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How do you move to Georgia from Russia?

First steps: entry, housing, banking, work and documents.

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Short answer

A Russian citizen can enter Georgia visa-free and stay for one full year, so moving usually starts with a trip on an international passport and renting a home. Next comes a bank account, and for a longer stay you choose grounds for a residence permit: work or business, study, family or property. Since 2026, most work requires a separate authorisation.

Living in Georgia: Pros, Cons and Moving Questions faq-cover-residence-and-citizenship.png

Why

  1. Visa-free entry for Russian citizens is set by Government of Georgia Ordinance No 255.
  2. Georgian banks vet clients from Russia more strictly, so opening an account may take more than one attempt.
  3. You become a Georgian tax resident after spending 183 days or more in the country within 12 months.

Details

Bring cash for the first few months, since Russian cards don't work in Georgia. Documents needed for a residence permit, such as marriage and birth certificates, are best apostilled in Russia in advance.

Tip

Before moving, live in your chosen city for a month or two and sort out a bank card in advance.

What may differ

Rules change and depend on citizenship and status, so check the official website or a lawyer before applying.

Common misconception

What actually happens

People also ask

  • How can I move to Georgia from Russia?

Sources

This answer is for reference only and is not legal advice. Migration rules changed in 2026, so check official websites before applying.

Living in Georgia: Pros, Cons and Moving Questions

  • How do you check the status of a residence permit application in Georgia?

    You can check the status of a Georgian residence permit application online on the Public Service Development Agency website or the unified government services portal using the application number and passport details.

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  • What does a Georgian residence permit give you?

    A Georgian residence permit lets you live in the country beyond the 365-day limit, leave and re-enter without a visa, get a Georgian personal number and open a bank account more easily.

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  • How do you get a residence permit in Georgia, including as a Russian citizen?

    Residence permits in Georgia are issued on several grounds: work or business, study, family reunification, owning property worth more than 150,000 US dollars at market value, or investing at least 300,000 US dollars.

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  • How do you get Georgian citizenship?

    As a general rule, Georgian citizenship can be obtained after 10 years of continuous lawful residence, passing exams in Georgian language, history and basic law, and showing employment or property in Georgia.

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