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Visa to Georgia, Tbilisi

Georgia offers a visa-free regime for citizens of certain countries, allowing them to enter and stay in Georgia for up to one year without obtaining a visa in advance. This regime is especially useful for tourists, business visitors, remote professionals, and foreign nationals who wish to explore long-term opportunities in Georgia before formalising their legal stay.

However, visa-free entry does not automatically replace immigration compliance requirements. Under the new labour migration rules effective from 1 March 2026, many foreign nationals who intend to work, carry out entrepreneurial activity, or actively manage a business in Georgia may also need a work permit and, depending on the case, a relevant residence permit.

Citizens of countries not included in the visa-free regime should usually follow the application process for the appropriate D-category immigration visa before entering Georgia for long-term immigration, work, business, study, or family purposes.

 

Important Notice for Non-Visa-Free Nationals

Foreign nationals from countries not covered by Georgia’s visa-free regime cannot rely on a simple tourist entry for long-term settlement purposes. In many cases, if the person intends to work, carry out entrepreneurial activity, or apply for a residence permit in Georgia, the correct legal basis must be arranged in advance.

In employment and business-related cases, this often means obtaining a D1 immigration visa or another relevant D-category visa before entering Georgia. In addition, from 2026, many foreign nationals will also need a work permit if they are going to perform labour activity in Georgia, including employment, self-employment, or active business operations.

As a practical rule, applicants should ensure that their immigration document remains valid for at least 40 days at the time of filing a residence permit application in Georgia.

For precise case-by-case assessment, it is advisable to review your nationality, visa basis, intended activity in Georgia, and work permit obligations before travel or before filing for a residence permit.

 

Immigration Visa Categories in Georgia

Georgia issues several categories of visas depending on the purpose of entry. For long-term stay and immigration purposes, the most relevant category is the D-category immigration visa.

In general, Georgia has the following visa categories:

  • Diplomatic (A)
  • Special (B)
  • Ordinary (C)
  • Immigration (D)
  • Transit (T)

 

Immigration (D-category) Visa

The D-category visa is intended for foreign nationals who wish to enter Georgia for longer-term legal purposes such as work, entrepreneurial activity, study, family reunification, or residence based on property ownership.

 

D1 Visa – Work and Entrepreneurial Activity

The D1 visa is the main immigration visa for foreign nationals who intend to carry out labour or business-related activity in Georgia. It is generally relevant for:

  • representatives and consultants of foreign companies travelling to Georgia to perform official duties,
  • individuals entering Georgia to work under an employment contract,
  • individuals entering Georgia to perform entrepreneurial activity under the Law of Georgia on Entrepreneurs.

From 1 March 2026, a D1 visa alone may not be sufficient if the person is required to obtain a work permit under the new labour migration rules. In such cases, the visa, work permit, and later residence permit must be considered together.

 

D2 Visa – Professional, Cultural, Scientific and Other Activities

The D2 visa is generally suitable for foreign nationals involved in:

  • sports, scientific, cultural, and educational activities,
  • certain professional activities,
  • volunteering or internship programs,
  • mass media and similar professional assignments in Georgia.

 

D3 Visa – Study and Research

The D3 visa is intended for foreign nationals entering Georgia for study, research, or participation in educational and international academic programs.

 

D4 Visa – Family Reunification

The D4 visa applies to foreign nationals entering Georgia for family reunification purposes.

 

D5 Visa – Residence Based on Real Estate Ownership

The D5 visa is available to foreign nationals who own real estate in Georgia, excluding agricultural land, and to eligible family members.

As a general rule, the owned real estate must meet the following conditions:

  • the market value must exceed the equivalent of USD 100,000 in GEL,
  • the value must be confirmed by an independent real estate appraiser.

 

Work Permit and Residence Permit Connection from 2026

Under the new rules effective from 1 March 2026, many foreign nationals who carry out labour activity in Georgia must first obtain a work permit. This may apply not only to employees, but also to:

  • self-employed persons and freelancers,
  • registered Individual Entrepreneurs,
  • foreign directors or founders actively managing Georgian companies.

A work permit does not by itself grant lawful stay in Georgia. Depending on the case, the foreign national may also need:

  • a D1 visa if outside Georgia,
  • a work residence permit if already in Georgia, or
  • another legally appropriate residence status.

If the work permit is issued while the foreign national is abroad, the applicant generally must apply for the relevant immigration visa within 30 days. If the person is already in Georgia, the relevant residence permit application usually must be filed within 10 days after the work permit is issued.

 

Application Process and Timelines

  • Applications for D1, D2, D3 and D4 visas are generally processed within 30 calendar days.
  • Applications for D5 visas are generally processed within 10 calendar days.
  • Decisions on visa issuance, refusal, extension, or termination may be appealed in accordance with Georgian legislation.

 

Application from a Third Country

  • Applications may be submitted through a Georgian diplomatic mission or consular office in the applicant’s country of residence or another competent jurisdiction.
  • In some cases, the applicant may need to hold a valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit for the country from which the application is being filed.

 

Required Documents

For Applications to Georgian Diplomatic Missions and Consular Offices

  1. Completed visa application form.
  2. Valid passport or travel document.
  3. Receipt confirming payment of the consular fee.
  4. Recent personal photograph meeting ICAO standards.
  5. Document confirming the purpose of travel.
  6. Document proving sufficient financial means, where applicable.
  7. Proof of accommodation, where applicable.
  8. Valid travel and health insurance, where applicable.
  9. Receipt confirming payment of any fines related to previous illegal stay in Georgia, if relevant.
  10. Consent of legal representatives for minors or legally represented persons, where required.
  11. Proof of representative authority, if the application is submitted by a representative.

 

For Applications Submitted in Georgia through the Public Service Hall or Other Competent Authority

  1. Completed visa application form.
  2. Valid passport or travel document.
  3. Receipt confirming payment of the visa fee or state duty.
  4. Recent personal photograph meeting ICAO standards.
  5. Document confirming the purpose of stay.
  6. Document proving sufficient financial means, where applicable.
  7. Proof of accommodation, where applicable.
  8. Valid travel and health insurance, where applicable.
  9. Receipt confirming payment of any fines related to previous illegal stay in Georgia, if relevant.
  10. Consent of legal representatives for minors or legally represented persons, where required.
  11. Proof of representative authority, if filing through a representative.

 

Additional Requirements

  • Documents may need to be submitted in both electronic and physical form, depending on the authority and the procedure.
  • Documents should generally be in Georgian or English. Documents in other languages may require a certified translation.
  • Depending on the visa or residence category, legalized or apostilled originals or copies may be required.
  • Certain countries may benefit from exemptions under international agreements or bilateral arrangements, but this should always be checked in the конкрет case before filing.

 

Interview and Additional Review

  • The visa issuing authority may request additional documents, explanations, or clarifications.
  • An interview may be required to verify the purpose of travel, authenticity of documents, or the applicant’s intended legal basis of stay.
  • For some work permit procedures, especially self-employed applications, the 2026 rules may also require additional compliance steps such as a video interview.

 

Practical Note for Residence Permit Applicants

For many foreign nationals, the correct path to legal stay in Georgia now requires reviewing three connected layers:

  • whether the person needs a visa,
  • whether the person needs a work permit,
  • whether the person must apply for a temporary residence permit and TRC card.

This is especially important for employees, entrepreneurs, LLC directors, Individual Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and foreign nationals relocating to Tbilisi or other parts of Georgia for long-term activity.

 

For the most accurate and updated information, please review your nationality, immigration basis, and planned activity in Georgia before filing. Our team at ResidencePermits.ge can assist with visa strategy, residence permit applications, work permit coordination, document preparation, and legal representation in Georgia.