---
title: "International Adoption"
url: "https://legal.ge/en/service/civil-law-en/international-adoption-en"
field: "Civil Law"
description: "International adoption under Articles 15, 19, 20, 21 and 26: registration, court, 8 months and control. Legal.ge."
reviewed: "2026-02-11"
updated: "2026-10-15"
publisher: "legal.ge"
---

# International Adoption

> Source: legal.ge, https://legal.ge/en/service/civil-law-en/international-adoption-en

## The Legal Framework of International Adoption

Adoption abroad is regulated by Georgian legislation and international obligations; the foundation of this page consists of Articles 15, 19, 20, 21 and 26. Article 19 sets the condition for international placement: adoption of a child to a foreign country is possible where return of the child to the biological family or adoption by a citizen of Georgia or a stateless person holding status in Georgia is impossible. A citizen of a foreign state may adopt from Georgia a person having the status of an adoptable child registered in the registry who, within 8 months from registration, was not adopted by a citizen of Georgia — in that case the agency conducts a study and prepares a conclusion stating the reasons why a prospective parent was not found for the child in Georgia.

The full text is available on legal.ge after signing in: https://legal.ge/en/service/civil-law-en/international-adoption-en

### When may a foreigner adopt a child?

Where return to the biological family or adoption in Georgia is impossible and the child was not adopted by a citizen within 8 months of registration.

### Where is the case heard?

In the district (city) court, at a closed session, with the parent's participation mandatory; decision within 2 weeks of the application.

### What does the law require on health?

Determination of the child's state of health by an expert conclusion is mandatory for placement.

### What control applies after placement?

Annual information on the child's health and social condition, until the age of 18.