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Immigration to Georgia for Ukrainians

Georgia
Phone code
+995
Language
Georgian, English and Russian are also used in everyday life
Currency
Lari (GEL)
Recognition of dual citizenship
no
Covid
There are no COVID restrictions
Insurance policy
Insurance policy recommended
Phone code
+995
Language
Georgian, English and Russian are also used in everyday life
Currency
Lari (GEL)
Recognition of dual citizenship
no
Covid
There are no COVID restrictions
Insurance policy
Insurance policy recommended

Residence permit in Georgia for Ukrainians

Obtaining a temporary residence permit in Georgia

Obtaining permanent residence in Georgia for Ukrainians

How can Ukrainians obtain Georgian citizenship?

Do Ukrainians need a residence permit in Georgia? What to do after the end of the 1-year stay? What types of residence permits can Ukrainians obtain in Georgia? The main types of residence permits are: 1. Work Residence Permit 2. Educational Residence Permit 3. Family Reunification Residence Permit 4. Investment and Property Residence Permits

Georgia is one of the few countries where Ukrainians enjoy truly favorable conditions of stay. At the same time, it is important to understand the difference between visa-free residence and residence permit, as well as what to do if you plan to stay in the country for a long time.


Do Ukrainians need a residence permit in Georgia?


At the first stage, no permit is required. Ukrainian citizens can enter Georgia without a visa and stay in the country for up to 1 year without obtaining a residence permit.


During this year, you can:


  • live in the country;
  • rent accommodation;
  • travel within Georgia;
  • open bank accounts (according to the rules of the specific bank);
  • adapt and decide whether you plan to stay longer.


In 2025, Georgia officially reinstated the standard “1 year without a visa” rule for Ukrainians. There was also a transitional rule: if a Ukrainian entered and stayed in Georgia before February 24, 2025, they could legally stay until February 24, 2026.


After these changes, for long-term residence, you must have a legal basis for obtaining a residence permit.



What to do after the end of the 1-year stay?


After the end of the permitted period of stay, there are two legal options:


1. Leave Georgia

After departure, the period of stay is calculated again from the moment of re-entry. However, this scheme is not always suitable for long-term plans, especially if you are working, studying, or transporting your family.

2. Apply for a residence permit

If you are planning to stay for a long time or permanently, you need to apply for a temporary residence permit.


📌 Important: according to the official rules, documents for a residence permit must be submitted no later than 40 calendar days before the end of the legal period of stay.



What types of residence permits can Ukrainians obtain in Georgia?


Georgia offers temporary and permanent residence permits. In practice, Ukrainians most often apply for a temporary permit.


The main types of residence permits are:


1. Work Residence Permit


This is the primary type of permit for foreigners who plan to work officially or engage in business activities in Georgia.

As of March 1, 2026, new rules for hiring foreign workers are in effect in the country. Obtaining a residence permit now requires prior issuance of a Special Labor Permit through the state labor migration system.


For Employees


Before hiring a foreigner, the employer must obtain a Special Labor Permit. To do this, the job opening is first posted on the state employment portal Worknet. If no suitable candidate is found among Georgian citizens within the specified period, the employer is granted the right to hire a foreign worker.


In addition, the company must meet established financial criteria, and the employee’s salary must comply with the requirements of Georgian law.


For entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals


Foreigners who have registered a sole proprietorship or are engaged in independent economic activity in Georgia must also obtain a special work permit. Self-employed individuals are required to undergo an interview with government officials and provide proof of actual business activity.


To obtain or renew the permit, compliance with established requirements regarding annual business turnover must be confirmed.


Validity period


An initial work permit is typically issued for a period of 6 months to 1 year. Longer validity periods may apply to certain categories of specialists, particularly in the IT sector. The permit may be renewed provided the grounds for residence remain valid.


2. Educational Residence Permit


This type of permit is intended for foreigners studying at accredited educational institutions in Georgia.

To obtain the permit, the applicant must be officially enrolled at a university, college, or other educational institution that holds the appropriate state accreditation.


The main documents required are a certificate of enrollment or proof of admission, as well as documents confirming sufficient funds to cover living and educational expenses in the country.


The permit is typically issued for one year with the option of annual renewal for the duration of the studies.


3. Family Reunification Residence Permit


Foreign nationals may obtain a residence permit in Georgia on the basis of reunification with a family member who already holds a valid residence permit or is a citizen of Georgia.


The right to apply for such a permit is granted to a spouse, minor children, and other family members in cases provided for by law.


To submit an application, you must confirm family ties with official documents. Documents issued abroad must generally be legalized or apostilled and translated into Georgian.


Proof of financial capacity of the person hosting the family members may also be required.


The validity period of such a residence permit usually corresponds to the validity period of the main applicant’s residence permit.


4. Investment and Property Residence Permits


Georgia offers several mechanisms for obtaining a residence permit through investment or real estate ownership.


Residence Permit based on real estate ownership


As of March 1, 2026, the minimum property value required to obtain such a permit is $150,000.


A foreign national may own one or more properties, with the market value confirmed by an independent accredited appraiser.


The permit is typically issued for one year and may be renewed provided ownership of the real estate is maintained.


Investment Residence Permit


To obtain an investment residence permit, an investment of at least $300,000 must be made in the Georgian economy in accordance with legal requirements.


The advantage of this type of permit is the possibility of obtaining a residence permit for up to 5 years.


After five years of legal residence, the investor may apply for permanent residence in Georgia provided all requirements established by Georgian law at the time of application are met.

How can Ukrainians obtain a residence permit in Georgia?


To apply for a temporary residence permit (Residence Permit) in Georgia, you must submit an application through the Public Service Development Agency of Georgia.


Basic steps:


1. Prepare your documents. Before submitting your application, you must collect the documents that confirm your grounds for residing in Georgia. These may include:

- a foreign passport with a legal residence stamp;

- documents confirming your grounds for residence (e.g., employment contract, letter of admission to an educational institution, proof of family ties, investment documents);

- a photograph of the appropriate format;

- other documents depending on your grounds for residence.

2. Submit your application. The application and all documents are submitted through the Public Service Development Agency — online or in person at one of the Public Service Hall (PSH) offices in Georgia.

3. Wait for consideration. After submitting the complete set of documents, the authority will consider your application. The standard processing time for an application is up to 30 calendar days after all documents have been received.

4. Receive your permit. If the decision is positive, you will receive a Residence Card — the main document confirming your status in Georgia.


📌 Please note that the application for the first residence permit must be submitted while you are in Georgia at the time of submission, and preferably 40 days before the end of your legal stay on the basis of the visa-free period.


💡We recommend using the immigration guides from Visit World — detailed step-by-step guides that contain basic advice on obtaining citizenship, permanent or temporary residence permits, and much more. Choose the guide you need at the link!



How long is a residence permit in Georgia valid for?


The first temporary residence permit is usually issued for a period of 6 months to 1 year. The permit can be extended if the reason for residence remains valid (work, study, family, etc.).

👉 The law also sets time limits for temporary permits, which depend on the type of permit.



Can I travel with a residence permit in Georgia?


Yes, with a residence permit in Georgia, you can freely enter and leave the country during the period of validity of the permit and do not lose your status due to a long stay. Travel to other countries is carried out in accordance with the visa rules applicable to citizens of Ukraine.



How much does a residence permit in Georgia cost?


The cost of obtaining a temporary residence permit in Georgia depends on the processing time of the application.

According to migration sources, the standard state fees for processing a temporary permit application are as follows: approximately 300 GEL for processing within 30 calendar days, 450 GEL for processing within 20 calendar days, and 600 GEL for processing within 10 calendar days.


After the decision to issue an ID card is made, a separate fee is also charged depending on the production time.


📌 In addition to government fees, there may be additional costs for translation, notarization, or legal services. It is recommended to check the current amounts directly from official sources before submitting your documents.



How to extend a residence permit?


To extend a residence permit, you must submit an application before the expiry of the current permit and confirm that the basis for residence remains valid (work, study, family, investment, etc.).



Common mistakes made by Ukrainians when applying for a residence permit in Georgia


Even with favorable rules, applicants often face refusals or delays due to formal errors:


  • missing the deadline for submitting documents;
  • incorrectly chosen grounds for the permit;
  • incomplete set of documents;
  • errors in questionnaires or translations;
  • lack of proof of financial solvency;
  • false assumption that visa-free stay replaces a residence permit;
  • use of outdated rules or irrelevant information.


💡 Advice from Visit Ukraine


To avoid mistakes and go through the procedure without stress, we recommend contacting specialists.

Visit Ukraine's immigration lawyers will help you:


  • choose the right basis for residence;
  • check or compile a package of documents;
  • meet deadlines and requirements;
  • maintain legal status in Georgia.

Can Ukrainians obtain permanent residence (PR) in Georgia?


Yes, they can. Permanent residence in Georgia is granted to foreigners who have legally resided in the country for a long time and have legal grounds for further stay.


The most common way is to live in Georgia on a temporary permit for 6 years without violating migration laws.


Other grounds for obtaining a TRP may include:

- family ties with a Georgian citizen;

- entrepreneurial or investment activities;

- other circumstances provided for by law.


Obtaining permanent residence provides:

- stable and indefinite status;

- no need for annual renewal of the permit;

- the ability to plan your life and business for the long term;

- the prospect of further obtaining citizenship.

There are several ways to obtain Georgian citizenship.


1. Through naturalization

Basic requirements:

  • legal residence in Georgia for at least 10 years;
  • knowledge of the official language;
  • knowledge of history and the basics of legislation;
  • a legal source of income;
  • no serious violations of the law.


2. Through marriage to a Georgian citizen. Possible subject to official marriage and compliance with legal requirements.


3. For special merits or by special decision of the state (for merits or in the interests of the state)



Is dual citizenship allowed in Georgia?


Dual citizenship is possible only in certain cases by special decision.



Where can I get help with applying for citizenship?


Use the services of a migration lawyer from Visit Ukraine. Our specialists accompany clients through all stages of obtaining citizenship — from the initial assessment of grounds to the preparation of documents and submission of an application.

We advise on legal requirements, residence periods, proof of financial capacity, and other legal nuances that affect the outcome of the case.


📌 A consultation will help you assess your chances and choose the best path — from a temporary residence permit to citizenship.

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