Since 1 September 2026, Georgia has been applying significant updates to its immigration legislation. These changes establish a more organized immigration system with stricter oversight, affecting students, families, business owners, and remote workers. While legal residents who follow the rules should not face major issues, proactive management of your legal status is now essential.
New in 2026: a separate right to work
Since 1 March 2026, foreign nationals who work or run a business in Georgia need the right to engage in labor activity in addition to a visa or residence permit. Read: Do you need a work permit to freelance or run a business in Georgia?
At a Glance: 2026 Key Changes
| Change | Target Audience | Key Impact |
|---|---|---|
| D6 Visa | Minors | New dedicated visa pathway |
| Study Permits | Students | University/Vocational only |
| Marriage Permits | Spouses | Tiered 5-year process |
| Appeals | All Applicants | 10-day limit |
New Student Visa Framework
Georgia is updating its educational visa structure to better distinguish between age groups and academic levels.
- New D6 Visa (Minors): Specifically for children studying at approved Georgian schools, minors in accredited universities or vocational colleges, and their parents, legal guardians, or minor siblings. It is valid for 1 year, allows multiple entries, and is renewable from within Georgia.
- Existing D3 Visa: Remains available primarily for adult students in full-time university studies, vocational institutions, or approved research programs.
Stricter Student Residency Rules
From September 2026, school students are no longer eligible for a study residence permit; this is reserved exclusively for university or vocational students.
Grounds for Permit Cancellation:
- Student status suspended for >90 days.
- Failure to complete sufficient academic credits.
- Determination that studies are not genuine.
- Absence from Georgia for 183+ days in a 12-month period (excluding medical or official exchange exceptions).
Note: If your status is suspended on 1 September 2026, you have until 1 January 2027 to reactivate it. Educational institutions are now mandated to report status changes to immigration authorities.
Residency Through Marriage
Georgia has introduced additional checks for residency applications via marriage to a Georgian citizen.
- Government Commission: A special commission may interview spouses, request proof of a genuine relationship, or perform home visits.
- Spouse Residence Permit: Applicants can no longer apply directly for permanent residence. You must first obtain a Spouse Residence Permit (1-year term, renewable every 2 years, valid for a maximum of 5 years). After 5 years of marriage and living in Georgia, you may apply for permanent residence.
Monitoring and Enforcement
New databases are being deployed to monitor foreign nationals.
- Legal Status Tracking: Databases will now record both legal residents and those who have stayed without permission or have been subject to deportation/entry bans.
- Proof of Legal Stay: Public and private organizations (excluding healthcare providers) are now authorized to request an official certificate confirming your legal status.
- Faster Appeals: Refused applications now carry a 10-calendar-day appeal window. Filing an appeal does not automatically stop deportation if a formal order has already been issued.
