Citizens of many countries can stay in Georgia visa-free for up to a year. If you stay after that period — or after your residence permit expires — you are breaking the law, and since 2025 the penalties are much stricter.
The fines now
Under Article 191 of the Code of Administrative Offences (as amended in 2025):
- Overstay of up to 3 months — GEL 1,000 and a 6-month ban on entering Georgia
- Overstay of up to 1 year — GEL 2,000 and a 2-year entry ban
- Overstay of more than 1 year — GEL 3,000 and a 3-year entry ban
The fine and the ban are imposed together — paying the fine does not cancel the ban. Until the fine is paid, you won't be issued a visa or allowed to enter.
How to avoid it
- Check in advance how long citizens of your country may stay
- If you are staying long-term, apply for a residence permit while you are still lawfully in Georgia
- If you have a residence permit, watch its expiry date and renew it in time
- Since 2026, working or running a business also requires a separate right to work
If your residence permit was refused
A refusal can be appealed in court, but under the law an appeal does not by itself stop the authorities from considering your expulsion. Contact a lawyer as soon as you receive the refusal — they will assess whether to appeal or to file a new application on another basis.
If you have already overstayed
Don't wait — the longer the overstay, the higher the fine and the longer the ban. Before you go to the border, review your situation with a lawyer: how many days you have overstayed, whether you have other unpaid fines, and what happens to your property, job or family matters in Georgia.
Legal basis
Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.
Every case is different — don't rely on general information. Contact a lawyer for advice.
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