Do You Need a D3 Visa?
If you do not hold a passport that allows visa-free travel to Georgia, you must first obtain a D3 Immigration Visa before applying for residency. You can check your eligibility for visa-free entry on the official website: Visa-Free Entry Information.
Even if you currently reside in another country that allows you to enter Georgia visa-free for up to 90 days, you may still need to obtain a D3 visa – especially if your remaining legal stay in Georgia is less than 45 days.
If your legal residency in another country allows you to travel to Georgia without a visa for up to 90 days (as outlined in Georgia’s Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons), and you have at least 45 days of legal stay remaining, you may apply for a D3 Immigration Visa from within Georgia.
Applying for the D3 Visa
Upon arrival in Georgia (or from your home country if required), you must submit a visa application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. The processing time for a D3 visa is usually about 30 calendar days.
Once your D3 visa is issued, you will be eligible to apply for a Student Residence Permit. During this period, you may either:
- Remain in Georgia and apply as soon as the visa is granted, or
- Leave the country and return once your visa has been approved.
Required Documents for D3 Visa Application
To apply for a D3 Visa, you will need to prepare the following documents:
- Original admission letter from a Georgian university
- Local health insurance valid in Georgia
- Georgian bank statement showing a minimum balance of 3,000 GEL
- Notarized lease agreement or accommodation letter
- Passport copy translated into Georgian and notarized
Once these documents are prepared and the 3,000 GEL is deposited into your Georgian bank account, the visa application can be submitted.
From D3 Visa to Student Residency
The D3 Visa is typically issued for a period of 90 days. Once received, the same set of documents can be used to apply for a Student Residence Permit, which is usually granted for one year and can be renewed throughout your study period.
To submit your residency application, you must be physically present in Georgia. The process usually includes:
- Submitting your residency application
- Waiting for approval (typically 35 calendar days)
- Collecting your Temporary Residency Card (TR Card)
You’ll need to visit Georgia for 2–3 working days to submit your application. If needed, you can leave the country after submission and return later to collect your TR Card once approved. During your stay, you may provide Power of Attorney (POA) to an authorized representative, who can attend interviews on your behalf if requested by government authorities.
Important Reminders
- Each case is different – avoid relying on generic immigration advice or mass-processed services.
- Proper documentation and individualized planning are key to a successful application.
For further information or advice, please contact Archil Mchedlidze