How to Obtain Residency in Georgia via Business or Property Investment
Georgia is rapidly gaining popularity among foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads seeking a safe, affordable, and opportunity-rich environment. The country offers several pathways to residency through business activity and real estate investment. Although approval is not guaranteed, the following residency types are commonly accepted and attainable for eligible applicants.
If you hold a visa-free passport for travel to Georgia (see list here), this article is for you. If not, you must first obtain an immigration visa (type D1 or D5) before applying for residency.
Please refer to the next article: “Immigration D1 & D5 Visa Requirements and Residency Options in Georgia.“
Pathways to Residency in Georgia
Foreign nationals can apply for the following types of residence permits in Georgia:
- Temporary/Work Residence Permit through business activity
- Temporary Residence Permit through real estate investment
- Permanent (Investment) Residence Permit through high-value property investment
Here’s a breakdown of the options available to foreign applicants:
Option I: Residency Through Business Formation
This option is ideal for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals.
Steps – We assist in:
- Registering your company
- submit applications for opening bank accounts
- Preparing all required documentation
You can choose between two methods for company formation:
In-person: You travel to Georgia and complete the setup yourself.
Remote: You provide us with Power of Attorney (POA), and we complete the process on your behalf.
Residency Requirements:
- Your company must achieve a minimum 50,000 GEL annual turnover;
- You must deposit 15,000 GEL in your personal Georgian bank account.
Once these conditions are met, we submit your residency application.
Validity:
- The initial permit is granted for 6 months to 1 year.
- After renewal, it may be extended for 1 to 3 years, depending on business performance.
- Long-term extensions (up to 12 years) are possible with consistent compliance.
Option II: Temporary Residency Through Real Estate Investment
Investment Threshold:
Purchase real estate in Georgia valued at more than 100,000 USD.
Process:
- We handle all documentation and submit your residency application.
- You must be the legal owner of the property as an individual (not through a company).
Residency Validity:
Permit is issued for 1 year and can be renewed annually as long as the property remains in your ownership.
Option III: Permanent Residency Through Real Estate Investment
Investment Threshold:
You purchase real estate in Georgia as an individual, with a minimum value of USD 300,000.
You must be legally present in Georgia for at least one day.
Residency details:
- Initial 5-year residence permit
- Must maintain the investment throughout this period
- After 5 years, you may convert it to permanent residency
- Permanent residency requires no further renewal – only replacement of the card every 5 years
Application Logistics and Timeline
You do not need to be in Georgia to begin the process. Through Power of Attorney, we can:
- Establish your company
- submit applications for opening bank accounts
- Purchase property on your behalf
However, you must be physically present in Georgia for the final steps of the residency process:
- Initial visit: Minimum 2-3 working days to submit the application and handle biometric data
- Total processing time: Approximately 35 calendar days
- You may leave the country after submission and return later to collect your residency card
- Final visit (after approval): At least 2 working days to receive your residence card
We will also represent you during any required government interviews through POA.
Georgia’s residency options provide flexible and strategic pathways for foreigners to live and invest in the country. Whether you choose to set up a business or invest in real estate, our team is here to assist with every step – from legal setup to application submission and beyond.
A Final Note: One Strategy Does Not Fit All
While Georgia’s legal residency pathways are well defined, approval is never automatic. Government agencies may request additional documentation or clarification, and even small mistakes can result in significant delays.
That’s why individual planning is essential.
No two cases are alike. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, retiree, or digital nomad, your story is unique – and your residency strategy should be too. Don’t rely on generic guides or cookie-cutter services.
Let’s build your Georgian future together, with a clear, personalized, and proven approach – backed by more than 20 years of experience.
For further information or advice, please contact Archil Mchedlidze