I. About This Article
A Georgia visa is one of the legal grounds allowing a foreign national to enter Georgia and remain in the country for the period established by law.
The appropriate visa category depends on the purpose of travel, which may include tourism, employment, entrepreneurial activity, study, research, family reunification, ownership of real estate, professional activity, or another special purpose.
Georgian legislation distinguishes between diplomatic, special, ordinary, immigration, and transit visas.
For foreign nationals planning to live or carry out activities in Georgia for a longer period, the Category D Georgia visa, or immigration visa, is particularly important.
Category D includes D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 and D6 visas.
Each category serves a different purpose.
D1 is generally connected with employment and relevant entrepreneurial activity. D2 applies to professional, scientific, sports, cultural, and certain other activities. D3 concerns study and research by adults. D4 concerns family reunification. D5 is connected with ownership of qualifying real estate. D6 is intended for the study of minors in Georgia.
The Georgia e-Visa should be distinguished separately. The e-VISA PORTAL is used for issuing Category C short-term visas. It is therefore not an online alternative to D1–D6 immigration visas.
Since 2026, the relationship between the D1 visa and the new right-to-work regime has become particularly important. The D5 category is linked to qualifying real estate with a market value exceeding the GEL equivalent of USD 150,000, while D6 specifically regulates the stay of a minor student or pupil in Georgia.
This article explains the main Georgia visa categories, who may qualify for D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 and D6 visas, which documents are generally required, how applications are submitted, how long decisions take, and how the electronic visa system operates.
II. Main Georgia Visa Categories
A Georgia visa is divided into five principal groups:
- Category A – diplomatic visa;
- Category B – special visa;
- Category C – ordinary visa;
- Category D – immigration visa;
- Category T – transit visa.
Categories A and B mainly concern persons travelling in an official, diplomatic, or other special capacity.
A Category C Georgia visa is used for short-term visits and is itself divided into several subcategories.
Category D visas are connected with entry into Georgia for longer-term and specific purposes and, in many cases, are relevant where the foreign national subsequently intends to obtain an appropriate residence status in Georgia.
A transit visa is intended for travel through the territory of Georgia while proceeding to a third country.
III. What Is the Difference Between a Short-Term and Long-Term Georgia Visa?
A Georgia visa may be short-term or long-term.
A single-entry short-term visa may be issued for the period specified in the application, but generally for no more than 30 days.
A multiple-entry short-term visa may be issued for a longer validity period. Under the ordinary regime, however, the total period of stay in Georgia generally may not exceed 90 calendar days in any 180-day period, unless a special exception applies.
A long-term Georgia visa is issued for multiple entry.
Category D immigration visas are long-term visas.
As a general rule, their validity and permitted stay in Georgia are 90 calendar days.
However, D5 and D6 visas may also be issued for a period of one year.
This distinction is particularly important for foreign nationals who intend to obtain a longer-term immigration status in Georgia.
IV. What Is a Category D Immigration Visa?
A Category D Georgia visa is intended for foreign nationals whose purpose of entry relates to a longer-term and specific activity or legal relationship.
Category D includes:
D1 – employment and relevant entrepreneurial activity;
D2 – scientific, sports, cultural, educational, and other professional activity;
D3 – study and research by an adult;
D4 – family reunification;
D5 – ownership of qualifying real estate;
D6 – study in Georgia by a minor.
The correct visa category should be identified from the outset because different evidence is required to prove the travel purpose under each category.
V. D1 Work Visa in Georgia
The D1 category is frequently described as the Georgia work visa.
Since 2026, the legal regime governing employment and relevant entrepreneurial activity by foreign nationals in Georgia has become closely connected with the right to work in Georgia.
A D1 Georgia visa is used for qualifying employment or entrepreneurial activity.
Where applicable, a foreign national coming to Georgia to conduct entrepreneurial activity under the Law of Georgia on Entrepreneurs must first obtain the right to work where such authorization is required.
In cases determined by the Government of Georgia, a D1 visa may also be issued to a person carrying out an activity to which the relevant provisions of Georgian labour migration legislation do not apply.
Before applying for a D1 visa, it is therefore necessary to determine the legal form of the foreign national’s activity and whether the person is required to obtain the right to work.
VI. D1 Visa and the Right to Work in Georgia
When planning a D1 Georgia visa application, the visa and the right to work should be treated as separate legal instruments.
The right to work authorizes the foreign national to carry out the relevant economic activity.
The D1 visa, by contrast, provides an immigration basis for entering and staying in Georgia.
Where the right to work is required, the process generally involves resolving the right-to-work issue first and then applying for the D1 visa.
This sequence has particular importance under the labour migration regime applicable from 2026.
Where the foreign national’s activity falls within a statutory exemption, the legal basis for the D1 visa must instead be demonstrated through the circumstances proving the applicable exemption.
VII. What Is a D2 Visa?
A D2 Georgia visa is intended for foreign nationals travelling to Georgia for particular professional, scientific, cultural, or other special activities.
A D2 visa may be issued to:
- persons travelling on a scientific mission;
- persons travelling on a sports mission;
- persons travelling on a cultural mission;
- persons travelling on an educational mission;
- members of liberal professions;
- foreign nationals undertaking an internship;
- volunteers;
- media professionals travelling to Georgia to perform professional duties.
The D2 category therefore differs from the D1 work visa.
Where the purpose of travel is ordinary employment or qualifying entrepreneurial activity, the matter should generally be assessed under D1.
Where the activity corresponds to one of the special purposes covered by D2, a D2 Georgia visa may instead be appropriate.
VIII. Who May Need a D2 Visa?
The practical scope of D2 is relatively broad.
For example, the category may be relevant to:
- a foreign researcher travelling to Georgia for a scientific project;
- an athlete or sports professional;
- a participant in a cultural project;
- an intern;
- a volunteer;
- a journalist or other media professional performing professional duties in Georgia.
For a D2 Georgia visa, the actual purpose of travel is central.
The supporting evidence should therefore be selected according to the particular professional or other qualifying activity.
IX. What Is a D3 Student Visa?
A D3 Georgia visa is connected with study and research.
A D3 visa may be issued to an adult who comes to Georgia to:
- study at an authorized educational institution or on the basis of such an institution;
- conduct research at an authorized educational institution or on its basis.
A D3 visa may also be issued to a person travelling to or already staying in Georgia for study under an international programme.
The applicant’s age is particularly important.
Georgian legislation distinguishes between visas for adult and minor pupils or students.
For adults, the relevant category is generally D3, while the study of minors is regulated under the D6 category.
X. What Is the Difference Between D3 and D6?
Both D3 and D6 concern educational purposes, but they apply to different applicants.
A D3 Georgia visa primarily concerns study or research by an adult.
A D6 Georgia visa is intended for a minor foreign national.
If the foreign national is already an adult and intends to study or conduct research at an authorized institution, eligibility should generally be assessed under D3.
Where a minor comes to Georgia for study, the visa issue should instead be assessed under D6.
XI. What Is a D4 Family Reunification Visa?
A D4 Georgia visa is issued to persons travelling to Georgia for family reunification.
The status of the family member with whom reunification is sought is decisive.
A foreign national may apply for a D4 visa where the family member:
- has submitted an application for a D1, D2, or D3 visa; or
- has already obtained a D1, D2, or D3 visa.
Where the D4 application is submitted together with the principal family member’s D1, D2, or D3 application, the D4 visa is issued only if the relevant D1, D2, or D3 visa is also granted to the principal family member.
Another legal basis for D4 may arise where the family member is already lawfully present in Georgia.
XII. What Does Lawful Stay of the Family Member Mean for D4?
The special rules governing the D4 Georgia visa require the principal family member’s stay in Georgia to satisfy particular conditions.
Where the principal family member is in Georgia on the basis of a visa, not every visa category qualifies for D4 purposes.
Among visa-based forms of stay, the relevant categories are D1, D2, and D3.
When preparing a D4 application, the exact immigration basis on which the principal family member stays in Georgia should therefore be verified.
XIII. Who Qualifies as a Family Member?
Georgian legislation specifically defines the concept of a family member.
Depending on the circumstances, a foreign national’s family member may include:
- a spouse;
- a minor child;
- a minor under guardianship or custody;
- a fully dependent minor;
- a person receiving support;
- a person incapable of work;
- the parent of a minor foreign national.
For purposes of a D4 Georgia visa, a factual family connection alone is therefore not sufficient.
The applicant must fall within a legally recognized family category and provide appropriate documentary evidence.
XIV. What Is a D5 Visa Based on Real Estate?
A D5 Georgia visa is intended for a foreign national who owns qualifying immovable property in Georgia.
The property must not constitute agricultural land.
Its market value must exceed the GEL equivalent of USD 150,000.
The market value must be determined by a certified appraiser of an entity accredited by the Accreditation Center.
A D5 visa may also be issued to the qualifying property owner’s:
- spouse;
- child or children.
The D5 category therefore also creates an immigration route for certain family members of the property owner.
XV. Why Is Property Valuation Important for a D5 Visa?
A D5 Georgia visa is not based solely on registration of ownership in the Public Registry.
The property must also satisfy the statutory value threshold.
Its market value must exceed the GEL equivalent of USD 150,000.
A private valuation that does not satisfy the statutory requirements is not automatically sufficient.
The required market value must be established by a certified appraiser of an accredited entity.
Before beginning the D5 procedure, both the ownership registration and the valuation document should therefore be reviewed.
A special feature of D5 is that certain general requirements concerning financial means and travel insurance applicable to immigration visas operate differently for this category.
XVI. What Is a D6 Student Visa?
Under the rules applicable in 2026, a D6 Georgia visa is intended for educational purposes of a minor foreign national.
D6 may be issued to a minor studying in Georgia at:
- an authorized higher education institution;
- an authorized vocational education institution;
- an authorized general education institution.
Where the minor studies at a general education institution, the D6 regime may continue until completion of full general education.
Accordingly, study by a minor at a school, vocational institution, or relevant higher education institution should be assessed under the D6 category.
XVII. Can a Parent Obtain a D6 Visa?
Yes.
The D6 regime is not limited only to the minor pupil or student.
Where the foreign national coming to or staying in Georgia for study is a minor, a D6 Georgia visa may also be issued to:
- the parent or parents;
- the legal representative or representatives;
- a minor sibling.
A family member’s D6 application may be submitted together with the principal minor’s application or after the principal minor has already obtained a D6 visa.
At the time the decision is made, the principal student or pupil must remain a minor and must either already hold a D6 visa or receive one simultaneously.
XVIII. How Long Are D1–D6 Visas Valid?
A Category D Georgia visa is a long-term visa issued for multiple entry.
As a general rule, the validity period and permitted period of stay are 90 calendar days.
A one-year long-term visa may be issued only in the following categories:
- D5;
- D6.
Accordingly, D1, D2, D3, and D4 generally operate under the standard 90-day long-term visa regime.
This period may be relevant where the foreign national intends subsequently to regularize a longer-term immigration status in Georgia.
XIX. What Documents Are Required for a Georgia Visa?
For an immigration Georgia visa, the visa-issuing authority generally requires:
- a visa application;
- a travel document;
- proof of payment of the applicable fee or state duty;
- proof of representative authority where a representative files the application;
- where applicable, proof of payment of a previously imposed fine;
- evidence of the purpose of travel;
- evidence of sufficient financial means;
- travel or health insurance;
- evidence of accommodation in Georgia.
The principal documentary differences depend on the particular visa category and the purpose of travel.
For example:
- D1 concerns employment or qualifying entrepreneurial activity;
- D3 concerns study or research;
- D4 concerns the relevant family relationship;
- D5 concerns qualifying real estate.
XX. How Much Money Is Required for an Immigration Visa?
For a Category D Georgia visa, except for D5, the applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial means for travelling to and staying in Georgia.
The minimum amount for each month must be at least five times the subsistence minimum of the average consumer in Georgia applicable on the date the visa application is submitted.
For example, where a Georgia visa is requested for a 90-day period, the required financial resources must be assessed according to the corresponding number of months.
This particular minimum financial requirement does not apply to the D5 category.
XXI. Is Travel Insurance Required?
As a general rule, a person applying for a Georgia visa must hold travel or health insurance valid during the period of stay in Georgia.
The insurance must apply throughout the territory of Georgia and, where required, cover relevant expenses connected with health conditions and death.
For a long-term visa, the submitted travel insurance must remain valid throughout the entire visa period.
The D5 Georgia visa is subject to a special exception from this requirement.
Where an immigration visa is issued to a foreign national already lawfully present in Georgia, the submitted health insurance must also cover the entire period of the requested visa.
XXII. What Passport Requirements Apply?
A travel document submitted for a Georgia visa must satisfy several general requirements.
As a rule:
- the passport must remain valid for at least three months beyond the expiry of the requested visa;
- it must contain at least two blank pages for the visa;
- it must not be damaged;
- it must not contain unofficial entries;
- it must have been issued within the previous 10 years.
In the case of an electronic visa, there is no requirement to place a physical visa sticker in the passport, so the two-blank-page requirement does not operate in the same manner.
XXIII. Where and How Is a Georgia Visa Application Submitted?
The method of applying for a Georgia visa depends on the visa category and the applicant’s location.
A visa application may be submitted using the relevant electronic system, including:
- geoconsul.gov.ge;
- e-VISA PORTAL.
The geoconsul system is used, among other cases, where the visa is to be issued by a Georgian diplomatic mission or consular office.
The same system is also used where a foreign national lawfully staying in Georgia applies for an immigration visa.
The e-VISA PORTAL serves a different function.
It is used only for a foreign national located outside Georgia who is applying for a Category C short-term electronic visa.
XXIV. Can an Immigration Visa Be Obtained While Already in Georgia?
Yes.
A foreign national who is lawfully present in Georgia may apply for an immigration Georgia visa without leaving the country.
In such a case, the decision is made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.
An important deadline applies.
An application for an immigration visa by a foreign national lawfully staying in Georgia must be submitted no later than 45 days before the expiry of the period of lawful stay in Georgia.
A foreign national already in Georgia who intends to switch to a Category D visa should therefore not postpone the procedure until the final weeks of lawful stay.
A Georgia visa is not issued to a person who, at the time of application, is staying in Georgia on the basis of a postponement of the obligation to leave the country.
XXV. How Long Does a Georgia Visa Application Take?
As a general rule, a decision on a long-term Georgia visa is made within 30 calendar days after submission of the visa application.
A special shorter period applies to D5.
A decision on a D5 visa is made within 10 calendar days.
For a short-term electronic visa submitted through the e-VISA PORTAL, the application is generally considered within five working days.
For a C5 short-term electronic visa, a decision is also generally made on the fifth working day.
Where additional circumstances require examination, the C5 review period may extend to 10 working days.
XXVI. What Is the Georgia e-Visa?
A Georgia e-Visa is a Category C short-term visa issued electronically.
To obtain an electronic visa, the foreign national submits the application through the e-VISA PORTAL.
Two principal requirements are particularly important.
First, the applicant must be outside Georgia when the application is submitted.
Second, the electronic visa procedure applies to a Category C short-term visa.
Accordingly, D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6 immigration visas cannot be obtained through the e-VISA PORTAL.
XXVII. How Is an e-Visa Application Submitted?
After completing an electronic Georgia visa application through the e-VISA PORTAL, a confirmation message is sent to the applicant’s email address.
The email address must be confirmed within one hour after the message is sent.
If the applicant misses that deadline, the visa application is cancelled.
The applicable state duty must then be paid within five hours after confirmation of the relevant notification.
Failure to meet that deadline also results in cancellation of the application.
An applicant using the electronic visa procedure should therefore monitor email messages and complete payment promptly after submitting the application.
XXVIII. Georgia e-Visa and the C5 Category
The current regulatory framework also separately recognizes the C5 category of short-term visas.
A C5 Georgia visa may be issued to a person travelling to Georgia for a short-term tourist purpose who, while staying in Georgia, is permitted to carry out the relevant activity only for the benefit of a non-resident person where that activity is connected with the non-resident’s activities outside Georgia.
A C5 visa may also be issued to that person’s:
- spouse;
- minor child.
A multiple-entry C5 electronic Georgia visa may be issued with a validity period of five years and the right to stay in Georgia for one year.
A special electronic visa regime and different service fee apply to this category.
XXIX. Are All Documents Submitted Only Electronically?
For a Category D immigration Georgia visa, completing the application through the geoconsul system does not necessarily mean that the entire procedure is conducted remotely.
The application and documents may be submitted electronically through the system.
However, in relevant cases, submission of a signed application and supporting documents in physical form may also be required.
The electronic Georgia visa regime through the e-VISA PORTAL is different and is specifically designed for a remote short-term visa procedure.
The visa category should therefore be identified before determining the correct application format.
XXX. Can a Representative Submit the Visa Application?
A visa application may be completed and submitted by:
- an adult applicant with legal capacity;
- one parent or another legal representative of a minor;
- a support person where applicable;
- a representative holding a duly certified power of attorney.
Where a Georgia visa application is submitted through a representative, a document proving representative authority is required.
Additional consent requirements concerning a legal representative or representatives may apply in the case of a minor.
This is particularly relevant to the D6 category.
XXXI. Can the Visa-Issuing Authority Request Additional Documents?
Yes.
During consideration of a Georgia visa application, the visa-issuing authority may request additional documents or information where necessary to:
- establish the purpose of travel;
- verify the accuracy of the information submitted;
- verify the reliability of a document;
- examine a possible ground for refusing the visa.
The visa-issuing authority may also invite the applicant or representative for an interview.
Where the application contains a deficiency, the authority may give the applicant a period within which to correct it.
If the deficiency is not corrected within the prescribed period, the visa proceedings may be terminated.
XXXII. What Should an Applicant Check Before Applying?
Before applying for a Georgia visa, the foreign national should review:
- whether a visa is required at all;
- which visa category corresponds to the actual purpose of travel;
- whether the right to work is required for D1;
- what specific professional or other mission exists for D2;
- whether adult study or research is properly established for D3;
- whether the status of the principal family member satisfies the special requirements for D4;
- whether the real estate value exceeds the GEL equivalent of USD 150,000 for D5;
- whether the principal pupil or student is a minor for D6;
- whether sufficient financial resources are available;
- whether the required insurance is valid;
- whether the passport satisfies the validity requirements;
- whether the application is being submitted within the applicable deadline.
Selecting the wrong Georgia visa category may create difficulties at the beginning of the application process.
XXXIII. Georgia Visa vs Residence Permit
A Georgia visa and a residence permit are different legal instruments.
A visa primarily concerns entry into Georgia and lawful stay for the period established by law.
A residence permit creates a separate legal status for temporary or permanent residence in Georgia.
A Category D long-term Georgia visa is particularly relevant to foreign nationals who subsequently plan to obtain the appropriate residence permit.
For example, a foreign national coming to Georgia for employment may require a D1 visa and may later apply for a work residence permit.
An adult student may require a D3 visa and may subsequently apply for a student residence permit.
Each case must nevertheless be assessed individually according to the relevant legal basis.
XXXIV. Legal Assistance with a Georgia Visa
The principal issue in a Georgia visa procedure is selecting the correct visa category.
For a D1 work visa, the applicable right-to-work regime should be assessed.
For D2, the relevant professional, scientific, sports, cultural, educational, or other qualifying mission must be identified.
For D3, the relevant study or research basis must be established.
For D4, the family relationship and the principal family member’s immigration status are important.
For D5, ownership of qualifying property, the type of property, and its market value must be reviewed.
For D6, the minor pupil or student’s status and the position of accompanying family members are relevant.
For an electronic Georgia visa, the Category C short-term online procedure must be distinguished from Category D immigration visas.
TB Legal assists foreign clients with identifying the appropriate visa category, assessing employment and immigration grounds, preparing required documentation, and planning the legal structure for subsequent residence in Georgia.
If you intend to obtain a Georgia visa, the applicable D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, or electronic visa requirements, supporting documents, filing deadlines, and subsequent immigration steps should be assessed before the application is submitted.
