Georgia permanent residence permit

The residence permit for indefinite stay is a separate category for holders of the investment residence permit and their families. It requires fifth-year turnover of at least USD 120,000 (investment route) or five years of continued ownership of property worth more than USD 300,000 (property route), and must be requested before the five-year permit expires.

Four groups can obtain the permanent permit: a minor child of a Georgian citizen; a parent of a minor Georgian citizen; the spouse of a Georgian citizen who has held the spouse residence permit for the last five years; and a foreigner who has lived in Georgia for the last ten years on temporary residence permits. Time spent studying, receiving medical treatment or working at a diplomatic mission does not count toward the ten years.

Applicants show legal income earned in Georgia by themselves and/or the Georgian citizen. If the citizen is of pension age or receives social assistance, proof of that benefit is enough. A bank balance can be used if it is not less than the state pension.

The 10-year applicant files the approved application form, a passport copy, proof of ten years of temporary residence such as copies of previous residence cards, income evidence, an electronic 3x4 photo and the fee. The permanent permit costs GEL 500 for a decision on the 30th calendar day or GEL 650 for the 20th day; the agency also offers the service online.

Permanent residents may live and work in Georgia without a right to work and enter visa-free while the permit is valid. Naturalisation requires ten consecutive years of lawful residence, a job, property, business or shares in Georgia, and passing the test on the Georgian language, history and basic law; fees range from GEL 65 (80 days) to GEL 390 (20 days).