Residency in Georgia - Complete Guide to All Pathways
Georgia offers multiple residency pathways including property investment, business activity, and special programs for high-net-worth individuals. Most residency permits do not require continuous physical presence in Georgia, providing flexibility for international lifestyles. Understanding these options allows you to choose the optimal pathway based on your circumstances, goals, and resources.
Georgian Residency: A Comprehensive Guide
Georgian residency has become increasingly attractive to international entrepreneurs, digital nomads, retirees, and investors seeking flexible legal status in a strategically located, business-friendly jurisdiction. The country's straightforward residency procedures, favorable taxation system, affordable cost of living, and welcoming attitude toward foreign residents make it a compelling destination for those seeking alternatives to traditional Western residency options.
What distinguishes Georgian residency from other jurisdictions is the genuine accessibility of the pathways. Property investment thresholds starting at $100,000 (increasing to $150,000 from March 2026) remain reasonable compared to golden visa programs elsewhere. Business residency through Individual Entrepreneur or LLC registration requires no massive capital investment – just demonstrated turnover of GEL 50,000 (approximately $18,500 USD) annually, achievable for many remote workers and freelancers. The high-net-worth program provides tax residency benefits without the 183-day physical presence requirement typical of most countries. These options create genuine opportunities rather than theoretical possibilities accessible only to the ultra-wealthy.
Beyond the initial qualification, ongoing obligations remain manageable. Property owners simply maintain ownership without minimum stay requirements. Business owners file monthly or annual tax declarations and maintain required turnover levels. Tax residency through the 183-day rule requires actual presence but no formal applications or complex procedures. This practical approach extends throughout the system: applications processed in days rather than months, government fees measured in hundreds rather than thousands of dollars, and renewal procedures that become routine once established.
It's essential to understand that residency and tax residency are separate concepts in Georgia. Holding a residence permit does not automatically make you a Georgian tax resident, and vice versa. Physical presence of 183 days or more establishes tax residency regardless of whether you hold a residence permit, while holding a residence permit without spending 183 days doesn't create tax residency. This flexibility allows foreigners to structure their affairs strategically: maintain residence permits for legal status and documentation while managing tax residency through physical presence or lack thereof. The high-net-worth program provides the unique option of obtaining tax residency without 183-day presence for those meeting wealth or income thresholds.
For citizens of visa-exempt countries (95+ nations including all EU member states, UK, USA, Canada, Australia), the calculus around residency differs from those requiring visas for entry. Visa-exempt nationals can stay up to one year in Georgia without any residence permit, register and operate businesses as Individual Entrepreneurs, and maintain substantial presence without formal immigration status. This creates questions around when formal residency becomes worthwhile: primarily when needing official documentation for banking relationships, property transactions, or other purposes where residence status matters; when planning to remain beyond one year continuously; when wanting pathway to permanent residence and citizenship; or when seeking to establish clear tax residency status.
Choose Your Residency Pathway
Six distinct routes to Georgian residency and tax residency, each with flexible presence requirements
Residency via Property Investment
1-year permit, renewable
5-year permit → permanent residence
Purchase Georgian real estate. Simple qualification, no business operations required. No mandatory stay in Georgia.
Residency via Business
Individual Entrepreneur
LLC Company
Register as entrepreneur or form company. No investment required. Ideal for visa-exempt nationals. No mandatory stay.
Tax Residency for High Net Worth
OR ₾200K annual income (3 years)
(included in ₾3M worldwide)
Tax residency without 183-day requirement. Access territorial taxation and treaty network. No mandatory stay.
Tax Residency via Stay Duration
In any 12-month period
Automatic tax residency through physical presence. No investment, no permits needed. Access territorial taxation.
D-Visas & Traditional Routes
Employment • Study • Family
Work permits, student visas, family reunification
Traditional pathways through employment, education, or family ties. Standard procedures for conventional situations.
Visa-Exempt Entry
Including EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia
No visa required. Stay up to one year from last entry. Operate business without residency permit.
Quick Comparison
| Pathway | Investment/Cost | Stay Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property ($100-150K) | $100K → $150K (Mar 2026) | No minimum stay | Investors, retirees |
| Property ($300K) | $300K investment | No minimum stay | Long-term investors |
| IE Business | ₾50K annual turnover | No minimum stay | Entrepreneurs, freelancers |
| LLC Business | ₾50K turnover + ₾1K/month salary | No minimum stay | Business owners |
| HNW Tax Residency | ₾3M assets (incl $500K in Georgia) | No minimum stay | High net worth individuals |
| 183-Day Tax Residency | No cost | 183 days/year required | Full-time residents |
| Visa-Exempt | No cost | Up to 1 year | 95+ country citizens |
Why Obtain Georgian Residency?
Georgian residency provides numerous practical benefits beyond simply the legal right to live in the country. A residence permit grants access to the banking system without complications, allows property ownership and business operations, provides a pathway to permanent residency and eventual citizenship, and can establish favorable tax residency status when structured properly. For digital nomads and remote workers, Georgian residency legitimizes long-term stays and provides stability that visa-free entry cannot match.
The residence permit itself serves as valuable documentation for international travel, banking relationships, and business dealings. Many banks and financial institutions treat Georgian residents more favorably than tourists or visa-free visitors. Business partners and clients often prefer dealing with legal residents rather than perpetual travelers. The residence card provides concrete proof of your legal status and address.
Tax residency represents another significant consideration. While simply holding a Georgian residence permit doesn't automatically make you a tax resident, it provides one element toward establishing tax residency if you choose to do so. Combined with spending sufficient time in Georgia and organizing your affairs appropriately, residency enables access to Georgia's favorable tax system including territorial taxation and low rates. However, tax residency involves complex international tax considerations that require proper planning with qualified advisors.
Temporary vs. Permanent Residence
Initial residence permits are granted as temporary residence, typically for one year, renewable annually. Temporary residence provides full legal right to live in Georgia, but requires annual renewal. The renewal process is straightforward – submit updated documents, pay renewal fee, and receive extended permit. As long as you maintain the basis for your residency (property ownership, active business, employment, etc.), renewal is generally routine.
After five years of continuous temporary residence, you become eligible to apply for permanent residence. Permanent residence eliminates annual renewal requirements and provides stronger legal status. Requirements typically include maintaining legal residence for five years without extended absences (generally no more than 90 consecutive days abroad), continuing to meet residency basis requirements, having clean criminal record, and in some cases demonstrating basic Georgian language knowledge, though this requirement is often waived or minimally enforced for investment-based residence.
Permanent residence brings you very close to citizenship status without actually granting citizenship. After holding permanent residence for an additional five years (ten years total legal residence), you may become eligible for naturalization as a Georgian citizen if you meet additional requirements including stronger language proficiency, knowledge of Georgian history and culture, and other criteria. However, many foreign residents maintain permanent residence indefinitely without pursuing citizenship, particularly if they wish to retain their original citizenship and Georgia doesn't recognize dual citizenship in most cases.
Choosing Your Pathway
Selecting the optimal residency pathway depends on your specific circumstances. If you have $100,000-$300,000 to invest and prefer simplicity without business obligations, property investment makes sense. If you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or remote worker seeking minimal cost and can build ₾50,000 annual business turnover (either through IE or LLC), the business pathway is typically ideal. If you're a wealthy investor with $300,000+ seeking immediate 5-year residency, the investment residence permit provides fast-track access. If you have substantial assets ($1M+) and seek advantageous tax treatment, investigate HNW status. If you plan to spend most of your time in Georgia, the 183-day tax residency route requires no investment or permits.
Consider not just initial qualification requirements but also ongoing obligations. Property requires maintenance and holding costs. Business registration (IE or LLC) requires monthly/annual tax filings, active status, and maintaining ₾50K annual turnover plus salary requirements for residency. The investment residence permit requires maintaining $300K investment and meeting escalating turnover targets. HNW status requires annual reapplication and maintaining asset/income thresholds. The 183-day route simply requires spending sufficient time in Georgia each year. Evaluate which ongoing requirements align best with your lifestyle and plans.
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📚 Educational Information Only
This website provides educational and informational content based on our research and experiences. We are not professional advisors, and the information presented should not be considered professional advice. Always verify current information and consult with qualified professionals for your specific situation.
⚖️ Legal Information Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Laws, regulations, and procedures can change, and their application may vary based on specific circumstances.
We recommend consulting with qualified legal professionals before making decisions related to residency, business formation, contracts, immigration, or any other legal issues.