Georgia offers several legal paths to a residence permit — popular with real-estate investors, remote workers, students and families. Below is the concrete picture for 2026: thresholds, state fees, timelines and how to apply step by step. Note: the rules tightened significantly on 1 March 2026.
- Via real estate: the threshold rose from $100,000 to $150,000 (from 1 March 2026), a 1-year renewable permit for the investor, spouse and children.
- $300,000 in real estate → a permit straight for 5 years and a path to permanent residence.
- Work/freelance is now separate: you need a Special Labour Activity Permit — the property-based permit alone doesn't grant the right to work.
- State fee for the decision: 300 GEL (30 days) / 450 (20 days) / 600 (10 days).
Routes at a glance
| Route | Condition | Permit term | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real estate | property from $150,000 (from 01.03.2026) | 1 year, renewable | investor + spouse + children |
| Large investment | $300,000 in real estate | 5 years | investors aiming for PR |
| Work / business | employment + Special Labour Activity Permit (employer turnover >50,000 GEL/yr per foreign employee) | usually up to 1 year | employees, business owners |
| Freelance / remote | Special Labour Activity Permit: 50,000 GEL turnover or income ≥5× the subsistence minimum (~630 GEL/month) | usually up to 1 year | remote workers, self-employed |
| Study | enrolment in an accredited institution | duration of study | students |
| Family | close kinship with a Georgian citizen/resident | usually up to 1 year | spouses, children, parents |
Through real estate — the most common route
Buying property grants a renewable 1-year permit at once to the investor, spouse and minor children. No minimum stay and no language test are required.
- Threshold: from 1 March 2026 — $150,000 (was $100,000). Based on market value confirmed by an accredited appraiser.
- The threshold can be met with several properties; residential or commercial real estate anywhere in Georgia qualifies.
- The property must be registered in your name at the Public Registry.
From 1 March 2026 the threshold rose from $100,000 to $150,000 (+50%), and the property-based permit no longer grants the right to work — a separate Special Labour Activity Permit is needed for work/freelance. If you plan this route, check the current rules.
Find properties that meet the threshold and gauge prices by district in search, on the map and in the district pulse.
Work, freelance, study, family
Work and business. Employees and company owners need a Special Labour Activity Permit. The key condition: the employer shows annual turnover above 50,000 GEL per foreign employee.
Freelance and remote work. From 1 March 2026 remote workers need the same Special Labour Activity Permit — via one of two conditions: 50,000 GEL turnover or income no lower than 5× the subsistence minimum (~630 GEL/month). Processing 30 days, fee up to 500 GEL.
Study. A permit for the duration of study at an accredited Georgian institution.
Family. For spouses, children and close relatives of Georgian citizens or residents.
Cost and timelines
The state fee depends on speed. For the residence-permit decision:
| Processing time | Fee |
|---|---|
| 30 days | 300 GEL |
| 20 days | 450 GEL |
| 10 days | 600 GEL |
Separately — for the resident ID card (Binadroba), also by speed:
| Readiness | Fee |
|---|---|
| 10th working day | 60 GEL |
| 5th working day | 80 GEL |
| 3rd working day | 100 GEL |
| within 24 hours | 120 GEL |
| same day as application | 150 GEL |
How to apply
- Prepare the grounds. For property — a Public Registry extract + an accredited appraiser's valuation; for work — an employment contract and employer documents; and so on.
- Collect documents: passport, photo, proof of grounds, fee payment receipt. Some documents need translation and an apostille.
- Submit the application at the House of Justice (Public Service Hall) or the Public Service Development Agency (PSDA); first-time applicants usually apply in person in Georgia, from abroad — via a Georgian consulate.
- Await the decision (10–30 days per the chosen tier) and get the resident ID card (Binadroba).
Apply for renewal early — usually a month before expiry. Missing the deadline doesn't cancel ownership, but may require redoing part of the procedure.
Renewal and permanent residence
The annual property-based permit is renewed each year as long as you keep ownership (apply early). With a large investment ($300,000+), a holder of the 5-year permit can apply for permanent residence given continuous ownership. The general route to PR is long continuous lawful residence on a temporary permit; verify exact terms with the PSDA, as they change periodically.