LIVING IN GEORGIA
Georgia’s 2026 changes for foreign nationals
Georgia introduced changes in stages during 2026: tourist insurance from January, a new right-to-work framework from March and changes to certain residence grounds from September. This overview covers key points for travel, work and family plans; it is not an exhaustive list of amendments.
Information checked on 25 September 2026. This is general information, not individual legal advice. Before applying, confirm the current rules for your circumstances with a qualified adviser or the receiving authority.
From 1 January: insurance for incoming tourists
Government Ordinance No 602 requires incoming tourists to have health and accident insurance with coverage of at least GEL 30,000. Cover must span the visit; the insurance period defined in the ordinance is limited to one year.
An authorised Georgian or foreign insurer may issue the policy. It can be presented on paper or electronically in Georgian or English, and may be checked at the border.
This is a rule for tourists with specified exceptions, not a blanket requirement for every foreign national regardless of status. Check dates, geographical coverage and insured risks before travelling.
Official source: Matsne · №602 · 26.12.2025
From 1 March: the right to work and lawful stay
Foreign nationals covered by the labour migration law need a right to work for the paid employment or self-employment covered by it. The framework includes certain self-employed foreigners without permanent residence. Visa-free entry or individual entrepreneur registration does not by itself settle these requirements.
The local employer applies for an employee; a self-employed foreign national applies personally. Applicants already in Georgia must be lawfully present.
After obtaining the right to work, the general rule is to apply for a D1 visa within 30 calendar days if abroad, or for a work or IT residence permit within 10 calendar days if in Georgia. Exceptions include holders of another residence permit; check applicability before choosing your route.
Official source: Matsne · On Labour Migration · Art. 1, 13¹–13⁵, 17
Freelancers and the transition period
The current law excludes work or services for a non-resident that relate to that non-resident’s activities outside Georgia. Saying every foreign freelancer needs permission is therefore too broad. A client’s foreign address alone does not establish the exemption: compare the contract and actual activity with the law.
A separate exclusion covers entirely remote work for a local employer that requires no entry into Georgia. Other exceptions include valid investment residence permits. Tax and lawful-stay obligations remain separate questions.
The 1 January 2027 deadline concerns labour immigrants with an active ministry database registration on 1 March 2026, who must obtain the right to work and the appropriate residence permit. It is not a general grace period for every foreigner or individual entrepreneur.
Official source: Matsne · On Labour Migration · Art. 1, 13¹–13⁵, 17
From 1 September: spouses of Georgian citizens
Amendment No 1803 introduced a separate residence permit for the spouse of a Georgian citizen before permanent residence. It is issued for one year, with subsequent two-year extensions within a five-year period. After five years, if the marriage continues, permanent residence is provided for under the applicable procedure.
The family relationship is subject to verification; a marriage certificate alone does not guarantee approval. Holders of existing permits should check how the new rules apply to their next application.
Official source: Matsne · №1803 · 25.06.2026 · Art. 1–3
From 1 September: study and the D6 category
The amendments distinguish adult study grounds and introduce D6 for specified cases involving minor students and general education. Subject to the conditions, parents or legal representatives and minor siblings may also qualify.
A study residence permit may be terminated for absence from Georgia of 183 days or more in any continuous 12 calendar months. The law makes specific allowance for medical treatment and qualifying educational exchanges abroad.
Study residence holders whose student status was suspended on 1 September 2026 must restore it by 1 January 2027. Check your institution’s records and the implications for your stay in advance.
Official source: Matsne · №1803 · 25.06.2026 · Art. 1–3
What to check before travelling or applying
Identify your situation first: tourism, local employment, services for overseas clients, study or family residence. Then check lawful-stay deadlines, right-to-work requirements and the application documents separately.
Family applications may require marriage and birth certificates, and evidence of a previous marriage ending. The exact list depends on the application and authority. When using Georgian documents abroad, confirm apostille and translation requirements in advance.
PRO Documents assists with Georgian certificates and apostilles. Preparing a document does not guarantee a visa, residence permit or right-to-work approval.