Your Guide to Moving to or Traveling in Georgia (the Country): Visas, Residency & the Path to Citizenship

Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is a small but mighty country that’s quickly rising in the ranks of the world’s best destinations for digital nomads, slow travelers, and freedom-seekers. Whether you’re coming for the wine, the mountains, the affordability, or the famously generous visa policy — Georgia offers a rare combination of ease, opportunity, and adventure.

If you’ve ever considered putting down temporary or long-term roots in a place that still feels off the beaten path, Georgia might just be your dream base. This guide will walk you through tourist visas, digital nomad options, residency pathways, and how to work toward citizenship — no matter where you’re coming from.

✈️ Tourist Entry & 365-Day Visa-Free Stay

Georgia is incredibly welcoming when it comes to short-term stays. Citizens from 98+ countries — including the U.S., Canada, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Latin America — can enter Georgia without a visa for up to 365 days.

That’s not a typo: one full year visa-free.

You don’t need to apply ahead of time, register locally, or fill out extra paperwork (though keeping a proof of onward travel and a passport valid for 6+ months is still wise). You’re free to live, travel, rent, work remotely, and explore at your own pace.

Pro tip: After the 365 days, you can leave Georgia briefly (even for a few hours) and re-enter to reset the clock.

💻 "Remotely from Georgia" Program (Digital Nomads & Freelancers)

Georgia is one of the few countries that officially launched a visa initiative for remote workers. If you:

• Earn a monthly income of $2,000 USD or more

• Have proof of health insurance

• Plan to stay at least 180 days

…you can apply for the Remotely from Georgia visa. It allows you to stay longer-term with peace of mind, work legally, and potentially transition into a formal residency permit.

This option is perfect for digital nomads who want to base themselves in Georgia for 6+ months and stay compliant with tax, legal, and visa frameworks.

🏠 Residency Permits

If you fall in love with Georgia (and many do), you might want to stay beyond the tourist or freelancer timelines. Here are your main residency permit options:

1. Short-Term Residence Permit

Granted to those who:

• Have a local work contract

• Start a business in Georgia

• Own real estate (minimum value: $100,000 USD)

• Marry a Georgian citizen

• Are family members of a resident or citizen

Valid for up to 1 year, and renewable.

2. Permanent Residency

After 6 years of uninterrupted residence in Georgia on a short-term permit (or 5 years if you're married to a citizen), you can apply for permanent residency.

Benefits include:

• Long-term legal stay

• Easier path to citizenship

• Access to more rights and protections under Georgian law

🌍 Path to Citizenship

Yes — Georgia offers a path to naturalized citizenship, though it requires time and commitment.

You can apply for Georgian citizenship if:

• You’ve legally resided in Georgia for 10 years

• You speak basic Georgian

• You know Georgian history and laws

• You’ve demonstrated a commitment to the country (i.e., through work, community, or cultural integration)

Fast-track citizenship is also available in rare cases for individuals deemed to have made a special contribution to the country — but this is uncommon.

🇬🇪 Why So Many People Are Staying

What makes people fall in love with Georgia — and not just visit, but stay?

• Affordable cost of living (comfortably live on $1,000–$1,500/month)

• Stunning nature — from snow-covered peaks to ancient cave cities

• Rich culture + history

• Freedom + flexibility (few bureaucratic hurdles)

• Warm, welcoming community

• Delicious food and wine — and it’s very vegetarian-friendly

🧭 Final Thoughts

Georgia is one of the rare countries that welcomes you in — and makes it easy to linger, build, and belong. Whether you’re traveling short-term, working remotely for a year, or dreaming of permanent roots, Georgia offers real options for every stage of the journey.

If you’re looking for a place where freedom, creativity, and affordability intersect, put Georgia at the top of your list.