Where to apply for a residence permit
Residence permits in Georgia are handled through the Public Service Development Agency, its territorial offices and Public Service Hall. Some applications can be started online, but the applicant should first check whether the chosen basis is eligible and whether their stay in Georgia is legal.
For an investor or a person planning to live in Georgia longer than a tourist period, a residence permit is not just a formality. The basis, documents, address, payments and review period should all match each other.
When to submit the application
SDA information states that for many residence permit categories the application should be submitted before the legal stay period expires. Separate categories may have different rules, so it is worth checking the current basis on the SDA website or at Public Service Hall.
In practice, do not leave preparation until the last days. If a translation, address confirmation, certificate or payment is missing, fixing it on the final day of legal stay can be difficult.
Documents to prepare in advance
The basic package usually starts with a passport, application, photo, confirmation of legal stay and documents proving the basis: work, business, study, family, investment or another applicable category. Foreign-language documents often require certified Georgian translation.
If the basis is connected with property, business or investment, check the public registry data in advance and prepare supporting documents. A mistake in a name, address, cadastral number or document validity period can delay the process.
What to check before filing
Check the remaining stay period, the current permit type, document requirements, online filing options and the state fee. Do not rely only on advice from chats: rules can change and the competent authority makes the final decision.
This article does not replace legal advice. If your case is non-standard, for example several bases, family members, a business structure or property purchase, it is better to consult a specialist in advance.