Georgia's visa policy provides for standard entry procedures. Citizens of countries that do not have visa-free entry agreements with the Republic are required to apply for a visa in advance or obtain an entry permit already in the country. The list of countries with a visa-free regime is regulated by the resolutions of the Georgian government.
Depending on the purpose of the visit, different categories of visas are provided. The Government of Georgia allows you to come to visit, study, work, run a business or live permanently. If the standard validity period of the visa is not enough, then the permit can be extended or an application for a residence permit can be sent, and in the future, Georgian citizenship can be requested.
Freelancer Visa
The visa program for digital nomads was launched in 2020, called "Remotely from Georgia", but is currently suspended. The reason for the freeze was the visa-free regime for citizens of 95 countries and an increase in the permit for free stay without a visa to 1 year.
The main advantage of the program is that if a remote employee has been living in the country for less than 6 months, he is not considered a tax resident.
To obtain a visa for remote work, you must meet a small list of conditions:
- Have a valid international passport.
- Prove that you have a remote income of at least $2,000 per month or savings in a bank account of at least $24,000 (or the equivalent in another currency).
- Provide evidence of remote earnings or employment in a foreign company.
- Get medical insurance with a validity period of at least 6 months.
The application may include family members who do not have income and employment requirements. However, dependents must meet other visa criteria.
How much does a visa cost?
Payment of the consular fee and administrative services is a prerequisite for processing a visa application. A single tariff of $50 applies to all types of permits upon personal request. State duties are paid in Georgian lari at the exchange rate set by the National Bank of Georgia.
It is important to keep in mind that when making a personal payment, payment is accepted only in cash. At the same time, 2% of the service fee must be added to the basic price. When applying for an electronic visa, the cost is reduced to $20 plus a 2% commission. The fee must be paid within 5 hours after receiving the email notification. Otherwise, the visa will be cancelled and the paid visa fee will not be refunded.
Types of visas (types of visas)
All entry permits issued to foreign citizens are divided into several categories. Depending on the purpose and duration of the visit, a foreigner may request one of the following visas:
- C1 – for travelers with tourist purposes.
- C2 – to meet with relatives and remote workers.
- C3 – for business meetings, participation in conferences and other events.
- C4 is intended for volunteers, members of religious and charitable organizations, undergoing treatment.
- D1 – for business or work activities.
- D2 – designed for participants of cultural events, researchers.
- D3 – for long-term study in the country, conducting scientific activities.
- D4 is a special visa for Russian citizens planning to reunite with their family.
- D5 – for property owners and their family members.
Student's
All students and students planning to start studying at Georgian universities need to apply for a student visa. For citizens of the EU member states, it is possible to apply for a visa in advance at the embassy in their country or after arrival in Georgia. Other foreigners need to check individual requirements on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and obtain a preliminary permit.
Compulsory enrollment in an educational institution becomes an important condition. A letter of enrollment must be attached to the application. After fulfilling this requirement, the application will be accepted for consideration. The visa allows you to legally reside in Georgia throughout your studies, but you must obtain a temporary residence permit within the first 45 days after arrival in the country.
Tourist
You do not need to apply for a visa to visit Georgia for tourism purposes. If the traveler's citizenship provides visa–free entry, then the permissible period of stay is 365 days. For citizens of countries not included in the visa-free list, it is necessary to apply for a tourist visa valid for 90 days within six months.
After confirming the application, a foreigner can stay in the country, see the sights, visit family and friends. Restrictions are imposed on the conduct of labor and commercial activities.
Business (for business trips)
Trips for participation in conferences, meetings, and exploring business opportunities are subject to the general rules of visa–free entry - free stay for up to 1 year. If the purpose of the visit is related to a longer stay, the current citizenship does not allow you to enter without a visa, or it is planned to conduct commercial activities, then you will have to apply for a D1 type visa.
The permit allows you to enter and stay in Georgia for 90 days within six months. For a longer stay, you should apply for a long-term visa.
Working (to work legally in the country)
The process of employment in a Georgian company involves obtaining a work visa and a work permit. To make a request, you must get a job at a local organization in advance and attach the appropriate documents to the visa request. A company registered in Georgia will act as a sponsor and help facilitate the registration process.
The standard validity period of a work visa is 1 year, but an extension of up to 5 years is allowed. The permit allows the owner to work as an employee, self-employed, or entrepreneur.
List of visa-free countries
As of mid-2024, Georgian citizens can travel freely to 143 countries around the world. The right of visa-free entry is granted if you have a valid foreign passport with a validity period of at least 6 months. You can visually explore the global mobility available to holders of a Georgian passport on an interactive map created by our experts.
Required documents
The control package of documents may vary in each specific case. The volume of the dossier will be influenced by the type of visa requested, the purpose of the visit, and the personal circumstances of the applicant. In the standard case, the foreigner must provide the following personal documentation:
- A passport with a validity period of at least 6 months.
- A completed questionnaire.
- 2 passport-sized photos.
- Information about the availability of a place of residence.
- Tickets (to and from the country).
- Description of the purpose of arrival and a detailed route of movement.
- Bank statements confirming the availability of funds for living.
- Medical insurance.
- A certificate of medical examination.
- Confirmation of payment of visa fees and duties.
Recent changes in the visa issue with Georgia
Since March 2022, Georgia's visa policy has been tightened mainly towards Russians. At the same time, direct flights between the countries were canceled. Only during the first 3 months, more than 3,000 Russian citizens were refused entry to the territory of the Republic. There was no mirror response to the decision from the Government of the Russian Federation.
On the contrary, at the beginning of 2023, the President of Russia signed Decree No. 335 on the abolition of the visa regime with Georgia, which was established after the rupture of diplomatic relations in 2008. Direct flights resumed on May 15, 2023. Now Georgian citizens can arrive in Russia without obtaining prior permits and stay in the country for up to 90 days. The permitted purposes included tourism, business and private meetings, and short-term training courses.