Georgian (Country) Immigration Visa

Did you know? If you are traveling to Georgia (country), you may need a Georgian Immigration Visa.

Many expats come to Georgia with the hopes that they can directly apply for residency. However, in some cases, there are additional requirements that must be met before applying for residency.

In this article, we will discuss the cases when an applicant is not a citizen of one of the countries under Georgia’s “visa-free” regime, which means that before applying for residency, they will need to get the appropriate immigration visa.

Interested in Residency? Check out our updated and consolidated article on Georgian Residency.

Read Here

Any cross-border movement requires an appropriate legal permit. The permit that confirms an individual’s right to enter and/or stay in another country, or transit the territory of another country, is known as a visa. There are many different types of visas, which vary in their functions, but for the purpose of this article, we are going to focus on Immigration visas. Visas and Residence permits are regulated under the Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons.

Immigration Visa Sub-Categories

Immigration visas, aside from enabling foreigners to apply for residency, may also allow foreigners to conduct labor activities, work as contractors, perform entrepreneurship activities, live in Georgia with their family members, live in a property owned in Georgia, etc. In Georgia, the Immigration visa is called a “D-category visa,” and it is divided into several sub-categories: D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6. We will take a look at each of these sub-categories below.

D1 – This visa is intended for those who are coming to Georgia to carry out entrepreneurial activities in accordance with the Law of Georgia “On Entrepreneurs” on the basis of an approved “Special Labour Permit” (also known as the “Right to Work”). In cases specified by an ordinance of the Government of Georgia, a visa of this category may also be issued to individuals who carry out activities not subject to the Special Labour Permit.

D2 – This visa is for foreigners arriving in Georgia on scientific, sports, cultural, or educational missions or for voluntary/internship work.

D3 – This visa is for adult individuals coming/staying in Georgia to study or conduct research at an authorized educational institution, as well as individuals coming/staying in Georgia to study within the framework of an international program.

D4 – This visa is intended for those who plan to reunify their family members in Georgia.

D5 – This visa is for individuals who, under the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia, have the right of ownership of real property within the territory of Georgia (other than agricultural land) with its market value exceeding 150,000 USD equivalent in GEL, and their family members.

D6 – This type of visa is intended for minors who are studying at an authorized university or vocational educational institution in Georgia. It also applies to minors who are studying at an authorized school in Georgia until the completion of the full general study. This category of visa may also be issued to the minor’s parents/guardians and minor siblings until the student reaches the age of 18.

Individuals who are planning to visit Georgia for long-term purposes may apply for one of the above-mentioned sub-category visas. An immigration visa can be issued with the right of multiple entries. Its duration is typically 90 calendar days, but for D5 and D6 immigration visas, it can be granted for one full year.

Where Can You Apply From?

By default, you should apply at the Georgian Embassy of the country of your citizenship. However, Georgian embassies are not located in every country. In this case, there should be at least one Georgian embassy in the region. Usually, that Embassy is designated to process visa applications.

Sometimes it is possible to apply from a third country as well. For that, you need to hold a valid multiple-entry visa or a residence permit of that country. Furthermore, the term of the visa or residence permit should be 3 months longer than the term of the Georgian visa you have requested.

Finally, sometimes you can also apply within the territory of Georgia. But the application should be submitted at least 45 days before the expiry of your legal stay in Georgia.

Application Requirements And Timeline

Here you can familiarize yourself with the essential documents for the visa application:

Application form
Passport (travel document)
Personal photo according to ICAO standards
Document proving the purpose of travel
Document proving sufficient financial means (except for D5)
Proof of accommodation (except for D5)
Travel and Health insurance (except for D5)

The authorities may also request additional documents/information. They may also schedule an interview with the applicant to obtain additional information or to confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the submitted documents/information.

The above-listed documents should be submitted both in electronic and material form. Furthermore, the documents shall be submitted in Georgian or in English. The document drawn up in another foreign language must be submitted together with the duly certified Georgian or English translation. In addition, every document is subject to international validity rules (apostillization/legalization).

After an appropriate visa application is submitted, the government makes the decision on the issuance of a D-category immigration visa:

within 30 calendar days (except for D5).
within 10 calendar days in case of a D5 immigration visa.

Important Update:

As of March 1st, 2026, holding a visa or residence permit alone no longer grants the right to work. A valid Right to Work permit must be held simultaneously with the D1 visa or work residence permit to legally conduct employment or business activity in Georgia. (Exemptions apply to holders of Permanent Residence Permits and Investment Residence Permits ($300,000+).)

The process for obtaining a D1 immigration visa for work or business activity in Georgia is now a two-stage process. This is a fundamental change from the previous single-application system.

Stage 1: Right to Work Permit (Special Labour Permit): Before applying for a D1 visa, foreign nationals must first obtain a “Right to Work” permit from the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs. Applications are submitted through the official portal. Processing takes up to 30 calendar days. This step is mandatory – a D1 visa application will not be accepted without it.

Stage 2: D1 Visa Application: Only after the Right to Work permit is granted can the applicant proceed to apply for the D1 immigration visa through the relevant Georgian embassy or consulate.

What Could Be Grounds For a Rejection?

The decision of issuance or refusal of a visa application will be made based on the documents submitted and the material obtained by a visa-issuing authority. Even if you adhere to the procedures and submit all necessary documents, it might not be sufficient to obtain an immigration visa. The following list outlines grounds for the rejection of the application:

If you do not have the documents necessary for entering Georgia as provided for by the legislation of Georgia;
If you have been banned from entering Georgia or have not paid a fine imposed for an unlawful stay in Georgia;
If you have submitted incomplete or false data or documents for obtaining a visa or for extending a visa validity period;
If you do not have health and accident insurance or sufficient funds to reside in Georgia and to return to your point of origin;
If your stay in Georgia poses a threat to the state security and/or public order of Georgia, or to the protection of the health, rights, and legitimate interests of citizens of Georgia and other persons residing in Georgia;
If your stay in Georgia is unacceptable because of foreign policy considerations;
If there is a reasonable doubt that you will unlawfully stay in Georgia after the visa validity expires;
If you do not provide information about your identity and purpose of travel, or provide false information.

The refusal may be appealed within 10 business days.

How Can ExpatHub Assist You?

Our standard price for the visa application package is 1,200 GEL (not including government fees). See what’s included here.

If you are looking for professional assistance with applying for a visa, book a premium consultation with our legal advisor to get started today.

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FAQ

What are the different categories of Georgian immigration visas?

Georgia issues six D-category immigration visa sub-types: D1 for work, business, and labour activities; D2 for scientific, sports, cultural, educational, or voluntary missions; D3 for study purposes for adults; D4 for family reunification; D5 for property owners holding Georgian real estate above the qualifying value threshold; and D6 for study purposes for minors and their family members.

How long does it take to get a Georgian immigration visa?

For most D-category visas, the government issues a decision within 30 calendar days of application. The D5 visa has a faster timeline of 10 calendar days.

Processing times for the preceding Labour Permit (required for D1 applicants) add up to 14-30 additional calendar days.

Can I apply for a Georgian immigration visa from outside my home country?

Yes, in certain circumstances.

You can apply from a country of which you are not a citizen if you hold a valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit of that country, and if the remaining validity of that document is at least 3 months longer than the Georgian visa you are requesting.

In some cases, you can also apply from within Georgia itself, provided you submit no later than 45 days before your current lawful stay expires.

What are the grounds for rejection of a Georgian immigration visa?

Grounds for rejection include missing or false documentation, an outstanding entry ban or unpaid fine in Georgia, insufficient financial means or health insurance, security or public order concerns, foreign policy considerations, reasonable doubt about intended lawful stay, or failure to provide accurate information about identity or purpose of travel. Rejection can be appealed within 10 business days.

What is a D1 visa in Georgia and who needs one?

The D1 immigration visa is Georgia’s work and business visa, required for foreign nationals who intend to conduct labour or entrepreneurial activities in Georgia.

Since March 1st, 2026, obtaining a D1 visa requires first securing a Right to Work (also known as the “Special Labour Permit”). The D1 visa can also serve as the basis for a work residence permit application.

What is FAQ?

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What is the process for getting a D1 visa in Georgia in 2026?

Previously a single-stage process, the following two-stage requirement came into effect on March 1st, 2026:

First, obtain a Labour Permit from the Ministry of Labour portal. The process is fully remote, and it takes up to 30 calendar days.

Second, apply for the D1 visa at a Georgian embassy or consulate with the work permit as a supporting document.

Do I need a D1 visa if I already have a Georgian residence permit?

No. If you already hold any type of Georgian residence permit, you are not required to obtain a D1 visa. However, if you are conducting work or business activity, you are still required to hold a valid Labour Permit, unless you hold a Permanent or Investment Residence Permit.