From 1 September 2026, a foreign spouse of a Georgian citizen has a specific residence-permit route under Georgian law. This is a major change from older guidance that often described the Georgian spouse as moving directly into the permanent-residence category.
How long is the spouse residence permit valid?
The first permit is issued for one year. It may then be extended for two years at a time, but the total period under this spouse permit may not exceed five years. After five years, if the marriage continues, a permanent residence permit may be issued under the procedure established by Georgian law.
Georgia can verify whether the marriage is genuine
The reform creates an interagency commission composed of representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, State Security Service and Public Service Development Agency. The commission is authorized to determine whether the marital relationship and formation of a family are genuine.
It may interview the spouses together or separately. The spouses must provide explanations and available evidence and documents supporting the genuine family relationship. If requested, they must appear before the commission and allow verification of information, including a visit to the residence, inspection of the place and questioning of relevant persons.
What evidence should couples prepare?
The exact administrative document list is governed by implementing rules and the circumstances of the couple. In practical terms, a well-prepared file should be consistent across civil-status records, identity documents, address information and the factual history of the relationship.
- marriage certificate and any required legalization/Apostille and Georgian translation;
- Georgian citizen spouse’s identity and status documents;
- foreign spouse’s passport and evidence of lawful stay;
- actual address and current contact details;
- evidence that can demonstrate a real marital/family relationship where requested.
What happens if the commission suspects a sham marriage?
If the commission considers that there are sufficient grounds to suspect a fictitious marriage, it may send the case materials to the investigative body and copies to the Prosecutor’s Office. If an investigation begins, the spouse-permit application review period is suspended until criminal prosecution begins or the investigation ends.
What about parents and children of Georgian citizens?
The new spouse permit should not be confused with the separate permanent-residence categories. The amended law continues to refer to permanent residence for a Georgian citizen’s minor child and for the parent of a minor Georgian citizen. The correct route depends on the exact relationship and age.
What if the application is refused?
Agency decisions under the Aliens Law now generally go directly to court within 10 calendar days after service, rather than first to a higher administrative body. A court challenge does not automatically stop expulsion review or enforcement, so lawful stay must be assessed separately.
Primary source
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. General information only; not individualized legal advice.
