Georgia. The sponsor is the family member who already has the permit; the applicant is the relative who wants to join them.
Documents required
The SDA lists the following documents for the application:
- Approved application form (it can be submitted online)
- Copy of the applicant’s travel document (passport)
- Copy of a document proving lawful stay in Georgia
- Proof of kinship (marriage or birth certificate, usually legalised or apostilled and translated)
- Document proving legal income earned in Georgia
- Colour photo, 3×4 cm, in electronic form
- Proof of payment of the state fee
Financial requirement
You must show legal income earned in Georgia by the foreigner and/or by a Georgian citizen. Money in a personal bank account can also be counted: the monthly amount in the account should not be less than double the minimum subsistence level for the average consumer in Georgia. The subsistence level is updated by the state, so check the current figure before you apply.
State fees and timing
The fee depends on how fast you want the decision:
- 30 calendar days: GEL 300
- 20 calendar days: GEL 450
- 10 calendar days: GEL 600
Step by step
- Confirm that the sponsor’s residence permit is valid.
- Prepare the kinship documents and make sure foreign documents are legalised and translated.
- Prepare proof of income or a bank statement that meets the financial requirement.
- Complete the application and pay the fee for the speed you choose.
- Submit through the SDA and follow the status of your application.
Common mistakes
- Kinship documents that are not legalised or translated correctly.
- A bank balance that is below the required level on the application date.
- Applying while the sponsor’s own permit is about to expire.
Other residence options
If family reunification does not fit your situation, see our guides to the temporary residence permit, the permanent residence permit and the complete guide to immigrating to Georgia.
MITC can check your documents, prepare the application and follow it through the SDA, so you avoid delays and refusals.
Source: Public Service Development Agency of Georgia (sda.gov.ge). Requirements and fees can change; verify them on the official website before applying.
