New immigration rules in Georgia for 2026: What’s changing for foreigners, students, spouses, and workers

In 2026, Georgia will significantly change its rules for foreigners: new visa categories will be introduced, controls on student residence permits will be tightened, the procedure for obtaining permanent residence through marriage will change, penalties for sham marriages will be introduced, and the procedures for appealing immigration decisions will become more complex.

The main rationale behind the reform is that the state will verify not only the presence of a visa or residence permit but also the validity of the grounds on which a foreign national is staying in Georgia.

• If a person has been granted status for study purposes, they must actually be studying.
• If a residence permit was obtained through marriage, the family relationship must be genuine.
• If a foreign national is working, their activities must comply with the authorized terms.
• If a refusal or a decision on deportation is issued, action must be taken quickly.

Important: In public discourse, these changes are often described as rules “effective July 1, 2026,” but the published law specifies different effective dates for the provisions. Criminal liability for sham marriages takes effect on July 1, 2026, while the main set of changes regarding visas, residence permits, D6 visas, student residence permits, and residence permits for spouses of Georgian citizens — will take effect on September 1, 2026. The government must prepare some of the subordinate legislation by September 1, 2026.

1. New D6 visa for minor students

One of the key changes concerns foreign children studying in Georgia.

A separate D6 immigration visa is being introduced for minors. It is intended for:

• foreign minors who are studying or plan to study at an authorized higher education or vocational educational institution;
• minor schoolchildren who are attending an authorized school in Georgia;
• the parents or legal guardians of such a child;
• minor siblings of the student.

The D6 will be a long‐term visa. The law explicitly stipulates that a one‐year long‐term visa is issued in cases D5 and D6.

In practice, this means that a separate visa pathway will be established for families with children living in Georgia on the basis of education. Previously, the educational basis was often interpreted more broadly, but now minor and adult students will be subject to different visa regimes.

2. The D3 visa will remain in effect for adult students

The D3 visa will remain in effect, but its purpose is being clarified. Following the changes, it will be used for adults who come to or are in Georgia to study or conduct research at an authorized educational institution, as well as for participants in international educational programs.

In other words, the general approach will be as follows:

• minor students — D6;
• adult students, researchers, and participants in international programs — D3;
• student residence permit — only for adults enrolled in higher education or vocational programs.

This is particularly important for families who had planned to apply for a student residence permit for their child. Following the reform, the key document for minors will be the D6, not the student residence permit.

3. Student residence permits will be subject to greater oversight

Student residence permits in Georgia will be issued to adult foreigners for the purpose of studying at an authorized institution of higher or vocational education.

However, the main change is not limited to the applicant’s age. The government will verify whether the applicant’s actual educational purpose is still valid.

The risk of having their status revoked may arise if a student:

• has suspended their student status for more than 90 days;
• has discontinued or completed their studies;
• has not earned the required minimum number of credits;
• engages in activities that are effectively incompatible with the purpose of the student residence permit;
• is absent from Georgia for 183 days or more during any consecutive 12‐month period, unless this is due to valid reasons, such as medical treatment or an exchange program.

An important criterion is being introduced for students in higher education programs: if a student does not earn more than one‐third of the maximum number of credits during an academic year, this may serve as grounds for terminating their period of stay.

A separate transitional rule applies to those who already hold a student residence permit as of September 1, 2026, but whose student status has been suspended. Such foreign nationals must reinstate their status between September 1, 2026, and January 1, 2027; otherwise, their period of stay may be terminated.

4. Universities and vocational institutions will share more data

The reform affects not only students but also educational institutions.

According to the parliament, educational institutions will be required to report information about international students to a unified information system: enrollment, suspension or termination of status, reinstatement, mobility, completion of studies, and other details. Government agencies will have access to this data.

This means that formal enrollment “for paperwork purposes” is becoming riskier. If a student is not actually studying, earning credits, or maintaining their status, this information may be entered into government systems and affect their residence permit.

5. Permanent residency through marriage to a Georgian citizen will become a two‐step process

The process for foreigners married to a Georgian citizen is changing significantly.

Previously, the spouse of a Georgian citizen could apply for a permanent residence permit. Following these changes, a separate type of document will be introduced — a residence permit for the spouse of a Georgian citizen.

This residence permit will be issued for one year and may be renewed every two years, but the total period before transitioning to permanent residence must not exceed five years. Only after five years of residence under this status — and provided the marriage remains intact — will it be possible to apply for a permanent residence permit.

This is an important change for applicants: marriage to a Georgian citizen will no longer automatically mean a fast track to permanent residence. First, applicants will need to go through a temporary residency period and confirm the authenticity of their family relationship.

6. Marriages will be reviewed by a commission

An interagency commission is being established to review applications for residence permits for spouses of Georgian citizens. It will include representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Security Service, and the Agency for the Development of Public Services.

The commission will be able to interview spouses together or separately, request documents, demand explanations, verify information, visit their place of residence, inspect their living quarters, and interview other individuals.

If the spouses fail to appear for the interview, refuse to cooperate with the commission, or do not allow an inspection of their place of residence, this may serve as grounds for denying a residence permit.

Therefore, a marriage certificate alone may not be sufficient. It is advisable to prepare evidence of an actual family life in advance: proof of cohabitation, shared expenses, photographs, correspondence, documents regarding children, travel, family ties, and other supporting evidence.

7. Criminal liability for sham marriages

Effective July 1, 2026, a new article on sham marriages will be added to the Criminal Code of Georgia.

A marriage between a Georgian citizen and a foreign national is considered sham if it is registered or maintained not for the purpose of forming a family, but to obtain citizenship, a residence permit, or another legal basis for staying in Georgia.

Penalties may include:

• deportation of the foreign national from Georgia;
• a ban on entry for 2 to 10 years;
• a fine;
• house arrest for 1 to 2 years;
• imprisonment for up to 2 years.

There is also a transitional provision: if a person is already in a sham marriage as of July 1, 2026, criminal liability will not apply provided that such marriage is annulled or terminated by October 1, 2026.

For real families, this does not mean they should fear the inspection itself. However, it is important to understand that when applying for a residence permit through marriage, applicants must now prepare not only formal documents but also supporting evidence.

8. Working without a work permit will pose a serious risk

Following the reform, violations related to employment may affect a foreign national’s immigration status.

The law provides grounds for terminating a foreign national’s period of stay if the competent authorities report that the foreign national has violated the terms of their work permit or has engaged in employment without such a permit.

This is particularly important for foreign nationals who:

• work for Georgian companies;
• are registered as sole proprietors;
• actually provide services within Georgia;
• combine a student residence permit with work;
• work remotely but are unsure whether their activities fall under Georgian regulations.

It is also worth noting the C5 visa, previously introduced for foreigners who come to Georgia for tourism purposes and may only engage in activities on behalf of a non‐resident if such activities are related to the non‐resident’s work outside Georgia. This visa may also be issued to the applicant’s spouse and minor children.

9. Appealing denials and deportation decisions: Time limits are getting shorter

One of the most practical risks is the short time limits for filing appeals.

Decisions by the Agency made under the Migration Law cannot be appealed to a higher administrative authority: you must file a lawsuit in court within 10 calendar days of receiving the decision. Decisions denying a visa or entry may also be appealed within this short 10-day period.

Importantly, an appeal does not always halt the deportation process. The law explicitly provides for situations where an appeal or a subsequent court filing does not prevent the consideration of the deportation matter or the enforcement of a decision that has already been made.

In practice, this means that you cannot afford to waste time after a denial. You must immediately assess:

• exactly when the decision is considered to have been received;
• what the deadline for filing an appeal is;
• whether you can request a stay of enforcement;
• whether there is another legal basis for your stay;
• which documents need to be translated and submitted urgently.

10. Notifications, address, and contact information will become even more important

A foreign national who is applying for a residence permit or already holds one is required to notify the Agency of any changes to their phone number and actual residential address. If the applicant is a minor, this obligation falls on their legal representative.

The importance of contact information is also increasing in deportation proceedings: phone number, email, and address are becoming critically important. If a person fails to monitor notifications, does not update their contact information, or has left Georgia, the decision may be posted on the website and take effect in accordance with special rules.

Therefore, it is important for foreign nationals to maintain access to their email, monitor messages from government agencies, and update their residential address in a timely manner.

11. Foreign convicts may be deported instead of continuing to serve their sentences

A separate set of amendments concerns foreign nationals sentenced to imprisonment in Georgia.

Under certain conditions, the remaining portion of the sentence may be replaced by deportation from Georgia and a ban on re‐entry. For this to occur, the individual must have actually served a specified portion of the sentence: at least one‐third for a less serious crime, at least half for a serious crime, and at least two‐thirds for an especially serious crime.

This is not a commutation of the sentence, nor is it an automatic release. It is a special mechanism whereby the foreign national’s continued presence in Georgia is replaced by deportation and a re‐entry ban.

12. What foreigners should do right now

If you live, study, work, or plan to obtain a residence permit in Georgia, you should check your status in advance.

Minimum checklist:

• Check the validity period of your legal stay, visa, or residence permit.
• Make sure that the basis for your stay will remain valid after the reform.
• If your child is studying in Georgia — assess whether they need a D6 visa.
• If you have a student residence permit — check your student status, academic credits, and actual time spent in the country.
• If your residence permit is based on marriage — prepare evidence of a genuine family relationship.
• If you work in Georgia — check whether you need a work permit.
• If you work remotely for a foreign company — determine whether a C5 permit or another status is appropriate for you.
• If you’ve received a denial or a deportation order — immediately check the deadline for filing an appeal.
• Update your address, phone number, and email with government agencies if they’ve changed.
• Don’t wait for a denial: it’s better to check your documents before submitting them than to have to urgently rectify the situation in court later.

FAQ

Conclusion: Immigration rules in Georgia are becoming stricter — but you can prepare for them

The new rules do not mean that it will become impossible for foreigners to live, study, work, or obtain a residence permit in Georgia. However, a purely formal approach will no longer work.

• Study must be substantiated by actual enrollment.
• Marriage must be substantiated by a genuine family relationship.
• Employment must be substantiated by an appropriate legal basis.
• Appeals must be handled promptly and with properly prepared documentation.

Espero helps foreigners and their families navigate Georgia’s new immigration rules: verify grounds for stay, prepare documents for a visa or residence permit, assess the risks of denial, choose the appropriate status, and guide you through the application process.

If you’re unsure which status is right for you — D3, D6, D5, C5, a student residence permit, a spouse’s residence permit, work status, or IT status — it’s best to check in advance. This will help you avoid delays, denials, revocation of your residence permit, or problems when entering or leaving Georgia.

Contact Espero — we’ll help you assess your situation and prepare your documents in accordance with the new regulations.