When you finish reading this, you’ll understand how Georgia’s investor residence permit works—what investments qualify, how to apply, the perks you receive, and pitfalls to avoid. You’ll also get fresh insights on the program’s evolution, its economic impact, and how it stacks up against neighboring countries.

How the Investor Permit Took Shape

Georgia first launched its investor residence permit in 2014 to attract foreign capital, and in 2021 authorities introduced a specialized investor permit with clearer rules and faster processing, as detailed in Fragomen’s report. Over time, the minimum investment thresholds have shifted, aiming to balance accessibility with genuine economic benefit.

Investment Pathways That Qualify

You can secure your permit through one of these channels:
– Real estate purchases (minimum US $300,000)
– Direct investment in a Georgian-registered business (minimum US $300,000)
– Acquisition of Georgia’s state securities (minimum US $300,000)

These thresholds and qualifying activities are outlined in the Public Service Development Agency’s investor residence permit guidelines.

Real Estate Investments

Buying residential or commercial property is the most popular route. Your title deed must be registered with the National Agency of Public Registry, ensuring full legal protection of your ownership.

Business Investments

You can inject capital into a startup or existing company. The business must employ at least two Georgian residents for every US $100,000 invested.

State Securities

Government bonds and other public securities count, provided they remain held for at least two years.

Who’s Eligible and How Much You Must Invest

To qualify, you must:
1. Be over 18 years old
2. Make the minimum qualifying investment (US $300,000)
3. Prove the lawful source of your funds
4. Have a clean criminal record

These criteria apply equally to family members included in your application.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Gather documents:
2. Passport copy
3. Investment proof (contracts, bank statements)
4. Police clearance certificate
5. Submit online via the Public Service Development Agency portal
6. Attend an in-person appointment in Tbilisi or a regional service center
7. Receive an approval letter (usually within 30–45 days)
8. Finalize your permit at migration offices

From Permit to Permanent Resident—and Beyond

Your initial permit is valid for two years and can be renewed indefinitely if you maintain your qualifying investment, in accordance with the Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons, Article 29. After five years of continuous residence, you may apply for Georgian citizenship under the Law on Citizenship of Georgia.

What You Gain as an Investor Resident

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 90 countries, including EU Schengen states, according to the Henley Passport Index
• Exemption from property tax on owner-occupied residences as per the State Revenue Service of Georgia
• Access to Georgian healthcare and education systems
• Freedom to work or start new ventures without additional permits

Numbers, Trends, and Economic Impact

Since its inception, the program has shown steady growth. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs statistics, about 1,500 investor permits were issued in 2022, with top applicant nationalities being Russia, Turkey, China, and Ukraine. Foreign direct investment into Georgian real estate and business sectors rose by 12% in 2021, totaling US $1.2 billion, as reported in the National Bank of Georgia Annual Report 2021.

Pitfalls, Scandals, and Lessons Learned

• Property scams: Some investors bought land without clear titles, highlighted in a Bloomberg report on property scams in Georgia.
• Bureaucratic delays: Incomplete documentation often leads to a cycle of resubmissions.
• High-profile revocation: In 2020, authorities canceled a Russian businessman’s permit amid money-laundering allegations, covered by OC Media.

Tax Considerations and Double Taxation Treaties

Georgia’s personal income tax stands at a flat 20%, while corporate profits are taxed at 15% only upon distribution (Estonian model), as outlined in the PwC Tax Summary for Georgia. The country has concluded double taxation avoidance treaties with 56 nations, according to the OECD’s list of Georgia’s tax treaties.

How Georgia Compares to Its Neighbors

• Armenia: Investor permit requires a US $100,000 fixed deposit or US $500,000 in industry, per the Armenian Ministry of Economy.
• Azerbaijan: US $100,000 real estate minimum, but no path to citizenship, as detailed by the Azerbaijan State Migration Service.
• Turkey: US $400,000 real estate route, five-year residence before citizenship, outlined in the Turkey citizenship by investment program.

The Role of Local Intermediaries and Property Resale

Licensed real estate agents and immigration lawyers can streamline your process but charge fees between 2–5% of the investment, according to Knight Frank’s Georgia Investment Market report. If you sell or transfer your qualifying property, you must top up your investment within 90 days to maintain residency.

Your Next Chapter in Georgia

You now have a clear picture: which investments work, how to apply, the advantages awaiting you, and the minefields to avoid. Armed with these insights, you’re ready to make an informed move and join the community of investor residents shaping Georgia’s future.