What is a Georgian D visa and how do you get one?
Categories D1–D5 and how to apply.
Short answer
A D visa is Georgia's long-term (immigration) visa for people who come to work, study, reunite with family or own property. D1 is issued for work and entrepreneurial activity. You apply online at geoconsul.gov.ge or at a Georgian diplomatic mission, and a long-term visa is reviewed within up to 30 calendar days.
Why
- The D categories are set out in Article 8 of Government of Georgia Ordinance No 280: D1 work and entrepreneurship, D2 scientific, sports, cultural and educational missions, freelancing, internships and volunteering, D3 study, D4 family reunification, D5 property ownership.
- A long-term visa allows multiple entries and is issued for 90 days. A one-year validity is issued only in category D5.
- The application must show the purpose of travel, available funds, travel insurance for the whole visa period and accommodation in Georgia.
Details
An application for a visa issued by a consulate, and for an immigration visa for someone already legally in Georgia, is filed online through geoconsul.gov.ge. You can apply no earlier than three months before the visa start date. If you are already in Georgia, apply at least 45 days before your legal stay ends.
Your passport must stay valid for at least three months after the visa ends, have two blank pages and have been issued within the past 10 years. The consular fee is set by separate laws, so check the current amount with the consular service. If you only need an ordinary visa for a short trip, read who needs a visa for Georgia. For staying longer, see residence permits in Georgia.
Tip
Apply with time to spare: a long-term visa takes up to 30 calendar days to review, and your insurance must cover the whole visa period.
What may differ
The document list depends on the category (D1, D2, D3, D4 or D5) and on the country where you apply. Rules change over time, so check geoconsul.gov.ge and the consulate's website before applying.
Common misconception
Everyone needs a D1 visa to stay in Georgia for longer.
What actually happens
That is not correct. A D visa is issued for a specific purpose: work, study, family or property. Citizens of about 80 countries, including Russia, and of 26 EU countries do not need a visa to enter.
People also ask
- How do I get a D1 visa for Georgia?
Sources
This answer is for reference only and is not legal advice. Rules and amounts change, so check the official websites.
Related questions
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What happens if you overstay your permitted time in Georgia?
Overstaying in Georgia brings a fine of GEL 1,000 to 3,000 and an entry ban of 6 months to 3 years, depending on the length of the overstay.
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Is Georgia in the Schengen area, and can you enter with a Schengen visa?
Georgia is not part of the Schengen area and sets its own rules on who can enter without a visa.
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Who needs a visa for Georgia, and how do you get one?
You need a visa for Georgia only if your country is not on the Georgian government's visa-free list, while citizens of the US, the UK, EU countries, Canada and about 90 other countries travel visa-free.
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How much cash can you bring into or take out of Georgia?
There is no limit on how much cash you can bring in or take out, but if your cash, cheques and securities together exceed 30,000 GEL or the equivalent, you must declare them at customs.