Getting residence in Georgia
Georgia combines often visa-free entry, stay registration and work permits for long stays. Temporary paths and routes toward permanent residence for eligible profiles.
Small business status is tax, not a visa. Check nationality for entry rights.
Before you start
Many nationalities enter visa-free for one year. Beyond that, registration or residence permit. Permanent residence possible after years of legal stay per route.
How to read the paths
Each card combines a category (how you qualify), an outcome (what you get) and duration (renewable title or permanent). RBI ≠ CBI: the first grants residence, the second a passport.
- EU free movement — EU/EEA citizens: registration, not a classic consular visa.
- Work / employment — Status tied to a local employer or qualifying contract.
- Entrepreneur / company — Activity or company setup: the visa follows the project, not a passport.
- Passive income / retirement — Stable income (pension, dividends, rent) without local employment.
- Nomad / remote — Remote work for an employer or clients outside the country.
- Residence by investment — Investment or financial threshold → residence (not a passport).
- Citizenship by investment — Investment or contribution → passport (programmes often restricted).
- Naturalisation / long stay — After years of legal stay: PR, ILR, C permit, etc.
- Other — Visit, transit or routes outside the frames above.
Paths by category
Indicative thresholds, timelines and fees — verify with official sources and local counsel.
Work / employment
Work / residence permit
Work / employment
Residence permit
Temporary
Process steps
- Secure contract or register activity/company
- Gather translated documents
- File at House of Justice / Public Service Development
- Receive residence card
- Renew while maintaining activity
Sources: house.gov.ge
Naturalisation / long stay
Permanent residence
Naturalisation / long stay
Permanent residence
Permanent
Process steps
- Document legal years or investment/family route
- File complete dossier (record, income, housing)
- Interview / administration decision
- Receive permanent title
Sources: mfa.gov.ge
Other
Visa-free entry + registration (1 year)
Other
Residence permit
Temporary
Process steps
- Check visa-free eligibility on mfa.gov.ge
- Enter Georgia (valid passport)
- Find housing and open bank account (on-ground KYC)
- Register with authorities if planning stay > 1 year (House of Justice)
- Before stay ends, apply for permit or exit/re-enter per rules
Sources: mfa.gov.ge