How do you get a permanent residence permit in Georgia?
Who qualifies for a permanent permit and after how many years.
Short answer
A permanent permit goes to minor children of citizens, parents of minor citizens, spouses after 5 years on a spouse permit, and others after 10 years on a temporary permit. As of 10.11.2026, the fee is GEL 500 for a 30-day decision and GEL 650 for 20 days. A permanent permit carries the right of permanent residence.
Why
- The grounds are listed in Article 15 of the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons.
- The general case needs 10 years on a temporary permit, and time spent on study, medical treatment or diplomatic service does not count.
- A permanent permit is issued with the right of permanent residence (Article 16).
Details
For a child or parent you need proof of kinship and the income of the foreigner and/or the citizen under the Agency's rules. For a spouse of a citizen you need 5 years on a spouse permit, which is issued separately. Those who hold an investment permit receive a separate unlimited permit after five years, applying before the term ends.
What a permit gives in practice is covered in What does a Georgian residence permit give you, and the general procedure in How do you get a residence permit in Georgia. Citizenship has its own conditions, including 10 years of lawful residence, see How do you get Georgian citizenship.
Tip
Keep a record of your years: count only time on a temporary permit, excluding study, medical treatment and diplomatic work, and apply in advance while the current permit is valid.
What may differ
The period depends on your ground: 5 years applies only to spouses of citizens, 10 years to others, while children and parents apply directly. Conditions may change with amendments, so check with the Agency.
Common misconception
You can get a permanent residence permit in Georgia after any 5 years of living there.
What actually happens
Five years apply only to a spouse of a citizen on a spouse permit, while the general case needs 10 years on a temporary permit, excluding study, medical treatment and diplomatic service (Article 15 of the law).
People also ask
- How do you get a permanent residence permit in Georgia?
- What does a permanent residence permit give in Georgia?
Sources
This answer is for reference only and is not legal advice. Fees and rules change, so check official websites.
Residence permit in Georgia: types, documents and deadlinesRelated 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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Does a child born in Georgia get Georgian citizenship?
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.