Immigration
One year visa-free for many nationals, with residence under the 2014 law
The Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons of 2014 governs entry and residence. Georgia grants citizens of roughly 95 countries visa-free entry for up to one year, which is exceptionally generous, and offers temporary and permanent residence permits.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — National. Administered by the Public Service Development Agency and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
- Deadline — Residence permit applications must be filed at least 40 days before the expiry of lawful stay
Governing law
- Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons2014
- Law on Labour Migration (2015) — employment of foreign nationals
In practice
The one-year visa-free entitlement for nationals of around 95 states is the most distinctive feature of Georgian migration law and underpins the country's popularity with remote workers. Temporary residence permits are available on work, study, family and investment grounds, typically for six months to six years. Permanent residence is available after six years of continuous temporary residence, and an investment residence permit is available at a defined property or investment threshold. There is no general work permit requirement separate from residence status, which simplifies hiring. Asylum is determined by the Ministry of Internal Affairs with appeal to the courts.