Six ways to get a Georgian residence permit in 2025
Georgia draws many foreigners - Russians in particular - with its culture, its landscapes and the warmth of its people. Securing a residence permit is a key step for anyone who wants to live and work in the country. Here are the main routes to a Georgian residence permit.
How to get a Georgian residence permit
Employment
To qualify under this route, you will need to provide an employment contract with a company registered in Georgia.
Business or sole proprietorship
A foreign national who has registered a company in Georgia can obtain a residence permit.
Study
Students admitted to Georgian universities are eligible for a residence permit.
Family reunification
All close family members of a Georgian resident or citizen can obtain a residence permit.
Investment
To qualify through investment, you must put at least 300,000 US dollars into the Georgian economy. Every member of the applicant's family can obtain a residence permit as well.
Property purchase
Foreigners who have bought real estate worth 100,000 dollars or more can obtain a short-term Georgian residence permit together with their family.
Advantages of a Georgian residence permit
- The right to reside in the country legally
- A reliable "plan B"
- A path to permanent residency and Georgian citizenship after ten years
- A large Russian-speaking community
- Rich culture and striking natural scenery
What changed in 2026
- From 1 March 2026 a foreigner without permanent residence needs a separate right to work from the Ministry of Labour. The fine for working without it is GEL 2,000, about $770, for both employee and employer.
- The property residence threshold rose from $100,000 to $150,000, so the amount in the article above is out of date.
- From 1 September 2026 marriage to a Georgian citizen no longer gives permanent residence at once: first a one-year temporary permit, renewals for 2 years, permanent after 5 years.
- Visa-free entry for 365 days for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan remains, but it does not replace a status.
Grounds for residence in 2026
| Ground | Main condition | Term | Right to work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work | employment or business in Georgia | per the permit | a right to work is needed |
| Property | property worth over $150,000 by valuation, excluding farmland | 1 year, renewable while owned | no, a separate right is needed |
| Investment | investment or property from $300,000 | 5 years, then permanent | no permit needed |
| Spouse of a citizen | registered marriage, checked by a commission | 1 year, then 2-year renewals | right to work needed unless exempt |
| Study | accredited university or college | for the study period | general rules |
| Permanent, general route | 10 years on temporary residence; study years do not count | indefinite | no permit needed |
Timelines and fees
Residence permits are issued by the Public Service Development Agency through Public Service Halls. The standard fee is about $120 for 30 calendar days, about $180 for 20 days and about $240 for 10 days.
Taxes after the move
A sole trader with small business status pays 1% of turnover up to GEL 500,000 a year, about $191,600. Georgia taxes only Georgian-source income. Dollar amounts at the National Bank of Georgia rate of about GEL 2.61 per dollar, rounded up.
We will work out your taxes after the move
The chat will ask about your income and countries and tell you where and how much you will pay.
How to obtain the right to work
For an employee of a Georgian company the employer applies; a sole trader with Georgian clients applies personally. No right is needed for those working only for foreign clients or remotely for a foreign company, if the work relates to their business outside Georgia, or for holders of permanent and investment residence.
| Stage | Timeline and fee |
|---|---|
| Ministry review | up to 30 calendar days, fee ~$80; expedited 10 business days, ~$160 |
| If you are abroad | 30 calendar days to apply for the immigration work visa (D1) |
| If you are already in Georgia | 10 calendar days to apply for a work residence permit |
A repeat fine for working without the right is GEL 4,000, a third one GEL 12,000, about $4,600; working without it is also a ground for expulsion.
How to apply for residence
- Collect documents: passport with a notarised Georgian translation, proof of the ground, photo.
- File at a Public Service Hall and pay the fee for the chosen timeline.
- Wait for the decision: 30, 20 or 10 calendar days.
- Receive the residence card.
Murblz chooses the ground, prepares and files documents, and if you work for Georgian clients arranges the right to work in parallel. All 2026 grounds, fees and timelines with our support are on the page Georgian residence permit.
FAQ
Can I get Georgian residency by buying property?
How much do I need to invest for Georgian residency?
When can I apply for Georgian citizenship?
Can I get residency through my own company in Georgia?
Do students get a residence permit in Georgia?
How much property is needed for Georgian residence in 2026?
Do I need a work permit in Georgia?
After how many years is permanent residence granted?
How much does a Georgian residence permit cost?
Does a freelancer with foreign clients need a right to work?
How much is the right to work in Georgia?
Can you stay in Georgia visa-free for a year?
Can a property-based permit be renewed?
What tax does a sole trader pay in Georgia?
What is the threshold for Georgia's investment permit?
Can I get Georgian residence through study?
What happens for working without a right to work?
How fast is a Georgian residence permit issued?
Services
Murblz services in Georgia
A passport or residence permit opens the door, but life behind it is awkward without a bank account and a roof over your head. Murblz specialists help with the account, property and company in the same country. The quote is fixed in writing before work starts.
Work, business or property - your route to Georgian residency?
We find a basis for Georgian residency that fits your income and plans, gather the documents and guide the filing at the Public Service Hall. The catalogue lists residence permits elsewhere.
The Murblz consultant replies straight away in the chat on this page. Describe your situation and we will work it out together.
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