Are you planning to live, work, or invest in the Caucasus? Georgian Immigration Law offers numerous opportunities for expats and investors, but strict adherence to bureaucratic procedures is vital. Whether you are seeking a Work Residence Permit, Investment Citizenship, or simply clarifying visa regimes, a single mistake can lead to rejection.

This comprehensive guide, prepared by expert immigration lawyers in Georgia, covers everything you need to know about obtaining legal status, the necessity of the D-Category Visa, government fees, and tax residency nuances.

1. Entry Regime: Do You Need a Visa?

Before considering residency, you must ensure your entry into the country is legally grounded.

The 1-Year Visa-Free Rule

Citizens of over 95 countries (including the EU, USA, UK, Ukraine, etc.) can enter Georgia and stay for up to 1 year without a visa.

• Important Detail: While entering as a tourist is allowed, if you plan to apply for a residence permit, it is often mandatory to hold a D-Category Immigration Visa (unless you are from a specifically exempted country like the EU or USA).

Why is the D-Category Visa Mandatory?

If you are not from an exempt country (e.g., citizens of India, Egypt, or Nigeria), you must obtain a D-Visa at a Georgian Consulate abroad before arriving. Applying for residency after entering on a standard tourist C-Visa often leads to rejection by the Public Service Hall.

Overstaying Your Visa: Fines and Consequences

If you stay in Georgia past your visa or visa-free period expiration, you will be fined upon departure:

• Overstay up to 3 months: 180 GEL

• Overstay over 3 months: 360 GEL

• The Real Risk: Paying the fine allows you to exit, but having an overstay record usually leads to an automatic rejection of any future Residence Permit applications.

2. Types of Residence Permits (Detailed Overview)

A Residence Permit (TRC) is a document issued by the Public Service Hall that allows you to live in the country long-term legally.

A. Work Residence Permit (Labor)

The most popular route for employees, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.

• Who is it for: Employees of Georgian companies or Individual Entrepreneurs (Sole Traders).

• Financial Requirement: Proof of monthly income at least 5 times the subsistence minimum (approx. 1,500 - 1,800 GEL/month).

• Turnover Requirement: The employing company (or your IE) must show an annual turnover of at least 50,000 GEL per foreign employee (35,000 GEL for medical/educational institutions).

B. Short-Term Residence (Real Estate)

• Requirement: Ownership of residential or commercial real estate valued at over $100,000 USD.

• Valuation: A certified auditor's report confirming the market value is mandatory.

• Duration: Issued for 1 year, renewable annually as long as you own the property.

C. Investment Residence Permit

• Requirement: Investment of at least $300,000 USD in the Georgian economy.

• Benefit: Issued directly for 5 years.

• Permanent Residence: After 5 years of maintaining the investment and meeting turnover criteria, you receive a Permanent Residence Permit.

3. Application Process, Fees, and Timelines

The application is submitted to the Public Service Hall (Justice House). The decision time depends on the fee you pay.

Official Government Fees

Note: Investment Residence Permit fees are higher. Additionally, anticipate costs for translation and notarization of documents (approx. 50-100 GEL per document).

4. Rejections and Appeals

Even with perfect documentation, rejections happen. The most common ground is "Article 18" of the Law on Legal Status of Aliens.

• What does it mean? Refusal based on "Protection of State or Public Security." This is a vague clause often based on a classified recommendation from the State Security Service (SUS).

• Can You Appeal? Yes. You have the right to appeal to the court within 1 month of receiving the rejection.

• Legal Strategy: Litigation against the Public Service Hall requires a qualified lawyer to force a re-evaluation of the case.

5. Residence Permit vs. Tax Residency

Don't confuse your immigration status with your tax obligations.

• Legal Residency: Gives you the right to live in the country (Immigration Law).

• Tax Residency: Determined by spending 183 days in Georgia within any 12-month period.

• Why it matters: Becoming a tax resident may trigger tax liabilities on your worldwide income (though exemptions apply). Georgia offers a 1% Tax Rate for "Small Business Status" holders, making it a tax haven for IT specialists and freelancers.

Secure Your Legal Future in Georgia

Immigration laws in Georgia are becoming stricter. Do not risk your future with incorrect documentation or missed deadlines. Our team ensures your application is flawless.