How long can foreigners stay in Georgia?
Citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Turkey, the EU and the USA can stay in Georgia visa-free for a full year. Others get less time or need a visa. Here is how long you can stay and how to stay longer legally.
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By law, a foreigner who doesn't need a visa may stay in Georgia for 90 days in any 180-day period. Citizens of the 94 countries listed in Government Resolution No. 255 of 2015 get a longer period — a full year.
The period runs from the day you enter Georgia. Before it ends, you must either leave or get a residence permit. If you work or run a business here, since 2026 you also need a separate right to work.
How long — by citizenship
| Citizenship | Visa-free stay |
|---|---|
| Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan | 1 year |
| Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey | 1 year |
| Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova | 1 year |
| EU, UK, USA, Canada, Israel, Gulf states | 1 year |
| Other countries, if you hold a valid visa or residence permit of the USA, EU, UK, a Gulf state or another listed country | 90 days in any 180 |
| Other countries | A visa (often an e-visa) or a different period |
The exact lists are in Government Resolutions No. 255 and No. 256. If your country isn't in the table, write to us and we'll check.
How the period is counted
- For citizens of the one-year list, the year runs from the day of entry
- Under the 90/180 rule, all days spent in Georgia in the last 180 days are added up
- If you entered on a visa, your period is the one in the visa
- With a residence permit you enter and stay visa-free for the whole validity of the permit
Leaving and coming back (a "visa run")
Many people leave Georgia at the end of the year and come back soon after. The law doesn't directly forbid this, and in practice a new entry starts a new period. But the Border Police can refuse entry if they suspect you will stay on without a lawful basis (Article 11 of the Aliens Law). The more often you do it, the higher the risk. If you live in Georgia, a residence permit is the safe route.
What to have when you enter
- A valid passport; EU citizens — a passport or national ID card
- Tourists since 1 January 2026 — health and accident insurance with at least GEL 30,000 cover
- Enough money to live on and return — the Border Police may ask
- An unpaid fine in Georgia is a ground to refuse entry — pay it in advance
If you are staying long-term
- A residence permit — on work, study, investment, family or other grounds
- Apply while you are still lawfully in Georgia
- To work or run a business — a right to work
- Under the 2026 amendments, public and private services may ask for a certificate of lawful stay — issued by the MIA Service Agency
If you have already overstayed
The fine is GEL 1,000 to 3,000, together with an entry ban of 6 months to 3 years (Code of Administrative Offences, Article 191). Paying the fine doesn't lift the ban. Before you go to the border, contact us — we'll assess what you face and what can be done.
Our services
- We check how long citizens of your country may stay
- Preparing and filing a residence permit application
- Help obtaining a right to work
- Appealing an overstay fine and entry ban
- Appealing a refusal of entry
- Defence in expulsion cases
Questions & answers
How long can a Russian citizen stay in Georgia?
A full year visa-free. Citizens of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Ukraine and Belarus get the same period.
Can I leave at the end of the year and come straight back?
The law doesn't directly forbid it, and in practice a new entry starts a new period. But the Border Police can refuse entry if they suspect you live or work here without a lawful basis.
How long can I stay without a residence permit?
If your country is on the one-year list — 1 year from entry. Otherwise — 90 days in any 180, or the period in your visa.
Can I enter with a US or Schengen visa?
Yes — if your country needs a visa but you hold a valid visa or residence permit of the USA, the EU, the UK, a Gulf state or another listed country, for 90 days in any 180. The visa must be valid on the day you enter.
What happens if I overstay?
A fine of GEL 1,000–3,000 and an entry ban of 6 months to 3 years, depending on how long you overstayed. Paying the fine doesn't lift the ban.
Legal basis
- Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons
- Government Resolution No. 255 of 5 June 2015 — visa-free countries
- Government Resolution No. 256 of 5 June 2015 — holders of other countries' visas and residence permits
- Code of Administrative Offences of Georgia
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? We find out why for 1 300 ₾. Also overstays, deportation and residence-permit appeals — fast and in your language.Buying property
Check the property, sign a safe contract and register ownership — in person or remotely.Disputes with developers
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