Starting on August 1st, 2011, a new residence card is issued in Georgia. The residence card is the main document that confirms the citizenship and identity of the person. This card includes a built-in microchip, which, in addition to the address, contains personal information similar to the information of the previous residence card.
Any foreigner who has been issued a residence permit, as well as a refugee and a person with humanitarian status, receives a residence card regardless of age.
A new residence card can be obtained at the relevant branch of the Civil Service Development Agency or at the Civil Service House.
If, together with obtaining a permanent residence permit, the applicant registers at the address of residence, he must apply to the branch of the Civil Service Development Agency or LCA that serves the relevant territory.
There are two types of residence cards: permanent and temporary.
Temporary residence cards are issued to individuals owning a temporary residence permit, refugees and persons with humanitarian status.
Registration of the owner of a temporary residence card is carried out on the basis of a personal application.
An applicant for a temporary residence card must submit:
- Conclusion of the Agency on issuing a temporary residence card or stateless status and / or conclusion of the Ministry of Internal Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees of Georgia on granting refugee status and / or humanitarian status;
- Two photographs (can be taken in the offices of the Agency for the Development of Public Utilities or the utility room for 3 laries per set);
- A document certifying the identity of a foreign citizen;
- Birth certificate (if it’s an underage person).
Note: Owners of refugee and humanitarian status do not register.
Permanent residence card is issued to individuals who, on the basis of the conclusion of the Agency, have been issued a certificate of permanent residence.
An applicant for a permanent residence card must submit:
- Conclusion of the Agency on issuing a permanent residence card and / or stateless status;
- Two photographs (can be taken in the offices of the Agency for the Development of Public Utilities or the utility room for 3 laries per set);
- Grounds for registration (a minor under the age of 16 is registered at the place of residence of a parent, guardian or other legal representative, so the grounds for registration are not mandatory);
- Identity document (identity card of a foreign citizen, birth certificate, etc.);
- Receipt of payment for the service.
What are the grounds for canceling a residence card?
Residence card is canceled:
- One year after the expiration of the term established by law for the document, if during this period it has not been transferred to the owner;
- When the Agency becomes aware of the grounds for cancellation of the card (expiration of the term; change of name / surname; damage; or inaccuracy of data);
- If the applicant has submitted a forged document, which was discovered after the issuance of the card;
- When the residence permit is terminated;
- When refugee / humanitarian status is terminated (with a temporary residence permit);
- In case of change of data during adoption of the child;
- In case of change of data during establishment of paternity.
Residence permit in Georgia
Foreigners have the right to travel to Georgia on the basis of an immigrant visa.
What types of immigrant visas are there?
Immigrant visa (category D);
- Category D1 – provided to individuals traveling to Georgia for employment; representatives and consultants of companies and firms traveling to Georgia to perform their duties; foreigners entering Georgia to work on the basis of a contract; individuals traveling to Georgia to conduct business activities in accordance with the Law of Georgia "On Entrepreneurs";
- Category D2 – provided to individuals traveling to Georgia on a scientific, sporting, cultural or educational mission; people of free professions; foreigners traveling to Georgia for internships or as volunteers; media workers traveling to Georgia to perform their duties;
- Category D3 – provided to individuals who go to Georgia to study or to conduct research in an authorized educational institution of Georgia or on its basis; individuals going to Georgia to study under international programs;
- Category D4 – provided to individuals traveling to Georgia for family reunification;
- Category D5 – provided to individuals who have the right of ownership of immovable property (except for agricultural land) in the territory of Georgia in the matter, established by the legislate of Georgia.
Foreigners entering Georgia on an immigrant visa must apply for a residence permit at the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or in the Public Service Hall of the Georgian Ministry of Justice. A residence permit in Georgia is usually issued for a period of one year and may be renewed annually.
Within one month of receiving the residence permit, you must apply for a residence card at the local branch of the Civil Service Development Agency or in the public service hall.
What are the types of residence certificates / permits in Georgia?
The following types of residence permits are issued in Georgia:
1. Residence permit for work is issued to those who wish to stay in Georgia for business or employment purposes, as well as for remote workers (freelancers).
These individuals must submit the following documents:
- A copy of the travel document of a foreigner;
- A copy of the document confirming the legal stay in Georgia;
- A document confirming employment and entrepreneurial activity (employment contract or other document confirming employment); if the legal income of a foreigner is not confirmed by these documents, the monthly amount is paid into the personal bank account (including bank statement) of the foreigner not less than five times the subsistence level determined in Georgia, taking into account the validity of the residence permit;
- A certificate confirming that the monthly income received by the applicant from entrepreneurial or labor activity in Georgia (or wages) is not less than five times the subsistence level determined in Georgia;
- A document issued by LEPL Revenue Service *, confirming the annual turnover of the enterprise (except for educational or medical institution) not less than 50,000 laries for each foreigner who applies for a residence permit for employment, and in the case of educational or medical institution the annual turnover is at least 35,000 laries for each foreigner who applies to obtain a residence permit for the purpose of employment;
- A photo 3/4 cm.
The residence permit is initially issued for a period of 6 months to 1 year
* Tax Service Coordination Project within the new course "Simple and Reliable Legal Tax System".
You can read more at the website – https://www.mof.ge/en/
2. Residence permit for study purposes –intended for foreign students who are already studying at any of the Georgian universities. The residence permit for study is initially issued for a period of 6 months to 1 year.
3. Residence permit for family reunification – issued to family members (spouse, child, parents, minor or person under guardianship) of a foreigner who has a residence permit and / or a person who has been granted the stateless person status in Georgia. Issued for a period of 6 months to 1 year.
4. Residence permit of a former citizen of Georgia – issued to a foreigner whose citizenship of Georgia was terminated. The residence permit of a former citizen of Georgia is initially issued for 6 years.
5. Special residence permit – issued to a foreign citizen who, on the basis of reasonable doubts, that he may become a victim of trafficking in human beings, in cases provided by the Law of Georgia "On Combating Trafficking in Human Beings".
A temporary residence permit is issued to a foreigner who cannot be deported from Georgia in one of the following cases:
- A person is persecuted for political convictions or acts that are not considered a crime under Georgian law;
- A person is persecuted for the protection of human rights and freedoms, progressive social, political, scientific and creative activities;
- The life or health of a person is endangered, or when the grounds for postponing the expulsion of a foreigner remain valid for 30 days after the postponement of the expulsion, or when the person cannot be identified, or when none of the states agrees to receive them. A special residence permit is initially issued for a period of 6 months to 1 year. A special residence permit is initially issued for up to 5 years if a person applies to the PSDA at the initiative of a member of the Georgian government.
6. Permanent residence permit – issued to a family member of a Georgian citizen, a foreign citizen who, having a temporary residence permit, has lived in Georgia for the previous 10 years. Residence in Georgia for study or treatment, and employment in diplomatic and equivalent missions in Georgia is not included during this period.
7. Investment residence permit – issued to a foreigner and members of his family (including spouses, dependents and / or incapacitated persons) who have invested in Georgia in the amount of at least 300,000 American dollars in laries equivalent.
There are 2 different options for obtaining an investment residence permit in Georgia:
1. Making a personal investment in real estate: the purchase of non-agricultural real estate (land, apartment, commercial space, etc.) in Georgia, the value of which exceeds 300 thousand American dollars.
An appraisal report must be prepared to confirm that the market value of the property exceeds 300,000 American dollars.
The investment residence permit is initially issued for 5 years. If the applicant does not sell the property after 5 years, he will be issued a permanent residence permit in Georgia.
2. Obtaining investment residency by investing through a Georgian company.
Applicants will need to register a company in Georgia and invest 300,000 American dollars in their company (purchase real estate, issue loans, money in the company's term deposit account, etc.).
An appraisal report must be prepared to confirm that the investment exceeds 300,000 American dollars.
There are no requirements and additional conditions for this type of residence.
After registration and investment, the investment residence permit will be issued for 5 years. After the applicant has been granted an investment residence permit, the company's annual turnover must exceed certain minimum limits:
- 50,000 American dollars for the first year;
- 100,000 American dollars for the second year;
- 120,000 American dollars for the third, fourth and fifth years.
If the applicant meets these criteria, he will receive a permanent residence permit in 5 years.
8. Temporary residence permit – issued to foreigners who have been recognized as victims of domestic violence;
9. Short-term residence permit – issued to a foreigner who, in accordance with the rules established by the legislation of Georgia, buys / owns property (real estate, land, except for agricultural land) with a market price of more than 100,000 American dollars in lari equivalent (minimum investment) to a short-term residence permit.
More information can be found at the website - https://sda.gov.ge/?lang=en
What is the procedure of applying for a residence permit in Georgia?
It is possible to apply for a residence permit in Georgia online, by filling in the electronic application form, downloading the relevant documents electronically, contacting the Remote Service Operator and expressing your will online to obtain a residence permit.
Note:
The documents required for consideration of the application for a residence permit in Georgia are also submitted in material form within 10 days after the registration of the electronic application and attached documents.
Documents issued abroad are translated into Georgian and notarized. Documents issued abroad (if any) are also subject to legalization or apostille certification.
Who can apply for a residence permit online?
An able-bodied foreigner who has reached the age of 18 has the right to apply online for a residence permit. The issue of individuals under 18 years of age is considered at the request of their legal representative. Only a foreigner residing in Georgia has the right to apply online for a residence permit, and an application for renewal of a residence permit can be submitted online by a person residing both in Georgia and abroad.
What type of residence permit can I apply for online?
An online application can be submitted for the following residence permit:
Work permit, residence permit for study purposes, residence permit for family reunification, residence permit of a former Georgian citizen, special residence permit, permanent residence permit, residence permit for investment purposes
Family reunification
To obtain a family visa to Georgia for family reunification, additional documents proving family relations are required, such as: marriage certificate for the spouses; birth certificate for the relationship between parents and children; proof of the legal status of the sponsor in Georgia, such as their identification card or residence card.
Note:
This is not an exhaustive list of required documents. The embassy or consulate to which you are applying may request additional documents if they deem it necessary.
Documents must be translated into Georgian or English, the translation and the original must be submitted.
What are the ways to acquire citizenship in Georgia?
Citizenship in Georgia is acquired in 2 ways:
1. By birth.
A person acquires citizenship by birth under certain circumstances:
- One of the parents is a citizen of Georgia;
- The child was born in Georgia as a result of in vitro fertilization (surrogacy) and no state of citizenship of any of its parents considers the child its citizen;
- The child was born in Georgia and is a child of stateless individuals;
- The child was born in Georgia, one of the parents has the status of a stateless person, and the other parent is unknown.
- A citizen of Georgia is a minor in the territory of Georgia, whose parents are unknown, unless otherwise established.
According to the rules established by the State Commission on Migration, the following categories of citizens are also citizens of Georgia:
- Individuals born before March 31, 1975, who have lived in the country for at least five years and have been in the country until March 21, 1993; in addition, they have not acquired the citizenship of another country;
- Individuals born after March 31, 1975, who lived in the country until March 31, 1993 and did not acquire the citizenship of another country;
- Individuals born in a country who left Georgia after 21 December 1991, provided that they are not nationals of another country.
2. Naturalization. It is done by granting Georgian citizenship by the President of Georgia. The total term for consideration and decision-making on the application for Georgian citizenship should not exceed 3 months. If the first application is rejected, the next can be submitted in a year.
There are various ways to obtain Georgian citizenship through naturalization.
In particular:
1. Usual procedure. There are usually the following requirements for obtaining Georgian citizenship:
- The person must have a permanent residence in Georgia, ie he has lived in the country for at least 10 consecutive years;
- The person must have the appropriate skills of the Georgian language within certain limits;
- Basic knowledge: additional history of Georgia and basic principles of law are required when applying for citizenship;
- Resources: a person must prove that he works, has opened a business, owns real estate, owns a share or shares in a Georgian company.
How can I obtain Georgian citizenship under the usual procedure?
To obtain Georgian citizenship under the usual procedure, you must apply to the Civil Service Hall.
If the applicant is outside Georgia, the latter may apply to the relevant diplomatic mission or consular post of Georgia abroad.
Required basic documents:
- Application filled in the prescribed form;
- A colored photograph of 3 × 4 (a photo of the applicant submitted to the Agency or its territorial offices must be in electronic form, a photo outside Georgia - in the diplomatic mission or consulate of Georgia - in material or electronic form);
- Receipt of payment for services.
Additional documents required:
- A copy of the birth certificate (if the applicant was born abroad and has this document);
- A document confirming the legal and continuous stay of the applicant in Georgia for the last 10 years (visa, residence permit or card, time stamp with the date of crossing the state border of Georgia);
- Document confirming work or real estate in Georgia, or doing business in Georgia, or owning a stake in a company in Georgia.
2. Simplified procedure.
Georgian citizenship by marriage – a person who is married to a citizen of Georgia acquires citizenship of Georgia under the simplified procedure, if they meet the following requirements:
- Know the official language of Georgia within the established limits;
- Know the history of Georgia and the basic principles of law within the established limits. - the applicant must have resided legally and continuously in the country for 5 years before submitting the application.
The Citizenship Commission assesses the compliance of a person's knowledge with the above.
Divorce does not lead to a change of citizenship for a foreign couple.
Changing the citizenship of one spouse does not change the citizenship of the other. In addition, divorce does not change the citizenship of the children.
Citizenship under the simplified procedure is not granted to those individuals who have the status of a repatriate. In some cases, citizenship may be granted as an exception if that person has made an exclusive contribution to Georgia.
How is it possible to obtain Georgian citizenship under the simplified procedure?
To obtain Georgian citizenship under the simplified procedure, you should apply to the Civil Service Hall.
If the applicant is outside Georgia, the latter may apply to the relevant diplomatic mission or consular post of Georgia abroad.
What documents must be submitted for acquiring Georgian citizenship under the simplified procedure?
Necessary documents:
- An application filled in the prescribed form;
- A colored photograph of 3 × 4 (a photo of the applicant submitted to the Agency or its territorial offices must be in electronic form, a photograph outside Georgia - to the diplomatic mission or consulate of Georgia - in material or electronic form);
- Receipt of payment for services.
Additional documents required:
- Acopy of the birth certificate (if the person applying for Georgian citizenship was born abroad and has this document);
- A copy of the document confirming the marriage with a citizen of Georgia (marriage certificate or court decision to establish a legal fact);
- A document confirming the Georgian citizenship of the spouses;
- A document confirming the legal and continuous stay on the territory of Georgia for the last 5 years (visa, residence permit or card, time stamp with the date of crossing the state border of Georgia).
- A document confirming foreign citizenship (identity card, passport or citizenship certificate issued by the competent authority of a foreign state).
The application and these documents must be submitted in Georgian. Documents drawn up in another language are accepted if they are accompanied by a duly certified translation into Georgian.
The written application and relevant documents may be submitted in person or by an authorized person.
3. Recovery procedure
Georgian citizenship is granted by its restoration to individuals whose citizenship has been terminated:
- illegally;
- by renouncing Georgian citizenship;
- at the choice of his / her parents (parents).
Georgian citizenship is granted to individuals by its restoration, if they meet the following requirements:
- know the state language of Georgia within the established limits;
- there are no grounds specified in Article 16 of the Law of Georgia “On Citizenship”.
Georgian citizenship can be granted to a person by restoration after reaching the age of 18, if their Georgian citizenship has been terminated at the choice of their parents.
The requirement to have a sufficient knowledge of the Georgian language does not apply to a person with a physical disability that makes it impossible to verify that they meet the requirements of this subparagraph.
The Citizenship Commission assesses the compliance of a person's knowledge of the state language with the established limits. (The test is not required if Georgian citizenship is restored on the basis of illegal termination of citizenship.)
Where to apply for the restoration of Georgian citizenship?
To restore Georgian citizenship, you should contact the State Service or the relevant territorial administration.
If the applicant is outside Georgia, the latter may apply to the relevant diplomatic mission or consular post of Georgia abroad.
List of required documents:
- An application completed in the prescribed form;
- A colored photograph of 3 × 4 (a photo of the applicant submitted to the Agency or its territorial offices must be in electronic form, a photograph outside Georgia - to the diplomatic mission or consulate of Georgia - in material or electronic form);
- Receipt of payment for the service;
List of required additional documents:
Copies of documents confirming that the interested person is considered a citizen of Georgia in accordance with the Law *;
- A document confirming the illegal termination of Georgian citizenship;
- A document confirming renunciation of Georgian citizenship;
- A document confirming the termination of Georgian citizenship at the choice of the parents.
If a person seeking the restoration of Georgian citizenship is a citizen of a foreign state, they must additionally submit a document proving their citizenship.
A person whose citizenship of Georgia has been terminated at the choice of their parents may be restored to Georgian citizenship upon reaching the age of 18.
The issue of citizenship of a minor is considered on the basis of the application of the legal representative.
The written consent of the minor and the other parent (if any) shall be attached to the application for the acquisition of citizenship of a minor aged 14 to 18 submitted by the legal representative. A minor is not required to give written consent if they are a recipient of assistance.
The application and these documents must be submitted in Georgian. Documents drawn up in another language are accepted if they are accompanied by a duly certified translation into Georgian.
A written application for restoration of citizenship and relevant documents may be submitted in person or by an authorized person.
4. Special procedure
This procedure is available to foreign citizens who have made an exceptional contribution to the country's development. The President may also grant citizenship to a foreigner, taking into account the interests of the state (under certain conditions).
In assessing the state interests, in particular, the following circumstances are taken into account:
- A foreign citizen considers Georgia as his homeland, and their ancestor is:
- A person residing in the occupied territory of Georgia or internally displaced from that territory;
- A person who emigrated at different times due to political views or due to difficult socio-economic conditions;
- A foreign national makes such investments in Georgia that contribute to the development of the state's economy;
- A foreign citizen is successfully engaged in sports, science and / or art, and they are ready to continue their activity on behalf of Georgia.
A person in accordance with paragraph (1) must, within the limits set for the granting of Georgian citizenship as an exception, know:
- The official language of Georgia;
- The history of Georgia and the basics of law.
The requirement to assess knowledge does not apply to the granting of Georgian citizenship as an exception to a person with a physical disability, which makes it impossible to verify compliance with the requirements of the above subparagraphs.
Where can I apply for Georgian citizenship as an exception?
To obtain Georgian citizenship as an exception, contact the Civil Service Hall or the relevant territorial service.
If the applicant is outside Georgia, the latter may apply to the relevant diplomatic mission or consular post of Georgia abroad.
It is also possible to use the online service through the website https://sda.gov.ge/
List of required documents:
- An application filled in the prescribed form;
- A colored photograph of 3 × 4 (the applicant's photograph submitted to the Agency or its territorial offices must be in electronic form, the photograph outside Georgia - to the diplomatic mission or consulate of Georgia - in material or electronic form;
- Receipt of payment for services.
List of required additional documents:
- A copy of the birth certificate (if the applicant for Georgian citizenship was born abroad and has this document), and in case of granting Georgian citizenship to a minor - a copy of the birth certificate and written consent of his legal representative;
- Passport or other document proving citizenship and identity;
- At least two reference letters from Georgian citizens or legal entities registered in Georgia for granting Georgian citizenship to a foreign citizen.
- The issue of citizenship of a minor or alimony person is considered on the basis of the application of their legal representative.
- The written consent of the minor and the other parent (if any) shall be attached to the application for the acquisition of citizenship of a minor aged 14 to 18 submitted by the legal representative. A minor is not required to give written consent if they are a recipient of assistance.
- The application and these documents must be submitted in Georgian. Documents drawn up in another language are accepted if they are accompanied by a duly certified translation into Georgian.
- A written application for restoration of citizenship and relevant documents may be submitted in person or by an authorized person.
According to the Georgian Law on Citizenship, a person who has acquired Georgian citizenship by naturalization, except as provided for in paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article 12 of this Law (for minors with certain physical disabilities), takes the Georgian oath of allegiance to Georgia: «I (surname, name), becoming a citizen of Georgia, swear to serve Georgia faithfully, to abide by its Constitution and all other laws, to protect the independence and territorial integrity of Georgia; I recognize Georgian as the official language of Georgia, and in the Abkhaz Autonomous Republic - also Abkhazian; I undertake to respect the culture and national traditions of Georgia.» and certifies it with a signature.
What are the legal grounds for refusing to grant Georgian citizenship by naturalization?
A person does not acquire Georgian citizenship by naturalization if:
- They have committed an international crime against peace and humanity;
- They have been involved in a serious crime against a person, state or public security and order in accordance with the legislation of Georgia;
- It is impractical to grant them Georgian citizenship due to the interests of the state and / or public security of Georgia;
- They wanted by the law enforcement authorities of Georgia or another country, or by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and / or if they are in the process of being extradited or deported.
More details about these cases can be found at the websites - https://matsne.gov.ge/en/document/view/2342552?publication=6
What are the features of granting Georgian citizenship to minors?
Georgian citizenship is granted to minors by naturalization in the usual way, taking into account certain features. In particular:
1. A minor who is not a citizen of Georgia by birth shall be granted Georgian citizenship in the usual manner if one of his parents is a citizen of Georgia.
Required documents: a document confirming the Georgian citizenship of one of the parents; a copy of the birth certificate if the minor was born abroad.
2. A minor with refugee status or a stateless person in Georgia who has resided in Georgia for 5 years shall be granted Georgian citizenship in the usual manner.
Required documents:
- A document confirming that the minor has lived in Georgia for 5 years;
- A document confirming the status of a refugee or stateless person in Georgia;
- A document certifying the registration of an application for refugee status;
- A copy of the birth certificate, if the minor was born abroad.
3. A minor shall be granted Georgian citizenship in the usual manner if they have been adopted by a Georgian citizen.
Required documents:
- A document confirming the Georgian citizenship of the adopter;
- A document confirming the adoption of the interested person;
- A copy of the birth certificate, if the minor was born abroad.
The issue of citizenship of a minor or alimony person is considered on the basis of the application of their legal representative.
The written consent of the minor and the other parent (if any) shall be attached to the application for the acquisition of citizenship of a minor aged 14 to 18 submitted by their legal representative. A minor is not required to give written consent if they are a recipient of assistance.
A person who has the status of a stateless person in Georgia can obtain Georgian citizenship under the usual procedure free of charge on the 80th day.
The total period of acquisition of Georgian citizenship should not exceed 3 months.
Georgia