Results of the inspection by the Migration Department and the rules for the stay of foreign citizens in Georgia

As of January 20, 2026, as a result of measures taken to ensure compliance with migration legislation, 56 citizens of various countries were expelled from Georgia and, in accordance with the decisions taken, were prohibited from re-entering Georgia.

Unfortunately, some foreign citizens are insufficiently informed about the current rules for crossing the Georgian border and the visa-free regime. In practice, it is common for visa-free travelers to obtain a Georgian residence permit and continue to reside in the country after its expiration, believing that the period of stay permitted under the visa-free regime automatically begins.

This approach is incorrect, since by issuing a residence permit, a person acquires a different legal status, and the period of stay established by the visa-free regime in this case automatically becomes invalid.

Recommendations:

1. An application for extension of a residence permit must be submitted no later than 40 days and no earlier than 90 days before its expiration;
2. Alternatively, it is recommended to leave the territory of Georgia no later than one day before the expiration of the residence permit and return to the country only after the expiration of the permit, since only in this case the permitted period of stay under the visa-free regime begins to be taken into account.

We ask foreign citizens to check their legal status and current regulations in advance to avoid potential legal consequences. For detailed legal advice, please contact us.

Author: Melano Svanidze, Oksana Iashagyan.