Georgia offers a diverse range of visa categories designed to accommodate various travel purposes, from brief tourism visits to extended business engagements and long-term residence. Understanding the specific requirements and validity periods for each type ensures a smooth application process and entry into the country.
Ordinary Visa (Type C)
The Ordinary Visa (Type C) is issued to individuals visiting Georgia for short-term purposes, including tourism, business meetings, conferences, cultural or sports events, medical treatment, and family visits. This visa is typically issued for a single entry or multiple entries, usually up to 90 days. Single-entry Ordinary Visas allow stays of 30 days within a 120-day validity period, or 90 days within a 180-day validity period, depending on your nationality, while multiple-entry Ordinary Visas are valid for a maximum of 5 years and allow several visits with a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. The Ordinary Visa does not grant the right to engage in employment activities in Georgia.
The Type C visa is divided into subcategories: C1 (Tourist Visa), C2 (Visitor Visa), C3 (Business Visa), and C4 (Mission Visa), each tailored to specific purposes. Processing time for e-Visas is typically 3-5 working days, though it is recommended to apply at least two weeks before your planned trip to allow for potential delays. Standard tourist visa processing takes about 10 calendar days, but may be prolonged up to 30 days or exceptionally 60 days for individual cases requiring more detailed examination.
C5 Tourist Visa (Introduced April 2026)
On April 15, 2026, the Georgian Parliament introduced a C5 visa: a multiple-entry Ordinary visa with up to 5 years validity and a cumulative permitted stay of up to 1 year, priced at 300 USD. The C5 is designed for tourists who simultaneously conduct limited entrepreneurial activities exclusively for the benefit of non-resident foreign entities operating outside Georgia — a profile that encompasses many digital nomads and remote professionals. The visa may also be issued to the applicant's spouse and minor children. It does not permit work for Georgian entities, does not replace the D1 work visa for locally-oriented employment, and is not available to all nationalities; eligibility is restricted to citizens of countries designated as safe by Georgian authorities.
Immigration Visa (Type D)
The Immigration Visa (Type D) is granted to individuals who intend to work, study, join family members, or invest in Georgia. This visa allows the holder to stay in Georgia for a period longer than 90 days and can be extended or converted to a residence permit once in the country. There are several types of Immigration Visas, each designed for specific long-term purposes: D1 (work), D2 (study), D3 (family reunification), D4 (entrepreneurship), and D5 (investment).
Fees for Georgian Immigration Visas typically range from 100 USD to 300 USD, depending on the visa type and duration. Long-term visas are issued with the right to multiple entries to the country, for a term of 90 calendar days, for 1-year validity period, or for the term the person will be staying in Georgia.
Work Visa and Employment Requirements
Neither a C1 tourist visa nor the general visa-free entry right authorizes employment in Georgia. Effective March 1, 2026, most foreign workers need both a Special Labour Activity Permit (right to work) and a D1 Immigration Visa or Labour Residency Permit to legally work in Georgia. Standard processing for the work permit costs 200 GEL (approximately 75 USD) within 30 calendar days, while expedited processing costs 400 GEL (approximately 150 USD) within 10 business days.
Work permits are initially issued for 6 months to 1 year from the date of issuance of a D1 visa or residence permit, can be renewed annually during the first five years, then for 1-5 years, with IT sector specialists receiving initial permits for up to 3 years. Foreign nationals already working in Georgia prior to March 1, 2026, are required to obtain a work permit by January 1, 2027, as part of a transition period. Exceptions to work permit requirements apply to refugees, asylum seekers, employees of diplomatic missions, journalists of foreign media, and individuals with investment residence permits.
Student and Academic Visas
Student visas fall under the D2 category of Immigration Visas and align with academic program duration, requiring enrollment confirmation from recognized Georgian institutions. Processing times for Immigration Visas can take up to 30 calendar days. Multiple-entry options are available for students requiring travel during their studies.
Special Categories
The Special Visa (Type B) is designed for individuals visiting Georgia for specific purposes, such as cultural, scientific, or sports events, as well as those participating in volunteer programs, religious missions, or international exchange programs, and requires supporting documentation related to the purpose of the visit. The Diplomatic Visa (Type A) is issued to diplomats, high-ranking officials, and members of international organizations visiting Georgia for official purposes, is exempt from consular fees, and is granted based on diplomatic arrangements.
Transit Visa (Type T)
The Transit Visa (Type T) is issued to individuals transiting through Georgia en route to another destination and allows a short stay for the purpose of transit, usually granted for a maximum of 10 days. Transit visa holders are expected to have confirmed travel tickets to their final destination.
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