Legal & Immigration Guide for International Students in Georgia (2026/2027)

This guide explains the student visa (D3), the temporary residence permit and the document rules for international students in Georgia. Rules and fees change, so always confirm the current requirements with the Embassy of Georgia, the Public Service Hall or your university before you apply.

Last checked: 24 October 2026 · General information, not legal advice.

1. Do you need a visa?

• Visa-free citizens: citizens of around 95 countries, including EU countries, the USA, the UK and the Gulf (GCC) states, can enter Georgia without a visa and stay for up to one year.
• Visa required (for example, citizens of India): you cannot start your studies on a tourist (C-category) visa or an e-visa. Apply for a long-term D3 (study) visa at a Georgian embassy or consulate before you travel.
• No switching inside Georgia: a student residence permit is not issued on the basis of a C-category (tourist) visa, so you cannot turn a tourist visa into a student residence permit after arrival.
• Holders of a GCC visa or residence permit: some nationalities may visit Georgia visa-free for a limited time on that basis, but a Georgian residence permit is generally not issued to people staying in Georgia only on that basis. Plan to apply for a D3 visa instead.
• Health insurance at entry: since 1 January 2026, foreign nationals entering Georgia need travel medical insurance for their whole stay, with coverage of at least 30,000 GEL.
• Under 18? Ask the consulate and your university which visa category and guardian documents apply to you.

Documents commonly requested for a D3 visa: your university enrolment documents, proof of accommodation in Georgia, a bank statement showing sufficient funds, health insurance and the visa fee receipt. The exact list depends on the embassy, so check it before you apply.

2. Temporary residence permit for students

After you arrive, apply for a student residence permit at the Public Service Hall. It lets you stay in Georgia while you study and can be renewed while you remain enrolled.

Deadline: apply at least 40 calendar days before your legal stay (your visa or visa-free period) ends.

Documents commonly requested

1. Passport, valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
2. Proof of legal stay in Georgia (visa or entry stamp).
3. Enrolment letter or student status certificate from your Georgian university.
4. Proof of financial means, usually a deposit in a Georgian bank. One university currently lists a minimum of 3,800 GEL; confirm the current amount before you apply.
5. Proof of accommodation (lease agreement or dormitory confirmation).
6. Health insurance valid in Georgia.
7. Photo, taken at the Public Service Hall.

Processing time and state fees

Fees as listed by universities and advisers in 2026. After approval you order your residence card, commonly around 60 GEL and issued in about 10 business days. Confirm current fees at the Public Service Hall.

Keep your student status active. Your residence permit depends on your enrolment. If you stop studying or suspend your status, your permit can be affected.

3. Apostille, legalization and translation

• Apostille (Hague Convention countries): your school diploma, transcripts and other documents need an apostille from the issuing authority in your home country.
• Consular legalization (other countries): documents must be certified by your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by the Embassy of Georgia.
• Translation into Georgian: Georgian authorities usually require a notarized Georgian translation. Many students have it done by a certified translator in Georgia; ask your university which translations they accept.

Quick checklist

1. Check whether you need a D3 visa or can enter visa-free.
2. Apostille or legalize your documents in your home country before you travel.
3. Buy travel medical insurance with at least 30,000 GEL coverage.
4. Open a Georgian bank account and deposit the required funds after arrival.
5. Translate and notarize your documents in Georgian.
6. Apply for your residence permit at least 40 days before your legal stay ends.

Sources

• Embassy of Georgia in the UAE: visa information
• Grigol Robakidze University: residence permit rules for international students
• Caucasus University: visa, insurance and residence permit
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

Related guides

Application roadmap & deadlines · What to confirm before you apply · Tuition fees in Georgia 2026