‘Golden Visa’ Georgia gives an pathway to overseas applicants to legalise their residence in the said country by making significant investments in the national economy. Since the beginning of 2025, a new programme ‘Golden Visa’ has come into force in Georgia. It is designed to stimulate the attraction of foreign capital by creating legal conditions for granting both temporary residence permits and long-term residence in exchange for financial support of important sectors of the economy, including real estate, infrastructure, industry and technological innovation.
The possibility to attain a Golden Visa to Georgia with subsequent citizenship attracts international entrepreneurs and wealthy foreigners seeking to diversify their investment portfolio. These programmes provide exceptional opportunities to create sustainable economic ties and optimise the legal and tax situation of participants, offering them access to advantageous business conditions in a jurisdiction with an open investment regime.
Golden Visa to Georgia provides the possibility of multiple entry/exit without the need for regular visa renewal. This is especially important for those who conduct transnational business activities and need flexible logistics of travelling between countries. Golden Visa facilitates not only legalisation of residence, but also integration into the economic and social fabric of the country.
The publication discusses the features of the updated Golden Visa and Citizenship by Investment programmes in Georgia, the stages of administrative processing regulated by legislation, including compliance checks of capital sources, verification of investment contribution, compliance with minimum threshold requirements.
The importance of Georgia in the Caucasus region
Georgia is not just a jurisdiction with an attractive Golden Visa investment programme, but a strategic hub in the trans-regional system of Eurasia. Its geo-economic position in the South Caucasus has contributed to a combination of factors: transit potential, integration into cross-border logistics corridors, active participation in international infrastructure initiatives such as One Belt, One Road, and the presence of free industrial zones that create a favourable regulatory environment for external investment.
Georgia demonstrates sustainable macroeconomic dynamics while maintaining a liberal regulatory policy, including simplified business registration procedures and progressive tax regimes. Foreign applicants are interested in starting a company in Georgia, not only considering the preferential fiscal regime in the country, but also relying on the digitalisation of public administration.
The geopolitical importance of the country is increasing against the backdrop of growing competition for dominance on Eurasian transit routes and access to the resources of the Black Sea basin. Thus, Georgia acts not only as a cultural and historical bridge between East and West, but also as a platform for sustainable economic growth, integration into global supply chains and implementation of transnational projects. For those who hold a residence permit in Georgia, the ability to travel without the burden of visa applications greatly simplifies international travel. Free access across Schengen borders is beneficial for business executives looking to explore Europe in a more convenient way.
Legislation governing the issuance of visas
The Golden Visa Programme in Georgia operates under the provisions of the Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons, including revisions and amendments effective from 2024-25. This legal act structures the categories of foreign citizens eligible to obtain a residence permit in Georgia through investments, regulates the types of permissible investment assets and thresholds of investments required for legal participation in the programme. In particular, it refers to investments in immovable property, direct investments in operating enterprises.
In addition, the said legislative act defines the obligations and restrictions imposed on the applicants, including requirements to confirm the legality of the origin of the invested funds, the obligation to extend the resident status on the basis of maintaining the investment participation. The process of obtaining the Golden Visa of Georgia is initiated by submitting an application to the State Services Agency of the Ministry of Justice (hereinafter - the Agency).
The process can be initiated both in the traditional format by submitting paper documents and electronically by remotely filling in the application form through the official electronic platform of the Agency, which ensures the identification of the applicant and the legal significance of the submitted information. Foreign applicants wishing to apply for a Golden Visa to Georgia have the right to apply to the Agency either in person or through an authorised representative acting on the basis of a notarised power of attorney executed in accordance with the requirements of Georgian legislation.
The Agency exercises powers related to the administration and verification of residents' personal data, including constant monitoring of the relevance of information in state registers. Within the limits of its competences, this agency ensures systematic verification of visa validity periods, supervising compliance with migration legislation. Special attention is paid to the category of investment residence permit holders, where the Agency controls the correctness and timeliness of procedures related to the prolongation of this status, analysing the applicants' compliance with the established criteria of the investment migration programme. These processes include legal expertise of submitted documents, accounting of financial and property indicators, ensuring transparency of transactional operations confirming the availability of required investments. Thus, the Agency fulfils the function of an institutional guarantor of legal compliance and legitimacy of migration procedures.
Georgia Golden Visa programme: details of the conditions for investing in real estate
‘Golden Visa’ of Georgia, known as Naturally Georgia Golden Visa is an instrument for attracting foreign direct investment by granting qualified investors and their immediate family members long-term resident status. This lawful and economic mechanism is integrated into the national policy of economic liberalisation and international integration aimed at creating a favourable investment regime and diversifying capital flows.
Georgia's Golden Visa investment programme opens up a wide range of options for foreign investors - from acquiring real estate and investing in the charter capital of Georgian companies to participating in priority sectors, among them tourism, agriculture, energy and information technology. These instruments are structured to provide a flexible entry threshold adapted to different categories of investors - from individual entrepreneurs to institutional investors. With its economic growth, favourable tax policies and strategic geographical location between Europe and Asia, Georgia is positioned as a competitive jurisdiction for individuals seeking to expand their investment portfolio in the Eurasian region.
The Golden Visa immigration programme in Georgia is characterised by a combination of affordability and administrative transparency. Unlike similar schemes in other jurisdictions, which require multi-million dollar investments in commercial real estate or corporate structures, the scheme of obtaining a residence permit for investment in Georgia regulates a relatively low investment threshold, providing non-residents with an opportunity for legal residence through direct participation in the dynamically developing segment of residential or commercial real estate.
If an investor decides to increase his investment in real estate up to $300,000, he is entitled to apply for a residence permit in Georgia for up to 12 months, which can then be converted into a 5-year residence permit. This status provides him with unlimited stay in Georgia for a 5-year period. Unlike the initial temporary residence, this option allows more freedom to stay in the country and reside on a longer term basis.
Investors have the opportunity to diversify their portfolio by acquiring properties in various segments of the property market - from apartments in the business and cultural agglomeration of Tbilisi to villas and private houses in tourist locations, including resort and rural areas.
New Golden Visa to Georgia through business investment programme
Obtaining a Golden Visa to Georgia for those who are interested in deeper integration into the national economy and active support of local business initiatives, provides for investment in business development. Having invested a regulated amount (indicated below) in the creation or development of a business project, investors can obtain a residence permit in Georgia for a period of 5 years with the possibility of extending it indefinitely.
A permanent residence permit in Georgia may be issued to a foreign citizen (and his/her immediate family members) who holds an investment residence permit obtained as a result of investing an amount of $300,000 or more (equivalent in GEL), provided that he/she demonstrates compliance with the conditions of minimum turnover from business activities carried out on the territory of the country. In particular, in the first year the turnover (all the indicated amounts are equivalent in GEL) must be at least $50,000, in the second year - at least $100,000, and in the following three years (third, fourth and fifth) - at least $120,000.
It is wssential to point that in order to extend this residency, the investor must fulfil certain economic obligations, including the achievement of key business objectives aimed at stimulating economic growth and improving the business environment in the country. This creates incentives for the creation of new jobs, innovative businesses and strengthening the economic sustainability of the state.
Georgia's new Golden Visa programme is an important part of the state's strategy to attract overseas investment and improve the business environment. The programme provides foreign citizens not only with residency status, but also with access to numerous benefits such as participation in local economic and social projects, improved business conditions and possible access to fiscal incentives for investors in specific sectors.
The Naturally Georgia Golden Visa programme continues to evolve, adapting to changes in immigration and investment, ensuring its relevance to those seeking to make Georgia their residence while contributing to its economic development. The updated regulations emphasise efforts to clarify eligibility criteria and investment obligations as government agencies aim to attract targeted types of capital investment aimed at stimulating the country's growth and progress.
Registering a business in Georgia to obtain a Golden Visa
If a foreign applicant is interested in registering a company in Georgia, he/she should familiarise himself/herself in detail with the corporate legislation and the permitted organisational forms for the implementation of a business project. To launch a startup in Georgia, non-resident entrepreneurs can choose from several legal forms, each of which has its own legal, financial and administrative peculiarities.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
LLC is one of the most popular forms of doing business. Its founders can be individuals or legal entities, including foreign residents and organisations. The liability of founders is limited by the size of their capital contributions, which minimises risks to personal assets. This form of organisation is considered to be the best option for small businesses and provides convenient management and distribution of profits.
Joint Stock Company (JSC)
This form is preferable for large companies that are focused on attracting significant external investment. The authorised capital of a JSC is divided into shares, which can be freely sold or bought. Shareholders are liable for the company's debts to the extent of the value of their shares. A JSC is able to enter the stock market and raise capital through the issue of shares.
Limited partnership
This structure includes two types of partners: managing and silent partners. Managing partners have unlimited liability for the obligations of the partnership, while the second category of partners are limited in liability by their share in the capital and cannot participate in management (unless otherwise stipulated in the partnership agreement). This form of organisation combines active management with the involvement of passive investors.
Private Entrepreneur
This is an individual engaged in business without registering a legal entity in Georgia. However, a private entrepreneur is fully liable for the obligations of the business with his/her personal assets, which makes this option less attractive for those who want to limit risks.
Despite the differences in the degree of responsibility of participants and managerial peculiarities, the majority of organisational forms of enterprises in Georgia are characterised by the absence of mandatory minimum capital requirements. This approach optimises the registration process and reduces financial barriers, which is important for small enterprises. However, for joint stock companies there is a rule according to which the minimum size of the founding capital should be 100,000 GEL (32,005 EUR). This requirement is aimed at ensuring the financial stability of the company and protecting the interests of its shareholders.
Real Estate
This sector has been showing significant growth rates over the last few years. The high growth rate in the number of tourists increases the demand for accommodation. In major cities such as Tbilisi, Batumi and other tourist centres, there is an increase in property prices, which creates opportunities for investors. Buying property for rent, including short-term rentals, can bring stable income. In the capital, as well as in the major industrial centres of the country, there is an increase in new business projects requiring office and warehouse space for rent. The potential for growth in commercial property prices remains high, especially in the newly developing areas of Tbilisi.
Agriculture and food industry
Agriculture is the backbone of the economy, despite the development of other sectors, this area continues to be a promising area for investment. Export of agricultural products is developing in the country. The demand for ecologically clean and organic products is growing both in international markets and domestically. Investing in agricultural enterprises, production facilities for processing and distribution systems can be profitable against the backdrop of increasing exports. With the development of agriculture, there is an increasing demand for the processing of products and the creation of value-added products. Investments in the processing of agricultural products are among the most profitable.
IT sector
Georgia is actively developing as a centre for innovative and technological start-ups. Establishing an IT company in Georgia can be one of the cost-effective solutions. In recent years, the startup ecosystem in the country has been growing. New technoparks and incubators are opening in Tbilisi and other major cities to support startups with tax incentives, infrastructure and access to international markets. Programming, application development, blockchain and cryptocurrencies are becoming popular among entrepreneurs interested in launching business projects in order to obtain a residence permit in Georgia.
Registering an IT business in Georgia and obtaining a VZP (virtual zone entity) certificate entitles to a full exemption from corporate income tax if the IT activities are aimed at providing services to foreign clients. However, it is important to note that the exemption applies only to certain types of IT services, such as the development of applications, software and other IT products. Services not related to the creation of such products cannot qualify for the application of the tax exemptions provided for companies with VZP.
In addition, the government has officially submitted to the Parliament a draft law that provides for the introduction of a 10-year tax incentive programme for innovative start-ups in order to stimulate technological and entrepreneurial growth in the country. Under the terms of the programme, in the first 3 years, eligible startups will receive a full income tax exemption (0% rate). In the next 7 years, companies will enjoy reduced tax rates, which will create favourable conditions for their growth and sustainable development in the market.
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How to get a Georgia Golden Visa
The Georgia Golden Visa programme demonstrates the country's strategic focus on strengthening international investment cooperation and promoting sustainable economic development. Any foreign person who has no criminal record and has a confirmed amount of investment capital can apply for participation in the new investment programme Georgia Golden Visa.
The legislation does not impose restrictions on the applicant's citizenship or professional affiliation. The procedure of applying for a residence visa in Georgia is a multi-stage process, including preparation and submission of a set package of documents, compliance check (including background check), mandatory interview at a Georgian diplomatic mission (consulate or embassy).
The process of applying for an investment visa in Georgia by purchasing a property includes consecutive steps, starting with the selection of the property and the official registration of the sale and purchase agreement. Once the insurance on the property has been taken out, it is registered at the State Services House to legally secure the investment transaction. Application processing time can fluctuate, usually ranging from 10 to 30 working days, depending on a number of factors.
The process of applying for a Golden Visa in Georgia through business investment involves several steps. The first stage involves analysing the market and identifying the area of business to be invested in. This is followed by preparation and submission of an application for registration of the company in Georgia, which requires submission of a number of documents, including a business plan, financial forecasts, founding documentation, personal documents of the founders and management of the company, confirmation of the availability of the necessary funds for the investment contribution.
After successful registration of the company, the applicant can apply for an investment visa. At the stage of initiation of attaining an investment residence permit (Golden Visa) in Georgia, the applicant is obliged to form an exhaustive package of papers that meet the requirements of the national legislation on the legal status of foreigners and stateless persons.
The key documents subject to mandatory submission are:
- a valid passport or other identity document;
- official confirmation of the legal origin of income (e.g. income certificates, tax returns, auditor's reports);
- a criminal record certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of permanent residence;
- a bank statement showing that the necessary funds are available for the investment;
- fiscal documents confirming the fulfilment of tax obligations.
All submitted documents must be harmonised with the regulations of Georgian migration legislation. Translation of all documents into the state language (Georgian) is mandatory, with subsequent notarisation. In addition, documents issued outside Georgia are subject to legalisation or apostilisation in accordance with international agreements to which Georgia is a party.
Special attention is paid to the due diligence procedure of the sources of funding. An applicant for a Georgian Golden Visa must demonstrate the legality of the origin of the funds intended for investment. National authorities carry out a comprehensive check of financial documents for compliance with the requirements of the legislation in the field of AML/CFT. The presence of minor discrepancies, discrepancies in the data provided or formal errors may be grounds for suspension or rejection of the application. Therefore, it is recommended to involve qualified specialists in the preparation of documents, who will provide competent and comprehensive support in obtaining a Golden Visa in Georgia.
During the application process, it is essential to comply with the submission deadlines, take into account all current changes in the migration legislation, which requires close cooperation with consultants specialising in the support of investment projects in Georgia. It should be noted that an attractive option for foreign investors and wealthy individuals is the possibility of subsequently obtaining Georgian citizenship. In accordance with the current migration legislation of the country, holders of the Golden Visa in Georgia may initiate the naturalisation procedure after legal and continuous residence on the territory of the country on the basis of an indefinite (permanent) residence permit for the period established by law.
At the same time, citizenship in Georgia implies not just a legal status, but also a set of key socio-economic and political preferences. These include unlimited right to employment without the need to obtain additional permits, access to the national health care and education system, full participation in electoral processes, including the ability to influence the vectors of the republic's development through voting and exercising electoral rights. Thus, the acquisition of Georgian citizenship can be considered not only as a tool for integration into the local socio-cultural environment, but also as a strategic asset that opens access to sustainable mechanisms for the protection of rights and freedoms and long-term opportunities for expanding personal and business interests in Eurasia.
Deadline for obtaining a Golden Visa to Georgia
The new Golden Visa Georgia provides foreign applicants with an opportunity to legalise their stay in the territory of the country through qualified investments. The processing time of the investment visa varies depending on the selected investment category, completeness of the submitted documents and the administrative workload of the authorised bodies.
The initial stage of the procedure involves structuring of the investment package and preparation of a full set of documentation, which usually takes from 1 to 2 months. After the application is submitted to the authorised body, a due diligence procedure is initiated, the duration of which varies from 3 months. If there is a need for additional verification or provision of additional information, the due diligence period may be prolonged. The financial burden is formed of mandatory payments, including the basic qualification fee - investment in approved assets according to the programme criteria, ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. In addition, the applicant needs to cover administrative costs, government fees and the cost of notary support.
Citizenship of Georgia for investment
It is worth noting that unlike a number of other jurisdictions, Georgia does not have a direct programme of citizenship by investment scheme. But despite the fact that there is no citizenship by investment programme in Georgia, the country offers very attractive conditions for those who are ready for a long and deliberate process of adaptation.
For those aiming for citizenship, the country's lawmakers offer a path through long-term residence. Candidates must reside in the country for at least 10 consecutive years, which emphasises the need to integrate into Georgian society and culture. An essential part of this process is passing a Georgian language exam, testing for knowledge of the country's history and culture. These requirements are intended to ensure that the candidate truly shares the values and traditions of Georgia and is ready to become a full-fledged member of its society.
Prospects and opportunities for Georgian citizens in terms of global mobility
Against the background of globalisation and increasing interconnections between countries, Georgia is involved in creating and strengthening these connections. The country is implementing policies aimed at developing international mobility of its citizens, which contributes not only to the growth of tourism, but also to the improvement of working and living conditions. Improvement of transport infrastructure, simplification of visa formalities, participation in international agreements on visa-free travel - all this contributes to further integration of Georgia into the global economy and social structure.
Holders of Georgian citizenship can visit 125 countries without a visa. This level of accessibility not only provides citizens with significant travel benefits, but also demonstrates Georgia's growing influence on the world stage in terms of mobility and inter-state relations. This opens up opportunities for Georgian citizens for personal and professional travel, business activities, educational programmes and cultural exchanges.
Fiscal burden and legal obligations of investors
After obtaining a leave to remain in Georgia under the investment residency programme known as the Golden Visa, the investor is obliged to comply with the legal and tax regulations in force in the jurisdiction. Tax obligations arise in the case of generation of income originating from sources within the territory of Georgia. This means that taxation applies to any form of income that qualifies as being of Georgian origin. Such income includes, among others, rental income from the use of immovable property located in the country, as well as income from the alienation of assets located within Georgia. Dividends paid by legal entities registered in Georgia, regardless of their participation in cross-border economic activities, are also included.
Such income is subject to national tax regulation and may be subject to income tax or other fiscal payments established by local legislation. At the same time, income not having a source in Georgia is subject to taxation in accordance with tax residency regulations. The Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate is 15%. The total value of the following transactions is subject to CIT:
- Payments to participants (dividends) in the distribution of net profits.
- Costs not attributable to business activities.
- Transactions involving the donation of assets.
- Representation expenses exceeding the established norms.
Investors who have attained a residence permit in Georgia through investments and do not claim tax residency status are exempted from the obligation to submit annual tax returns if there is no taxable income in the country. Nevertheless, the receipt of profits from property rental, payment of dividends or other types of financial receipts require registration with tax authorities and filing of relevant tax returns. If an investor owns a company in Georgia, he/she needs to keep accounting records, file financial statements and declarations on the income of the company. This rule applies if the application has been made for a Georgia Golden Visa through investment in a company.
Denial of visa application
The procedure of applying for a Golden Visa in Georgia requires compliance with regulatory requirements and audit by the state authorities. At each stage of the application process, the competent institution carries out a comprehensive examination of the submitted documents, any non-compliance with the established criteria may result in the denial of the visa.
One of the key aspects of the procedure is a comprehensive examination of the applicant, during which not only the completeness of the submitted documents is assessed, but also attention is paid to the fulfilment of the conditions relating to the minimum investment, confirmation of the legal origin of funds.
The following factors are common reasons for refusal:
- Incompleteness of the package of submitted information. In case of missing or incorrectly executed documents, the application cannot be successfully considered. It is essential to provide all required proofs, including financial documents certifying the availability of funds, documents confirming the legality of their origin.
- Violation of investment conditions. Georgian legislation sets specific minimum investment amounts for obtaining a Georgian Golden Visa for investments in property or business. Failure to meet these requirements may be grounds for refusal. The applicant is obliged to confirm that the funds are directed to legitimate and approved state projects or areas consistent with the objectives of the programme.
- Problems with proving the legal origin of funds. One of the important components of the procedure is the need to prove that the funds allocated for investments are of legal origin. A thorough check of the applicant's sources of income is carried out on the basis of bank statements, tax returns and other financial documents. A refusal may be issued in case of doubts about the origin of the funds.
- Errors in legalisation of documents. It is essential to go through the procedure of legalisation of all submitted documents correctly and in a timely manner, both for Georgian authorities and for other jurisdictions, if the documents were issued outside Georgia. Errors in this process may result in delays or refusals.
- Failure to comply with financial and tax obligations. The applicant must demonstrate full compliance with tax laws in both Georgia and their country of residence. Failure to pay taxes or being in arrears may be cause for rejection of the application.
In case of refusal to issue a Georgian Golden Visa, it is essential to analyse the reasons stated in the official notification. These reasons may be of both legal and administrative nature, and understanding them will allow making the right decision on further actions. Based on the information obtained, it will be possible to reapply, eliminating all the shortcomings mentioned. Legal support in obtaining a Golden Visa to Georgia is a key aspect that helps to reduce the likelihood of rejection at the application stage. High-quality legal assistance helps to avoid common mistakes that may lead to rejection of the application, minimise the risks of non-compliance of documentation with the established requirements.
Conclusion
At the beginning of 2025, a new immigration programme ‘Golden Visa’ came into force on the territory of Georgia, which envisages the granting of an initial temporary residence permit with the prospect of its transformation into long-term or permanent residence, provided that the established financial obligations are met. The key areas subject to investment priority are identified as strategically important sectors of the national economy, among them the residential and commercial property sector. However, Georgian lawmakers do not provide a direct opportunity to obtain citizenship through investment.
In contrast, Caribbean states (e.g., St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda) have introduced economic citizenship programmes that allow citizenship to be attained through investments in national funds or real estate. The choice between Georgia and the Caribbean depends on many factors, including financial resources, preferred taxation conditions, minimum residency requirements and strategic long-term planning goals.
The experts of our firm offer comprehensive assistance in applying for a Georgia Golden Visa, from analysing investment opportunities and choosing the best investment destination to preparing a complete package of documents that complies with all current legal requirements. We accompany our clients at every stage of the process, including application, obtaining and renewal of residence permits.