How to Get Residency in Georgia

Why Consider Residency in Georgia?

Georgia, a strategically located country bridging Europe and Asia, offers an attractive residency system for individuals seeking a business-friendly environment, tax advantages, and a high quality of life. Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, remote worker, or looking for a second residency, Georgia provides various pathways to legal residence.

Benefits of Georgian Residency

• Tax Advantages: Georgia has a territorial tax system, meaning foreign-sourced income is not taxed for individuals. Business owners can also benefit from low corporate taxes and the Individual Entrepreneur (IE) tax regime, which offers tax rates as low as 1%.
• Visa-Free Travel: Residency in Georgia allows long-term stay and provides visa-free access to many countries for Georgian citizens.
• Ease of Doing Business: Ranked among the world's top countries for ease of doing business, Georgia has minimal bureaucracy and an investor-friendly climate.
• Low Cost of Living: Compared to many European countries, Georgia offers affordable living with high-quality services.

Overview of Georgia's Residency Programs

Georgia provides different types of residency permits based on employment, investment, property ownership, study, and family reunification. These permits can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and length of stay.

Types of Residency Permits in Georgia

Temporary Residence Permits

Temporary residence permits are typically granted for 6 to 12 months and can be renewed annually. They are issued for work, business, investment, property ownership, study, and family reunification.

Permanent Residence Permits

Permanent residency is available to family members of Georgian citizen, investors, and individuals who have lived in Georgia for at least 10 years under a temporary permit. This permit allows long-term stay with most of the benefits of Georgian citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria for Georgian Residency

The eligibility for residency depends on the specific permit type. Applicants must generally provide:

• A valid passport
• Proof of financial stability
• Employment contract or investment proof
• Health insurance (in some cases)

Residency by Investment

Foreign investors can obtain residency by investing a minimum of $300,000 USD in Georgia. The investment can be in business, real estate, or government-approved sectors. After 5 years of active business operations, investors may qualify for permanent residency.

Residency Through Property Ownership

Individuals who purchase property worth at least $100,000 USD can apply for a temporary residence permit. The property must be officially appraised and meet government standards.

Work and Business-Related Residency

• Work Residence Permit: Granted to foreigners employed by Georgian companies. Applicants need an official job contract and salary that meets minimum financial thresholds.
• Business Residency: Entrepreneurs who establish and run a successful business in Georgia can apply for residency.

Family Reunification

Family members of Georgian citizens or residents (spouses, children, parents) can apply for a family reunification residence permit.

A family member includes a foreigner's or stateless resident's spouse, minor child, dependent minor, or an incapacitated person. It also includes the parent of a minor foreigner or stateless resident, as well as the foreign spouse, minor child, or parent of a minor Georgian citizen.

How to Apply for Georgian Residency

The application process includes the following steps:

1. Submit an application at the Public Service Hall or online.
2. Provide necessary documents, including proof of financial means, passport, and other required paperwork.
3. Wait for processing, which can take no more than 30 days, however duration of application consideration might take less than 30 days, depending on the application type.
4. Register your residence in Georgia upon approval.

Transitioning from Temporary to Permanent Residency

After holding a temporary residence permit for at least 10 years, an individual may apply for permanent residency, provided they have maintained valid residence throughout this period.

Also, transitioning from Temporary Residency to Permanent Residency might occur after 5 years of holding an investment residence permit based on an investment of at least $300,000 USD (or its equivalent in GEL) in Georgia.

The applicant must prove an annual business turnover of at least $50,000 USD in the first year, $100,000 USD in the second year, and $120,000 USD in the third, fourth, and fifth years, or own real estate worth more than $300,000 USD for at least five years.

Pathways to Georgian Citizenship

Naturalization Process

Naturalization occurs by being granted citizenship of Georgia by the President of Georgia. Types of Naturalization are:

• Granting citizenship under regular procedure;
• Granting citizenship under simplified procedure;
• Granting citizenship by way of exception;
• Granting citizenship by way of its restoration.

To become a Georgian citizen through regular procedure of naturalization, an applicant must:

• Have legally resided in Georgia for 10 years
• Pass a language, history, and law exam
• Demonstrate integration into Georgian society - engagement in corporate or/and labor field)

Citizenship by Exception

In certain cases, the President of Georgia can grant citizenship by exception to foreigners who have made an outstanding contribution to Georgia or when it serves the country’s interests.

This applies to those with ancestral ties to Georgia, major investors who help the economy, and individuals excelling in sports, science, or the arts who wish to represent Georgia. In some cases, applicants must also prove they know the Georgian language, history, and basic laws.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While Georgia’s residency process is relatively straightforward, some applicants face challenges such as:

• Legal complexities: Understanding local laws and requirements can be difficult without professional assistance.
• Documentation issues: Missing or incorrect paperwork can lead to application delays.
• Changing regulations: Georgian immigration policies may change, requiring updated knowledge of the process.

To simplify the process, we offer expert assistance with applications, documentation, and legal guidance to ensure a smooth residency process. Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, or looking for a second home, our team can help you navigate every step.

For more information, contact Justice League!