The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs has prepared a package of amendments to migration legislation that provides for stricter rules for issuing temporary and permanent residence permits to foreign students and spouses of Georgian citizens, according to Georgian and international media reports citing the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs.
According to the proposals, only adult foreigners enrolled in accredited educational institutions will be eligible to receive a student residence permit. Additionally, the validity period of such a residence permit may not exceed the estimated duration of the study program.
The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs also proposes restricting the ability to obtain a permanent residence permit based on study. To do so, a foreign student must have resided continuously in Georgia for 10 years specifically under a student residence permit. However, time spent in the country prior to reaching the age of majority will not count toward this period.
Certain changes concern spouses of Georgian citizens. The bill provides for the introduction of a new type of permit—a residence permit for the husband or wife of a Georgian citizen. Before issuing it, a special commission will verify the authenticity of the marriage to prevent sham marriages aimed at legalizing residence in the country.
If the changes are approved, the new rules will take effect as early as July 1, 2026, and residence permits already issued prior to that date will remain valid until their expiration.
The tightening of the rules comes amid broader changes in Georgia’s migration policy. The country has previously raised the requirements for obtaining a residence permit through real estate investment, specifically by increasing the minimum property value threshold.
For foreigners considering Georgia as a destination for study, relocation, or family residence, the changes will mean a more complicated legalization process and fewer opportunities for automatic transition to permanent residency.
The tightening of rules comes amid broader changes in Georgia’s migration policy. Starting March 1, 2026, the country will also introduce new requirements for foreign nationals who are employed, running a business, self-employed, or working remotely. A transition period is in place until January 1, 2027.
For Georgia, the issue of migration has become particularly sensitive since 2022. According to a study by the ISET Policy Institute based on data from Geostat and the border police, between 2015 and 2024, the largest positive migration balance among foreigners in Georgia was recorded for citizens of Russia—97,090 people, Ukraine—27,150, Azerbaijan—14,250, Turkey—14,240, Belarus—13,540, and India—13,320.
In 2022–2024, the migration structure changed significantly. According to the same study, the main groups of foreign immigrants and net migration growth were citizens of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Their share of the total number of foreign immigrants rose from 32% in 2012–2021 to 62% in 2022–2024.
Separately, changes apply to Ukrainians. Previously, Georgia granted Ukrainian citizens a longer visa-free stay, but in 2025, it was reduced to one year.
Georgia had previously tightened the requirements for obtaining a residence permit through real estate investment, specifically by raising the minimum property value threshold.
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