A permanent residence permit (PR) in Georgia provides the opportunity for long-term stay in the country. It is important to understand that PR is not citizenship. It does not imply an obligation to serve in the army, does not provide the right to vote in elections, does not allow ownership of agricultural land, and does not provide visa-free entry to EU countries. These privileges are available exclusively to citizens of Georgia. At the same time, foreigners who have lived legally in the country for at least 10 years have the right to receive a pension.

For citizens of Russia, having a permanent residence permit opens up the following opportunities:

• Stay in Georgia without the need to leave every year.
• Apply for Schengen and other visas to local consulates.
• Invite relatives who need a visa and apply for a residence permit for them.
• In the future, receive a permanent residence permit and, if certain conditions are met, citizenship.
• Access to electronic government services and the ability to remotely issue powers of attorney in Georgian and Russian.

Also, holders of a residence permit can receive discounts on tickets to national parks and museums.

Procedure for obtaining a permanent residence permit in Georgia

The package of documents for the initial registration of permanent residence must be submitted from Georgia, no later than 40 days before the end of the 365-day visa-free period. Permanent residence extension is possible from any country.

If the permanent residence recipient is a minor, the application is submitted by his/her legal representatives.

There are three ways to submit an application - in person, remotely or through a representative.

Each applicant is required to provide:

• A completed application form.
• A copy of the passport with a notarized translation into Georgian.
• A copy of the document confirming legal stay in Georgia (for Russian citizens - a copy of the passport page with a border service stamp).
• A 3x4 color photo in electronic format.
• Other documents depending on the purpose of obtaining permanent residence.

Documents issued in Russia do not require legalization in Georgia due to the Minsk Convention, but are subject to translation into Georgian and mandatory notarization.

The cost of processing a permanent residence permit varies depending on the type and terms of processing:

• Special permanent residence permit: free, processing period 10 days.
• Permanent and unlimited permanent residence permit: 350 GEL for 30 days, 500 GEL for 20 days.
• Other types of permanent residence permit: 300 GEL for 30 days, 450 GEL for 20 days, 600 GEL for 10 days.

The need to provide additional documents may cause a delay in processing the application.

How to submit documents in person

You must visit the Agency for the Development of Public Services, the House of Justice or a community center. Fill out the form, submit a package of documents and pay the fee. Actions can be performed independently or through a representative.

How to submit documents remotely

The application can be submitted through the Agency's website or the House of Justice. Instructions for filling out the documentation are available on the website. After online submission, printed documents must be submitted to the specified authorities within 10 days.

Actions after approval of permanent residence

After approval, within 30 days you must obtain an identity card - binadroba. To do this, you should contact the Agency for the Development of Public Services or the House of Justice with the necessary documents, including photographs and an identity card.

You also need to register at your place of residence in Georgia, which will require the consent of the owner of the property and an extract from the register.

The cost of obtaining a binadroba may vary, but most often a fee is required.

Permanent Residence Permit

Permanent Residence Permit is issued to the following categories:

• Spouses and minor children of Georgian citizens.
• Foreigners who have lived in the country on temporary permits for at least 10 years (the time of study and treatment is not taken into account).

Documents required to obtain permanent residence

For relatives:

• A document confirming family relations.
• Confirmation of legal income in Georgia from relatives.

For persons with temporary residence permit:

• Copy of temporary residence permit.
• Confirmation of legal income.