Emigration to Georgia

Located in the Transcaucasus between Europe and Asia, Georgia has been closely associated with the Russian Empire for several centuries. It gained independence in 1991. Currently, as a result of the events that took place in Abkhazia, this parliamentary republic does not support diplomatic relations with Russia. Nevertheless, Russian citizens can stay on Georgian territory without obtaining a visa, and some of them are considering the possibility of staying here permanently. Russians tend to move to Georgia for permanent residence because of the mild climate, for the purpose of marriage and other reasons.

A little about the country

The geographic location of Georgia is quite advantageous. It is located on the Black Sea coast of western Transcaucasia. The territory of the republic is 69,700 sq. km. From the south it borders with Armenia and Turkey, from the north - with Russia, from the east - with Azerbaijan. Natural landscapes are of exceptional beauty and diversity, climatic conditions range from temperate to subtropical.

The territory of Georgia includes the capital city of Tbilisi, nine regions and the autonomous republics of Abkhazia and Adjara. Autonomous state formations on Georgian territory - the republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia are partially recognized by the world community.

The economic situation can hardly be called successful; the country has a very high level of unemployment, especially among young people. The population is 3 million 730 thousand people, according to the 2014 census. In terms of living standards in the world ranking, the country is ranked 113th out of 187... The subsistence minimum for a family of four is determined at 127 dollars.

The cuisine is distinguished by an abundance of meat dishes, a variety of sauces and seasonings. The contrast of spicy and pungent flavors that underlies the preparation of traditional Georgian dishes leaves a unique sensation. Throughout the post-Soviet space, khachapuri, kharcho soup and chicken tobacco are known, many brands of Georgian wines have gained recognition.

Emigration policy

In order to emigrate to Georgia, you must complete the following steps:

1. Enter the country;
2. Obtain temporary registration at the place of residence from the migration service;
3. Submit documents for obtaining a residence permit;
4. After obtaining a residence permit, apply for Georgian citizenship.

The opportunity to work legally depends on the purpose of the visit specified when obtaining a residence permit. The document is issued for a period of one, three or six years, it provides its holder with the opportunity to enjoy all the rights except for participation in elections.

You can apply in person, through a trusted representative, or online. Before that, you should undergo a medical examination and pass the necessary tests. A residence permit issued for a period of one year is considered temporary, for six years - permanent.

Candidates are tested for knowledge of history and the Georgian language. Refusal can be received by persons:

• In the military service of another state;
• With a criminal record;
• Suffering from severe chronic diseases;
• Subjected to the deportation procedure;
• Providing false information when submitting documents.

Having lived for at least five years according to the residence permit, you can start obtaining Georgian citizenship. In this case, it will be necessary to renounce Russian citizenship: foreign nationals cannot obtain the necessary documents.

Working in a large company, creating or reuniting a family are the main reasons for Russians to move to Georgia.

The positive aspects of such a decision are the following factors:

• Excellent climatic conditions;
• Low property prices;
• Traditional hospitality of the Georgian people;
• Widespread use of the Russian language;
• Low crime rate.

The negative aspects include:

• Continuous unemployment;
• Problems of the real sector of the economy;
• Low pay for work.

Immigration methods

It is necessary to distinguish between the concepts of migration, emigration and immigration. A person who has left his country belongs to emigrants, in the host state he is considered an immigrant, the process of moving is called migration.

The immigration policy of Georgia provides several reasons for moving to this country for permanent residence. Leaving Russia should be prepared.

To obtain a residence permit, you need the following documents:

• The established sample application;
• General civil and foreign passports;
• Migrant card;
• Bank statement confirming the availability of funds or a statement of income from the place of work;

• Job invitation, marriage certificate or other documents confirming the purpose of the visit;

• A paper confirming the absence of a criminal record;

• 2 photos and a receipt for payment of the duty.

To obtain Georgian citizenship, the following documents are required:

• Application of the established form;
• Residence permit and passport;
• Metrics;
• Confirmation of residence on the territory of the republic for five years;
• Certificate of income from the last job;
• 2 photos.

To confirm the purpose of stay, you may need a diploma of graduation, identity card of your spouse, next of kin, and so on. All documents must be in the Georgian language, before submitting the papers, copies are taken from them.

You will also need:

• Medical report on the health status of the applicant;
• Certificate of absence of HIV infection;
• Chest fluoroscopy.

Employment

Georgia provides ample opportunities for the development of their own business in the field of tourism. Scientists and medical workers, persons with experience in hotel management can immigrate under the employment program. Despite the high level of unemployment, representatives of these professions are in demand in the labor market.

Applicants for the vacancy must have no criminal record or serious illness.

Acquisition of real estate

A special program provides for obtaining a Georgian residence permit for people who have purchased real estate in this country for an amount exceeding one hundred thousand lari, which is about fifty-eight thousand US dollars.

The advantages of this solution are:

1. Possibility of purchasing an apartment by the sea at an affordable price and no taxes on the purchase of real estate;
2. The paperwork procedure is simple and takes no more than fifteen minutes in time;
3. Investments in resort real estate have an investment attractiveness, since the flow of tourists increases annually and the acquired housing can be rented out.

The negative side is:

• Insufficient supervision over the condition of housing and utilities;
• Poor infrastructure development.

Business immigration

This type of immigration presupposes large investments in the Georgian economy. The minimum investment amount for obtaining a residence permit under this program is three hundred thousand lari.

A residence permit is also obtained by:

• Wife or husband;
• Children and businessman dependents.

Getting an education

Studying in higher educational institutions of Georgia also gives an opportunity to obtain a residence permit in this country. When choosing a university, one should pay attention to the presence of state accreditation of an educational institution.

The advantages of getting an education in Georgia are:

• Its compliance with European standards;
• Low cost of education, available to almost every Russian family.

The disadvantages include the difficulty of finding a job after graduation.

Marriage

The possibility of living in the country is provided by marriage with a local resident. A prerequisite is documentary confirmation of the fact of marriage. If there are close relatives permanently residing in Georgia, immigration is possible on the basis of family reunification. Family ties must also be documented.

The difficulties of registering a marriage lie in the need to translate all documents before submitting them to the registry office into Georgian and to legalize them in Russia. The received certificate should be translated into Russian and the legalization procedure should also be carried out.

Problems in living together may arise due to the difference in mentality. Divorce in the absence of mutual claims of the spouses is carried out within ten days. There is no need to come to Georgia to obtain a divorce certificate.

Life in Georgia after immigration

Ethnic Russians in Georgia cannot be classified as a privileged stratum of society. Opened job vacancies are filled primarily by Georgians, therefore, given the total unemployment, it is really difficult for immigrants to get a job.

The highest salaries are for banking and government employees. The standard of living in the country cannot be called high; about ten percent of the population lives below the poverty line.

Life in Georgia after immigration has both positive and negative sides. The pluses include:

• Living in a mild climate;
• Ecological cleanliness;
• The ability to organize your own business;
• A gradual increase in wages.

The disadvantages include:

• Difficulties in overcoming the language barrier for a full-fledged social life;
• Low pay for work;
• Difficulty getting a job.

Anna:After the departure of Mikhail Saakashvili, life in Georgia has deteriorated significantly. Old crumbling minibuses returned to the public transport line, and roads were no longer repaired. The criminals released under the amnesty create a tense criminal environment, bribery in state structures is considered the norm. Young people do not strive to learn Russian.

Michael:It is easy to live in Georgia in a tourist style, even if it lasts for a long time. It is quite difficult to integrate into Georgian society without knowing the language and following the traditions of the local mentality. It is better not to count on a high-paying job, only if you are lucky enough to get a job in a casino. It is much easier for those who have Georgian roots.

Alice:I have apartments in Moscow and Tbilisi. The husband rents a Georgian apartment and works as a driver and guide. It is possible to live in Georgia quite decently if “you don’t climb with your charter into someone else’s monastery”. Real difficulties arise without overcoming the language barrier.

In conclusion, we can note the ambiguity of the life of modern Georgian society. At present, the economic situation in the republic is not the best. Nevertheless, significant investments, higher prices in the real estate market, and the rapid development of tourism determine the possibility of a significant economic recovery in the near future.