Georgian citizenship for foreigners — how to get it
A foreigner can become a Georgian citizen in several ways — through residence, marriage, birth in Georgia or an exceptional grant. The President of Georgia decides; applications go to the Public Service Development Agency or a consulate. We choose the right route for you, prepare the documents and defend your interests if you are refused.
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Since a 2025 amendment, the ordinary route requires lawful, continuous residence in Georgia for the last 10 years (it used to be 5). Residence stops being continuous if you spend more than 90 days in total abroad in a year — study (up to 2 years) and medical treatment don't count.
Georgia allows dual citizenship only as an exception. For ordinary or marriage-based grants, the decree takes effect only once you prove you have given up your other citizenship. Keeping your own citizenship is possible with an exceptional grant.
Routes to citizenship
| Route | Conditions | Dual citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary route (Article 12) | Lawful, continuous residence for the last 10 years; knowledge of Georgian, Georgian history and basic law; a job, real estate, a business or a share in a Georgian company | No — you must give up your citizenship |
| Marriage to a Georgian citizen (Article 14) | Lawful, continuous residence in Georgia for the last 5 years; language, history and law tests | No — you must give up your citizenship |
| Exceptional grant (Article 17) | Special merit or state interest: a significant investment, success in sport, science or art, or Georgian roots | Yes |
| People born in Georgia (Articles 30², 31¹) | A person born in Georgia who doesn't meet the Article 30² conditions, with the language and history/law tests; open until 1 January 2027 | Needs to be checked case by case |
How the process works
- The language, history and basic law tests are taken before applying; a pass is valid for 1 year.
- You apply to the Public Service Development Agency or a Georgian consulate abroad — in person or through a representative.
- The Agency and the Citizenship Commission review the application and the President decides — within 3 months.
- On being granted citizenship, you take an oath of loyalty in Georgian.
When applications are refused
Grounds for refusal include involvement in international or especially grave crimes, state security interests, being wanted, or extradition proceedings. After a refusal you can reapply on the same ground after 6 months. Following a 2025 Constitutional Court decision, a refusal can also be challenged in court.
Our services
- Choosing the right route to citizenship
- Checking your residence period and continuity
- Preparing and filing documents with the Agency or a consulate
- Exceptional-grant applications — for investors and people of Georgian origin
- Citizenship for people born in Georgia before 2027
- Challenging a refusal
Questions & answers
How many years must I live in Georgia to get citizenship?
By the ordinary route — the last 10 years, lawfully and continuously. The spouse of a Georgian citizen — 5 years. A stateless person with status — 5 years.
Can I keep my own citizenship?
Only with an exceptional grant. Through the ordinary route or marriage you must give up your previous citizenship.
My father is Georgian — am I entitled to citizenship?
If a parent was a Georgian citizen when you were born, you are a citizen by birth. For adults, Georgian roots count only for an exceptional grant.
I was born in Georgia in the Soviet era — what can I get?
Special rules apply to people born in Georgia, but only until 1 January 2027. The conditions depend on your date of birth, your situation in 1993 and whether you hold another citizenship — contact us in good time.
How long does the decision take?
By law — 3 months. The President makes the decision.
Legal basis
Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.
Related practice area: Administrative law
How we can help
Criminal cases
Defense if you are detained or charged — with an interpreter and contact with your consulate.Immigration cases
Refused entry, overstays, deportation and appeals against residence-permit refusals — fast and in your language.Buying property
Check the property, sign a safe contract and register ownership — in person or remotely.Disputes with developers
Construction is late, the developer won't refund, or the flat is mortgaged — we protect the buyer's interests.Company & business
LLC registration in Georgia for foreigners from 1 800 ₾, a virtual business address and bank account opening — in person or remotely.Work permit & sole trader
The right to work, registering as an individual entrepreneur, the 1% small business tax and the right residence permit.Residence permits
Work, business, property, family and investment residence permits — applications, extensions and appeals.Family cases
International divorce, children and alimony, recognition of foreign decisions.IT companies and IT specialists
Three tax regimes for IT in Georgia: 1% sole trader, virtual zone and 5% international company — conditions and the 2026 change.Gambling licence
Casino, slots, betting and online permits in Georgia: who can get one, the conditions and what operators may not do.Marriage in Georgia for foreigners
How foreigners marry in Georgia: conditions, documents, apostille, translation, witnesses and using the marriage certificate abroad.Driving licence for foreigners
A foreign licence is valid for 1 year: exchange without exams, the 185-day rule for a Georgian licence, fines for driving without one.Bank account for non-residents
How a foreigner opens a personal or business account at a Georgian bank, what the bank asks for, why it refuses and how to prepare.Tax residency in Georgia
When you become a Georgian tax resident, the residence certificate, HNWI status and the exemption for foreign income.Double tax treaties
Georgia's 58 double tax treaties: how they work, dual residency and the rates with the UK, Germany and the US.Crypto: tax and VASP registration
An individual's crypto income is tax-exempt; a crypto business needs National Bank VASP registration and capital.Checking a Georgian company
Before you pay or sign with a Georgian company: business registry, pledges, debtors register, court cases and tax debt.Land for foreigners
Foreigners can buy non-agricultural land; agricultural land only through inheritance or an investment plan.Need legal advice? Talk to an attorney today.
The first consultation is free and confidential.