Applying for a residence permit for family members (often called the Family Reunification Residence Permit) is one of the most sought-after immigration services in Georgia. This legal mechanism allows foreign citizens who legally reside in Georgia (holding a residence permit or citizenship) to obtain residence rights for their immediate family members. This right extends to spouses, minor children, and in certain cases, incapacitated or dependent parents. While the family reunification process may seem straightforward, it requires irrefutable legal proof of kinship and financial security, as the state strictly scrutinizes risks of fictitious relationships.
This service covers full legal support in the process of obtaining residence permits for dependents. The service includes: legalization or apostille of documents proving kinship (marriage certificates, birth certificates); qualified translation of documents issued abroad; verification of the sponsor's (the family member already holding residence) financial income as required by law; proof of accommodation; and submission of the application to the Public Service Development Agency. Lawyers also assist in cases where the family member is not yet in Georgia, offering remote consultation to obtain the necessary visa (D4 category) to facilitate the subsequent residence permit application.
In real life, this service is needed by: a foreign specialist who has received a work residence permit and wants to bring their spouse and young children to Georgia; a Georgian citizen who married a foreigner and wants their spouse to live legally with them (before obtaining citizenship); or a foreign student who wants to bring their spouse. Often, applications are rejected due to incorrect documentation (e.g., wrong translation, expired documents), leading to family separation. The involvement of a qualified lawyer eliminates such technical errors.
The residence permit for family reunification is regulated by the "Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons." The law requires the sponsor (with whom the family is reuniting) to prove lawful income sufficient to support the family members (the minimum amount is determined by government decree). It is also mandatory to present a document proving kinship issued by the competent authority of the relevant country, which must be legalized or apostilled. The permit is initially issued for a period of 6 months to 1 year, with the right to renew.
The process begins with collecting and organizing documents. First and foremost, marriage or birth certificates must be apostilled in the country of origin. Then, documents are translated and notarized in Georgia. The lawyer fills out the application and uploads it to the Agency's electronic database or submits it at the Public Service Hall. Concurrently, proof of the sponsor's income and photographs must be submitted. The Agency reviews the application within 30 days (expedited processing is available). If approved, a residence card is issued.
Legal.ge helps simplify the family reunification process. Our platform connects you with lawyers who know exactly what documentation is needed from specific countries and how to legalize it. Do not let bureaucracy keep you apart from your loved ones. Find a specialist on Legal.ge and ensure your family's legal residence in Georgia.
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