Georgia student visa and study residence permit

The study residence permit is for adults enrolled in a higher-education or vocational programme at an institution authorised in Georgia. Foreign students are admitted to Georgian universities on the basis of a Ministry of Education order that lets them study without the national exams, followed by the university's admission letter.

D3 visa files are submitted in person after registration on geoconsul.gov.ge. Georgian missions list: passport, biometric photo, the Ministry of Education order, the admission letter and proof of tuition payment, confirmation of the language of the programme, accommodation (university letter, hotel booking or rental contract), travel insurance, proof of funds and, for minors, notarised parental consent. The embassy in Jordan quotes USD 20 for a decision on the 30th calendar day, USD 100 for the 15th working day and USD 200 for the 10th working day.

Students must show monthly income of at least twice the subsistence minimum for an average consumer in Georgia. The money may be their own or come from a relative who is a Georgian citizen or resident, with proof of kinship; a bank balance can also be used. For the D3 visa, missions accept a self-funding statement, a notarised sponsor affidavit with the sponsor's bank statement, or proof of a grant or scholarship.

The permit application goes to a Public Service Hall or the online service with a certificate from the institution stating the programme and its length, income proof, a photo and the fee. Fees are GEL 300, 450 or 600 for decisions on the 30th, 20th or 10th calendar day. D3 holders must file at least 40 days before their stay expires.

Students whose nationality is on the visa-free list may enter Georgia without a visa and stay up to one year, so they do not need a D3 visa and usually apply for the study permit from inside Georgia, at least 40 calendar days before their visa-free year ends.

The permit is renewed while studies continue, on the same conditions. Working for a Georgian employer requires a right to work. Years spent as a student do not count toward the 10 years needed for permanent residence.

Long absences matter: the study permit can be terminated if the holder is physically outside Georgia for 183 days or more in any 12-month period, so extended stays abroad during the programme should be planned with this limit in mind.