Does a child born in Georgia get Georgian citizenship?
When a child becomes a citizen at birth.
Short answer
Birth in Georgia alone does not grant citizenship: a child is a citizen at birth if a parent is a Georgian citizen or in a few cases the law names. They include surrogacy where the parents' country does not recognise the child, and birth to stateless persons with status in Georgia. The basis is set out in Article 10 of the Organic Law on Citizenship.
Why
- Article 10 of the law states when a child receives citizenship by birth.
- The main ground is that at least one parent is a Georgian citizen at the time of birth.
- Separate cases cover surrogacy and stateless persons with status in Georgia.
Details
Article 10 of the law: a child is a citizen by birth if at least one parent is a Georgian citizen; a child born in Georgia through surrogacy if neither parent's country of citizenship recognises the child as its citizen; a child born in Georgia to stateless persons with status in Georgia; and a child born in Georgia to one stateless parent with status in Georgia and one unknown parent. Article 11 separately covers a minor living in Georgia whose parents are both unknown, who is deemed a citizen unless proved otherwise.
A minor born in Georgia with refugee or stateless status who has lived in the country for 5 years can be granted citizenship under the regular procedure; a legal representative files the application, and minors aged 14 to 18 need to give written consent. The general route to citizenship is in How do you get Georgian citizenship.
Tip
If at least one parent is a Georgian citizen, keep documents proving citizenship at the time of birth, as you will need them for the child's papers. For the other cases, ask the Agency.
What may differ
The outcome depends on the parents' citizenship and status and on whether the parents' country recognises the child as its citizen. The law has been amended, so check the current text on matsne.gov.ge.
Common misconception
A child born in Georgia is automatically a Georgian citizen.
What actually happens
Article 10 of the law ties citizenship by birth to a parent's citizenship or to special cases (surrogacy, stateless persons), and the place of birth alone is not a ground.
People also ask
- Is a baby born in Georgia a Georgian citizen?
- What citizenship does a child born in Georgia have?
Sources
This answer is for reference only and is not legal advice. Fees and rules change, so check official websites.
Georgian citizenship: documents, grounds and how to applyRelated questions
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Does Georgia have a visa or programme for digital nomads?
Since May 2026 Georgia has had the C5 visa, valid up to 5 years with a 1-year stay, for tourists who work remotely for a non-resident employer.
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How do you register your residential address in Georgia?
Address registration in Georgia is free, and you submit one of three documents proving your right to live at the address to an office of the Public Service Development Agency.
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What exam do you need to pass for Georgian citizenship?
Georgian citizenship requires an electronic test in the Georgian language, history and basic law: the first attempt is free and later attempts cost GEL 40.
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Is dual citizenship allowed in Georgia?
Georgia has single citizenship, and a citizen may hold a foreign one only in cases named in the law, for example with the state's advance consent.