Moving to Georgia with children in 2026: schools and nurseries

In short: when moving to Georgia with children, verify each family member's residence status, gather custody, vaccination and prior school records, then choose a school or kindergarten and check the current admission rules. For first grade in the 2026/27 school year there is a specific age exception. Last year's calendar must not be reused for 2027/28.

Which family documents should you prepare

Bring the passports of children and guardians, birth certificates, custody documents, vaccination records and prior school records. Border and residence rules for minors depend on nationality and family circumstances. Schools may ask for translations, and the institution itself names the exact list and deadlines.

What age is eligible for first grade in 2026/27

Ministry of Education announcements for the 2026/27 intake named a threshold of six years old by 15 September. However, the law of 1 April 2026 No. 1478 added an exception to the Law on General Education: for the 2026/27 school year only, parents may choose to start primary school for a child who turns six between 16 September and 31 December 2026. Because the exception is one-time, do not assume it applies to later years. Check the procedure in EMIS and confirm it with the school before applying.

How to register a child for public school

First-grade applications go through the registration.emis.ge portal in stages. For 2026/27 the territorial stage ran from 15 to 25 May 2026 and universal registration ran from 15 June to 3 July 2026. Those dates are past, so look for new Ministry announcements for 2027/28. For a transfer to another grade, contact the school and the relevant education authority.

More on schools: schools in Tbilisi for Russian-speaking children. A quick answer on dates: when the school year starts in Georgia. Directory: educational institutions in Tbilisi.

How to choose a kindergarten in Tbilisi or Batumi

Municipal and private kindergartens differ in age groups, fees and schedules. In Tbilisi, registration for municipal kindergartens for 2026/27 opened on 6 July 2026, so watch city announcements for the next intake. For a private kindergarten, ask about the contract, hours, language, meals, safety and refunds. There is no single national price for a kindergarten place.

Guides and directory: how to choose a private kindergarten or nursery and kindergartens in Tbilisi.

Teaching language and medical care

The teaching language and any alternative programme depend on the school. For private and international schools, verify the licence, programme, available places and admission requirements. Keep the vaccination record and information on chronic conditions. Insurance and access to state healthcare programmes depend on the child's status, so clarify this before choosing a clinic. Directory: children's clinics in Tbilisi.

How to budget for a child

Include housing, food, travel to school, materials, after-school care and private lessons. State schools and private international schools cost very differently, so ask each institution for a dated price list. For budgeting, see our guides to finding housing and to utility bills.

Frequently asked questions

Are children who turn six after 15 September 2026 excluded?

No. For 2026/27 the law lets parents choose to start school if the child turns six between 16 September and 31 December 2026.

Should age eligibility be checked in EMIS?

Yes, check the registration procedure in EMIS and with the school before applying.

What were the 2026/27 universal registration dates?

15 June to 3 July 2026. They have already passed.

Do these dates apply to 2027/28?

No, check new Ministry announcements.

Are kindergarten prices the same everywhere?

No, price depends on the institution, group and date.

Should custody and school records be prepared?

Yes, prepare them in advance and confirm the list with the school.

Are all private schools free?

No, each institution sets its own terms and fees.

In other countries

• Family and kids in Norway
• School holidays in Sweden 2026/2027
• Healthcare in Denmark for newcomers
• Kindergartens and schools in Finland