How to get Georgian citizenship

How to get Georgian citizenship: this guide explains the applicable rights, rules, documents and procedures using official sources.

Georgian citizenship may be granted by naturalisation under the regular, simplified, restoration, exceptional or special procedure. Buying property or opening a company does not automatically confer citizenship.

Regular naturalisation requirements

An adult must have lawfully and continuously resided in Georgia for the previous 10 years, pass tests in the official language, Georgian history and basic principles of law, and have employment or real estate in Georgia, conduct business in Georgia, or own an interest or shares in a Georgian enterprise. The residence period is five years for a stateless person holding status in Georgia.

Simplified procedure through marriage

Marriage to a Georgian citizen does not itself grant citizenship. The applicant must be married to a Georgian citizen, have lawfully and continuously resided in Georgia for the previous five years and pass the same knowledge tests.

The citizenship test

The Agency conducts the electronic test before the citizenship application is filed. The first attempt is free; the second and each later attempt costs GEL 40. A passing result remains valid for one year.

Documents and where to apply

The standard file includes the application, a 3×4 photo, payment receipt, relevant birth certificate, proof of lawful residence and proof of employment, property, business or a company interest. The marriage route additionally requires marriage and spouse-citizenship evidence. Foreign-language documents require a duly certified Georgian translation. Applications may be filed with the Agency, a Public Service Hall, or a Georgian diplomatic mission or consulate abroad.

Processing time and fees

Regular and simplified applications cost GEL 65 for 80 days, GEL 130 for 60 days, GEL 260 for 40 days and GEL 390 for 20 days. The overall citizenship process must not exceed three months.

Other routes and investment

Restoration is available in specified cases to former citizens. The President may grant citizenship exceptionally for exceptional merit or state interests. Investment may be considered in that assessment, but it creates no automatic right. A special route also exists for certain persons born in Georgia before 31 March 1993 whose citizenship cannot be established.