Types of Temporary Residence Permit
The system of residence permits in Georgia is regulated by the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens, whose Article 15 defines the types of permits. The group of temporary permits includes, first of all: the work residence permit, issued to a labour immigrant registered with the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs or to an alien carrying out entrepreneurial activity; a work-permit seeker also submits to the agency a document confirming entrepreneurial or labour activity and a certificate that the applicant's monthly income is not less than five times the average consumer's subsistence minimum and that the employer's annual turnover is not less than 50 000 GEL per alien (for an educational or medical institution — not less than 35 000 GEL); the study residence permit for study at an authorised educational institution; the residence permit for the purpose of family reunification, issued to family members of an alien holding a residence permit; the residence permit for a former citizen of Georgia; the residence permit for a stateless person; and the special residence permit.
The same article provides for other types as well — permanent residence, investment, short-term and indefinite residence permits, each with its own conditions of issue. A permanent residence permit is likewise granted to an alien who has lived in Georgia on a temporary residence permit for the last 10 years (periods of study, medical treatment and work in diplomatic representations are not counted), and an investment permit — on the basis of an investment of not less than 300 000 US dollars or ownership of immovable property exceeding that value. When planning a first application it is important to identify precisely the type that matches your basis, since both the term and the documentation to be submitted depend on it.
Terms on First Issuance
Paragraph 1 of Article 16 of the law distributes the terms of first issuance by type of permit. Temporary residence permits under subparagraphs „a“–„g“ and „v“ of Article 15 are first issued for a period from 6 months to 1 year. The temporary permit under subparagraph „d“ is first issued for a term of 6 years, and that under subparagraph „e“ — for a term of 3 years. A special residence permit, on the written initiative of a member of the Government, is first issued for a term of up to 5 years.
In a special case a temporary residence permit may be first issued for a term of 5 years. Subsequently, the validity of the temporary permits envisaged by that provision may be extended up to 12 years, on the same conditions as those of the originally granted permit.
How the Application Is Submitted
To obtain a temporary residence permit, an alien applies to the agency personally or through an authorised representative. A minor's application is submitted by the legal representative. The application and accompanying documents may be submitted to the agency electronically, in the manner prescribed by Georgian legislation, and are submitted in the state language.
The agency has the right, in order to verify the existence of grounds for issuance, to verify the information indicated in the documents by visiting the place indicated, inspecting it and questioning the relevant persons — therefore every circumstance stated in the application must be accurate and substantiated.
Examination Period and Appeal of the Decision
The examination period is strictly limited by law: the examination of applications for a residence permit must not exceed 30 days from the complete submission of the documentation required by the agency. The agency is obliged to notify the alien of the results electronically.
The decision on the issuance of a residence permit may be appealed in the manner prescribed by Georgian legislation, while the issue of issuance itself is examined and decided in accordance with the rules established by the Government of Georgia.
Collecting the Residence Card
After the permit is received comes the stage of collecting the card. Under Article 20 of the law, the agency issues the corresponding residence card to an alien who has received a residence permit in Georgia, and the alien is obliged to collect it within 1 month of receiving the permit.
Exempt from the obligation to collect the card are staff of accredited diplomatic and equivalent representations in Georgia and their family members, holders of diplomatic and service or official passports, and other persons provided for by legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we answer the questions most frequently raised about obtaining a temporary residence permit.
For what term is a temporary permit issued?
The main temporary permits are first issued for a period from 6 months to 1 year; certain types — for a term of 6 or 3 years, and the special permit for up to 5 years.
Who submits a minor's application?
A minor's application is submitted to the agency by the legal representative.
Is electronic application possible?
Yes — the application and accompanying documents may be submitted electronically in the manner prescribed by legislation.
How quickly is the application examined?
The examination period must not exceed 30 days from the complete submission of the documentation.
When must the card be collected?
Within 1 month of receiving the residence permit.
How We Help on Legal.ge
The Legal.ge team will help you select the correct type of permit, prepare the application and documentation, keep control of the examination deadlines and appeal a refusal or an incorrect decision.
Contact us on Legal.ge for a consultation: we will assess your basis against Articles 15, 16 and 17 of the law and outline the precise steps.