Georgia tightens residence permit rules for foreigners

Georgia will introduce new requirements for foreigners seeking certain types of residence permits from September 1, with applicants required in some cases to provide proof of their lawful stay in the country.

Under regulations adopted by the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, foreigners applying for a residence permit on the basis of university studies will be required to study at a higher-education institution authorised by the Georgian state and submit a certificate from the institution confirming their enrollment and the duration of their studies.

Additional requirements will apply to applications for permanent residence by children of Georgian citizens and by their parents. Along with other required documents, applicants in these categories will have to provide proof of lawful stay in Georgia and evidence of a legal source of income in the country.

The changes form part of broader amendments to Georgia's migration and residence-permit framework taking effect on September 1, 2026.

By Tamilla Hasanova