Georgian Visa Types: Categories A, B, C, D and T and D1–D6 Immigration Visas
Short answer: Georgian visas are divided into five categories (A, B, C, D, T). Category C, including the electronic visa, is used for short-term visits, while a D1–D6 immigration visa is needed if you plan to live, work or study in Georgia for a longer period.
A Georgian visa is one of the legal grounds for a foreigner to enter the country and stay for the period defined by law. The right visa category depends on the purpose of entry.
In this article we look at the main categories of Georgian visa, the difference between short-term and long-term visas, the D1–D6 immigration visas and the electronic visa system.
Main Categories of Georgian Visa
Under Georgian law, visas are divided into five main groups:
- Category A – diplomatic visa;
- Category B – special visa;
- Category C – ordinary visa;
- Category D – immigration visa;
- Category T – transit visa.
Categories A and B mainly serve cases related to official, diplomatic and special status.
Category C is used for short-term visits and is divided into several subcategories.
Category D relates to entry for long-term purposes. It is often also a precondition for obtaining legal residence status.
Category T is intended for foreigners who pass through Georgian territory in transit while travelling to a third country.
What Is the Difference Between a Short-Term and a Long-Term Visa?
A Georgian visa may be short-term or long-term.
A single-entry short-term visa is issued for the period stated in the application, but for no more than 30 days.
A multiple-entry short-term visa may be issued with a longer validity period (up to 5 years under the law). Even so, under the ordinary regime, a foreigner’s total stay in Georgia must not exceed 90 calendar days in any 180-day period, unless a special exception applies.
A long-term visa is issued with the right of multiple entry. The Category D immigration visas are long-term visas. Their ordinary validity and period of stay in Georgia is 90 calendar days, while D5 and D6 visas are issued for 1 year.
This difference is especially important for a foreigner who plans to obtain residence in Georgia later.
Immigration Visa (Category D): D1–D6
For foreigners who plan to live or carry out activities in Georgia over the long term, Category D is the most important. Each subcategory relates to a different purpose:
| Visa | Intended for |
|---|---|
| D1 | Employment and related entrepreneurial activity |
| D2 | Professional, scientific, sporting, cultural and other activities |
| D3 | Study and research by an adult |
| D4 | Family reunification |
| D5 | Ownership of real estate of the required value |
| D6 | Study in Georgia by a minor |
What to Bear in Mind From 2026
- The D1 visa is closely linked to the new right-to-work regime. If you plan to take up employment or start a business, assess the visa and right-to-work questions together.
- For the D5 visa, the following requirement applies: the market value of the real estate (other than agricultural land) must exceed USD 150,000. The value is determined by an accredited valuer.
- The D6 visa specifically regulates the stay of a minor pupil or student in Georgia.
Who Does Not Need a Visa?
Citizens of many countries do not need a visa for Georgia at all and may stay visa-free in the manner established by law (the period varies by country and status). Check the current list of countries on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. A visa-free stay does not mean that a foreigner automatically has the right to work or reside.
Electronic Visa
The Georgian electronic visa should be considered separately. The e-VISA PORTAL issues Category C short-term visas. The electronic visa is therefore not an online alternative to the D1–D6 immigration visas. If you plan to live or carry out activities in Georgia over the long term, the correct Category D visa must be chosen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Georgia on a short-term visa?
A single-entry visa is issued for no more than 30 days. With a multiple-entry visa, the stay, as a rule, must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
Can I obtain residence or work in Georgia on an electronic visa?
The electronic visa is a Category C short-term visa and does not provide a basis for living or working in Georgia over the long term. For that, an appropriate Category D visa or a residence permit is required.
Does a D5 visa automatically grant a residence permit?
No. D5 is a long-term visa that may become the basis for applying for a residence permit, but the permit is not issued automatically and requires a separate procedure.
How Can Our Team Help?
Choosing the wrong visa category can lead to refusal, lost time or later problems with obtaining residence. Our law firm can help you:
- determine the appropriate visa category;
- prepare the documents and submit the application;
- plan the transition from a visa to residence status.
Contact us for a consultation.
This article provides general information and does not constitute individualized legal advice. Laws, tariffs and procedures may change; confirm the current requirements before acting.