Crime victim in Georgia as a foreigner — report and rights
If you became a victim of a crime while in Georgia — scammed, robbed or assaulted — an investigation must start once the crime is reported. We help you report it, get victim status and follow the case, including after you have left Georgia.
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On receiving information about a crime, the investigator and the prosecutor must start an investigation (Criminal Procedure Code, Article 100). A report can be written, oral or recorded in another way (Article 101, point 2).
A victim has all the rights of a witness (Article 56, part 1) — including the right to testify in their native or preferred language and to use an interpreter at the state's expense if they do not know the language of the proceedings (Article 49, part 1(b)).
How to report a crime
- An oral report is recorded in a protocol signed by you and the official who takes it (Article 101, point 3).
- You have the right to a written certificate confirming that you made the report (Article 101, point 2¹).
- You will be warned in writing about liability for a false report (Article 101, point 4).
- If you do not know Georgian, or do not know it well, an interpreter must be called (Article 53, point 1(a)).
Victim status and rights
- The prosecutor decides on recognising you as a victim; if your application is not granted within 48 hours, you can apply once to the superior prosecutor, and after their refusal — to court (Article 56, part 5).
- A victim has the right to know the substance of the charge, to receive information about the investigation and to see the case file, unless this is against the interests of the investigation (Article 57).
- A victim may get back their property temporarily taken for the case and receive victim compensation under the Code — compensation for property damage caused directly by the crime (Article 57).
If you are leaving Georgia
During the investigation, at a party's request, a person can be questioned as a witness before a magistrate judge if they are leaving Georgia for a long time (Article 114, part 1(b)). Your testimony then stays in the case even when you are no longer in Georgia. After you leave, a lawyer can protect your interests under a power of attorney.
Our services
- Preparing and filing the crime report
- Applying for victim status and appealing a refusal
- Requesting an interpreter
- Testifying before a magistrate judge before you leave Georgia
- Following the case and claiming compensation from abroad — under a power of attorney
Questions & answers
Where and how do I report a crime?
To an investigator or a prosecutor — in writing or orally. An oral report is recorded in a protocol, and you are entitled to a written certificate confirming the report (Article 101).
I do not speak Georgian — am I entitled to an interpreter?
Yes. A victim, like a witness, may testify in their native or preferred language and use an interpreter at the state's expense (Articles 49 and 56).
I am leaving Georgia soon — will the case go on?
The duty to start an investigation does not depend on where you are (Article 100). Before leaving you can testify before a magistrate judge (Article 114), and after that a lawyer can represent you under a power of attorney.
Will I get my stolen property or money back?
A victim may get back their property taken for the case and receive compensation under the Code for property damage caused directly by the crime (Article 57).
Legal basis
Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.
Important: the information on this page is general and is not legal advice.
It reflects the law in force on the date of publication. The law may change, and every case is assessed individually. Do not make decisions based solely on this information — it is best to consult a lawyer first. MMLAW is not liable for decisions made using this information or for their consequences.
Related practice area: Criminal defense
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