As you know, Georgia has attracted a lot of immigrants from all over the world, especially Iranians, in recent years. Due to the prospect of joining the European Union, security and a peaceful life are also other good benefits of the country for migration.Receiving Georgian residency and renewal status for immigrants and those purpose to invest, live or study in Georgia is an important factor that has made the country attractive to immigrants. Due to its proximity to Europe, Asia and the Middle East as well as its strategic location, Georgia is considered as a communication bridge between these areas.

Differences in Permanent Residence and Citizenship of Georgia

Georgia is one of the few countries with a permanent residence option. Permanent residence means that one can live in this country forever, but many people do not know the difference between permanent residence and citizenship.

Pursuant to the laws of Georgia, by obtaining permanent residence one can live, work and study in this country permanently, but he is not a citizen of Georgia. As such, he has no voting rights and is also faced with problems and restrictions on getting loans from banks.

On the other hand, the applicant will be granted a permanent residence card, while a passport will be issued to the Georgian citizen in addition to a permanent residence card. A person who is a Georgian citizen has all the rights of a citizen born in Georgia. These rights may include:

•Voting right

• Easier getting the bank loans

• Monthly salary over 65 years old

• Free treatment for people over 65.

All immigrants who obtain Georgian residency can own a bank account, insurance and permission for purchase of a property or car, etc. with 100% certainty. Also, if Georgia joins the Schengen member states, its residents can travel to all European Schengen countries without a visa.

Previously, by law, Georgian temporary residence could be converted to permanent residence after 6 years; but since July 2019 the permanent residence has been removed by the legislator. Only if people have obtained their permanent residence before this time they can renew it once every 5 years without any problems.

Types of Obtaining Georgian Residences

There are several ways to stay in Georgia. Each of these methods has its own set of conditions that must be thoroughly investigated. However, we will briefly mention the types of Georgian residence permits.

Georgian Business Residence

You don’t need any permit to work in this country. People who are entrepreneurs, employees or freelancers who plan to travel to Georgia can obtain this type of residence. Job seekers in this country must obtain a long-term visa. If they want to work in Georgia for a short or temporary period, they cannot obtain a temporary visa or a Georgian tourist visa.

Georgian Academic Residence

Persons who wish to continue their studies in Georgia can apply for this type of residency. Persons can also work in Georgia after completing their education and, after spending sufficient time, become a permanent resident and obtain a Georgian passport.

Georgian family residence

If a member of a family has the Georgian residence, other family members may join him with this type of permit. Family members including: spouse, children, parents, and minors or disabled persons who depend on the resident.

Residence of Former Georgian Citizens

Persons who have previously been Georgian citizens and now their citizenship licenses have been revoked can be regain Georgian citizenship through this type of license.

Residence of stateless persons

Persons who are not under the leadership of a certain government or the condition of their country is shaky, can get this kind of residence.

Georgian Permanent Residence

The spouse, children and parents of Georgian citizens can obtain permanent residence in Georgia. Foreign nationals who have been temporarily residents in Georgia for six consecutive years can also gain the Georgian permanent residence. You should note, however, that this period is not counted in the six-year period if these persons have resided in Georgia due to a job mission, education or health care.

Georgian Investment Residence

This residence will be given to people who invest at least 300,000 Georgian Lari (approximately $ 120,000) in this country. Family members, including spouse, children, parents and minors or a disabled persons who depended on the resident, are also eligible to receive Georgian residence.

Georgian Temporary Residence

People who are victims of domestic violence in accordance with Georgian law are eligible for this type of residence.

Georgian Short residence

According to the Georgian laws people who have purchased a property in this country, worth at least 35,000 Georgian Lari (approximately $ 15,000), are eligible to receive this type of short-term stay permit.

Stay through company registration

Company registration in Georgia is often limited type, but there are many options for starting a business in Georgia. A license issued in Georgia to register a company indicates that it is permitted to conduct public business.With this license, the company manager can conduct any business other than the production and distribution of pharmaceuticals that require special permits. With a public company registration license, people are allowed to set up businesses such as restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and more.

Obtaining Georgian Citizenship and Passport

The following three methods are possible ways to obtain Georgian citizenship:

1. After investing in Georgia

2. Marriage

3. Special Services

Georgian citizenship, after investing residence

Such residence will be issued for a foreigner who:• Be above 18 years old and has lived legally and continuously in Georgia for the past 5 years, either with a visa or a residence card and knows Georgian language at an elementary level.• Be aware of the date and conditions of Georgian law.• Works, has own property in Georgia or participates in an entrepreneurial activity in Georgia. He can also be a shareholder in a Georgian entrepreneurship company or be in asylum condition.

Georgian citizenship through marriage

To get citizenship through marriage, one has to live legally and permanently in Georgia for 2 years before marriage and know the Georgian language at an elementary level. He was also aware of the date and conditions of Georgian law to qualify for citizenship.It takes a little longer for men who marry Georgian women, as it should be assured that the marriage has not been formal.

Special Services

Special services applies to a foreigner who has done an outstanding service for this country, or served the Georgian national interests, or performed a special economic activity on the territory of Georgia.