168 questions
The questions people ask us about immigration, residency, study, property, healthcare and travel in Georgia, with their answers; each group leads to its full article.
MoonRise is a tourism and services company with 9 years of experience in student enrolment, investment, migration, transit, employment, trade, and more.
MoonRise is a tourism and services company with 9 years of experience in school and university enrolment, company registration in Georgia, international marriage registration, document translation (Georgian, English, Russian, French, Persian, Turkish, Armenian), advice on investment and property purchase, and more.
MoonRise helps people who live, study or invest in Georgia: admission to Georgian universities, buying off-plan flats in Tbilisi, doctor appointments and treatment, international marriage registration, car repair and services, and interior design for your home.
Message us on WhatsApp at +995 510 000 663, or call. There is no form to fill in: write what you need in your own words.
Tbilisi (UTC+4) is half an hour ahead of Tehran (UTC+3:30) all year round; neither uses daylight saving time. When it is 10:00 in Tehran, it is 10:30 in Tbilisi.
Yes. Foreigners can buy flats and residential property in Georgia and register them in their own name; only agricultural land is restricted. The off-plan flats on this page are projects being built in Tbilisi now.
In the clinic section, pick where it hurts or the specialty to see its doctors; with the Book button or a WhatsApp message, we arrange the appointment for you.
Yes. Under the Bologna Process and the ECTS credit system, degrees from Georgian universities are recognised in most European and American countries.
For most English-taught programmes in Georgia you do not need an IELTS or TOEFL certificate, or even a language entrance test.
Tuition in Georgia is far lower than in Europe or America. Depending on the university and the programme, it runs from 3,000 to 8,000 US dollars a year; medicine and dentistry are usually at the top of that range.
Yes. Because the degrees are recognised internationally, graduates can work in Georgia and on the international job market.
Over the past few years, property values in Georgia have risen by roughly 100–200%.
Land values have sometimes risen by as much as 1,000–2,000%.
No. Buying a 150,000-dollar property gives a one-year renewable residence permit. For permanent residence you need either 10 years of continuous residence, or a 300,000-dollar investment and 10 years of residence.
An official valuation by a state-trusted appraiser usually costs between 200 and 500 dollars, depending on the type and value of the property.
Yes. The appraised value of several non-agricultural properties can be added together to reach the 150,000-dollar threshold and meet the residence conditions.
Kazbegi is about 150 km from Tbilisi, and the drive along the Georgian Military Highway takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Summer is better for mountaineering, hiking, and paragliding, while winter is the best choice for snowy scenery and winter camping.
Gergeti Trinity Church stands on a height above the village of Stepantsminda, facing Mount Kazbek. You can reach it by local 4×4 vehicles or on a hike of about 2 to 3 hours.
The lower parts of the region suit families, but the hike up to Gergeti Church requires some physical fitness. You can use local 4×4 vehicles.
The lower parts of the region and the easier trails suit families and children, but the hike up to Gergeti Church requires some physical fitness.
The official name of the region’s main town is Stepantsminda, but the whole area is still generally known and searched for by its historical name, Kazbegi.
No. From 1 March 2026, working without a “right to work” permit from SESA is illegal and carries a fine of up to 2,000 lari, along with the risk of deportation.
No. A work residence permit requires an official employment contract with a Georgian employer and the job being posted on the Worknet portal. A job offer is the main condition.
The monthly salary must be at least five times Georgia’s subsistence minimum, which is currently about 1,500 lari.
The state fee for applying for a right-to-work permit is about 100 to 200 lari. Additional costs include document translation and legal services.
At least 50,000 lari for ordinary companies, and 35,000 lari for educational and medical institutions, per foreign employee.
Yes. The spouse and children under 18 of the main applicant can apply for a dependent temporary residence permit based on their work residence.
Yes. Jobs such as motorcycle courier, taxi driver, and tour guide have a zero quota for foreign nationals without permanent residence and are effectively banned. Mountain guides have a limited quota of 200 people a year.
IT specialists with at least 2 years of work experience and an annual income of at least 25,000 US dollars can receive an IT work residence permit valid for up to 3 years, which can also be extended to family members.
At least 300,000 US dollars, either by buying property or by investing in an economic activity or business.
No. Investment residence lasts 5 years and can be renewed when it ends. For permanent residence you need 10 years of continuous legal residence in Georgia.
Yes. Simple residence by buying a 150,000-dollar property gives only a one-year, renewable permit, whereas the 300,000-dollar investment residence gives a 5-year permit from the start.
You must buy another property of equal or greater value in Georgia; otherwise your residence permit may be cancelled.
No. Holders of the 300,000-dollar investment residence are exempt from the “right to work” permit that became mandatory for most employed foreign nationals from March 2026.
Yes. The spouse and children under 18 of the main applicant can receive a 5-year residence permit under the same investment.
You must buy another property of equal or greater value in Georgia; otherwise your residence permit may be cancelled.
Yes. After the 5-year period, and provided the investment conditions are maintained, it can be converted into permanent residence in Georgia.
Registering a company in Georgia usually takes just one working day, and no work certificate or professional qualification is needed.
No. Foreigners can register a company in Georgia on their own with 100% ownership. No local partner or representative is needed.
Corporate income tax is 15%, but it applies only to distributed profit; profit retained in the company for reinvestment is not subject to immediate tax.
No specific legal minimum capital is set. However, the declared capital should suit the type of business activity and be stated in the company’s charter.
This regime is for individual entrepreneurs with an annual turnover below 500,000 lari (about 180,000 dollars), and it has its own conditions depending on the type of activity.
Registering a company does not by itself give residence. But if you invest 300,000 dollars in a business, you can receive a 5-year investment residence permit.
No. Services exported to customers outside Georgia are zero-rated for VAT, while the standard VAT rate inside the country is 18%.
No. A company can be registered in Georgia without any work certificate or special qualification, and even without a local partner.
Depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship, a study visa (category D3) may be required before travelling to Georgia.
The study residence application must be filed at the Public Service Hall at the latest 40 days before the current visa or residence permit expires.
Yes. Valid health insurance for the whole residence period is required both for issuing the visa and for the study residence permit.
According to a bill registered for parliamentary review in June 2026, this is possible but not yet final. For exact information, ask about the current status.
The documents must first be translated into English and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Georgian embassy, then translated once more into Georgian.
Depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship, a study visa (category D3) may be required before travelling to Georgia.
The application for a study residence permit must be filed at the Public Service Hall at the latest 40 days before the applicant’s current visa or residence permit expires.
According to a bill registered for parliamentary review in June 2026, this is possible but not yet final; for exact information, check the current status with official sources.
Yes. Georgian government bodies accept only official, certified translations, and an unofficial translation is not acceptable for administrative matters.
Yes. Georgian government bodies accept only official, certified translations, and an unofficial translation is not acceptable for administrative matters.
Depending on what they are for, documents usually have to be translated into Georgian, and in some cases first into English.
In many cases, yes, especially for documents such as a divorce certificate that will be submitted to official bodies in Georgia.
In many cases, yes, especially for documents such as a divorce certificate that will be submitted to official bodies in Georgia (for example, for international marriage registration).
Translating and certifying a simple document usually takes 2 to 5 working days. For more complex documents, or when an apostille is needed, this can rise to 2 weeks.
Among the most important uses of official document translation are international marriage registration, study residence permits, company registration, and property purchase.
The translation must be done by an official, licensed translator; MoonRise manages this process for clients completely and end to end.
No. Under Georgia’s 2021 law, at least 10 years of continuous legal residence are required for permanent residence. The only faster route is marriage to a Georgian citizen.
Yes. Once the main applicant has received permanent residence, the spouse and children under 18 can also apply for it.
The state fee for issuing a permanent residence card is about 200 to 300 lari. Additional costs include document translation, certifications, and MoonRise’s legal services.
Yes. School qualifications from Georgia (especially international schools) are valid in Europe and America, and students can be admitted to top universities worldwide.
For state schools that teach in Georgian, a language course is usually offered before studies begin. For international schools, an interview or test may be required, depending on the school.
Annual tuition at international schools ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 dollars. British and French schools are usually in the higher range, and American and German schools in the middle.
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit Tbilisi. The weather is mild and the attractions are lively. Summer is hot and winter is fairly cold.
Half-day city tours with a Persian-speaking guide usually cost between 50 and 100 dollars. Private tours with a dedicated car cost more. MoonRise offers a variety of tours.
Yes. With its many parks, museums, amusement parks, and family facilities, Tbilisi is a great destination for travelling with children. High safety and easy transport are further advantages.
Summer (June–August) is the best time for swimming and the beaches. Spring and autumn suit city sightseeing. Winter in Batumi is fairly mild but rainy.
The road distance from Batumi to Tbilisi is about 370 km, and the drive takes about 5 to 6 hours. A domestic flight between the two cities takes about 1 hour.
Yes. With safe beaches, an aquarium, a dolphinarium, parks, and recreation facilities, Batumi is a great destination for families. The seaside boulevard is also ideal for a family walk.
Yes. Valid health insurance for the whole residence period is required both for the study visa and for the study residence permit.
The balance should be enough to cover a year of living and study costs in Georgia. A minimum of 5,000 to 10,000 dollars is usually recommended.
Yes. Academic documents must first be translated into English and certified, and then translated once more into Georgian.
Yes. Under the Bologna Process and the ECTS system, qualifications from Georgian universities are recognised in most European and American countries.
For most English-language study programmes in Georgia, you do not need to submit an IELTS or TOEFL certificate, or even take an entrance language test.
Yes. Thanks to the international recognition of the qualifications, graduates can work both in Georgia and in the global job market.
To find out whether Iran’s Ministry of Science approves the European University, check the up-to-date list of approved universities on the Ministry of Science website.
Yes. The European University accepts transfer students from universities in Russia, Turkey, China, and Armenia.
Annual tuition for medicine at the European University ranges from 5,000 to 8,000 dollars, depending on the language of instruction (Georgian or English).
No, you do not need a visa for international marriage registration. If you need a visa from your country to travel to Georgia, that same visa is enough for the international marriage registration steps.
Cost of translating a marriage document:
One page
Documents ready in one day: 330 lari
Documents ready in two days: 270 lari
Documents ready in four days: 150 lari
Documents ready in eight days: 90 lari
Two pages
Documents ready in one day: 360 lari
Documents ready in two days: 300 lari
Documents ready in four days: 180 lari
Documents ready in eight days: 110 lari
Each additional page adds 30 lari. For example, a three-page marriage document translated in one day costs 390 lari.
The lari exchange rate in spring and summer 2026 is roughly 100$ = 261 GEL.
State apostille fees for each one-page document:
One page
Documents ready in one day: 150 lari
Documents ready in two days: 120 lari
Documents ready in four days: 60 lari
Documents ready in eight days: 30 lari
Two pages
Documents ready in one day: 180 lari
Documents ready in two days: 150 lari
Documents ready in four days: 90 lari
Documents ready in eight days: 60 lari
Each additional page adds 30 lari. For example, an apostille for a three-page marriage document in one day costs 210 lari.
The lari exchange rate in spring and summer 2026 is roughly 100$ = 261 GEL.
No. Proxy marriage is not accepted in Georgia, and both parties must be present in person at the registration ceremony.
Yes. A Georgian marriage certificate is valid for a spouse visa in European countries, Canada, the United States, and Australia.
The easiest way is the Rike Park cable car. You can also walk through the cobbled lanes of Old Tbilisi.
Yes. Entry to the fortress and the Mother of Georgia statue area is free. You only pay for the cable car.
Evening and sunset are the best time. The panoramic view from the fortress is unmatched then.
Yes. The sulphur baths are still active, and you can use private or public rooms for bathing.
The cost varies by bathhouse and by type of room (private or public). It usually ranges from 20 to 100 lari.
The Love Bridge is next to the sulphur baths on Abano Street. Couples fasten a love padlock to it and engrave their names.
Yes. Visiting Sameba Cathedral is free and open to everyone.
Visiting hours are usually from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. During services, visiting is restricted.
With a total area of about 5,000 square metres and a dome height of 84 metres, Sameba Cathedral is the third largest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world by area.
The Chronicle of Georgia stands above Tbilisi Lake (the Tbilisi Sea) in the north-east of the city.
You can get there by taxi, private car, or city tours. It is about 10 km from the city centre.
Yes. Visiting the monument is free. You only pay for transport.
Freedom Square is in the centre of Tbilisi and is the starting point of Rustaveli Avenue.
There are many hotels in this area. To book a hotel at the best price, contact MoonRise.
Yes. Rustaveli Avenue is the best place for walking and city strolls. Historic buildings, cafés, and shopping centres line the street.
Vardzia is in southern Georgia, about 3 hours from Tbilisi.
Yes. Vardzia was added to the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list in 1985.
A visit to Vardzia takes about 2 to 3 hours. It can be done on a one-day tour from Tbilisi.
Telavi is about 100 km from Tbilisi, and the drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Telavi. Autumn is especially ideal for experiencing the grape harvest season.
Yes. There are many wineries along the road to Telavi that welcome visitors. The KWT winery is one of the most popular.
The Batonis Tsikhe Fortress museum is usually open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours may change on public holidays.
The entrance fee is usually about 10 to 20 lari. There are discounts for children and students.
A full visit to the fortress and museum takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Gori is about 90 km from Tbilisi, and the drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Yes. The Stalin Museum is one of Gori’s most visited attractions and includes Stalin’s childhood home, his personal train carriage, and historical objects.
The entrance fee to the Stalin Museum is about 25 lari. A full visit takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Tianeti is about 70 km from Tbilisi, and the drive takes about 1.5 hours.
Yes. Tianeti has local lodgings and guesthouses that offer an authentic village-life experience.
Summer and early autumn are the best times to visit Tianeti. In winter, roads may be closed by snow.
Lisi Lake is about 10 km from the centre of Tbilisi, and getting there by taxi takes about 20 minutes.
Yes. In summer Lisi Lake is popular for swimming and sunbathing, though official swimming facilities are limited.
Yes. There are many cafés and restaurants around Lisi Lake serving Georgian and international food.
The Vake Park cable car to Turtle Lake costs about 5 to 10 lari per person.
Yes. Vake Park has a children’s play area, sports fields, and walking trails that suit families.
The cable car usually runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hours may change with the seasons.
The easiest way is the Vake Park cable car. You can also get there by taxi or on foot along the trails around Vake Park.
Yes. Turtle Lake has an open-air padel court, suitable for fans of the sport.
Yes. There is a small amusement park for children around Turtle Lake.
The Battle of Didgori took place in 1121 and was one of the greatest victories in Georgia’s history.
The Didgori plain is near Manglisi, on the outskirts of Tbilisi. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes by car from Tbilisi.
Yes. Visiting the historic Didgori battle memorial is free.
Yes. If the property is worth at least 150,000 dollars, you can receive Georgia’s short-term residence permit.
MoonRise makes it possible to buy in instalments with only a 10% down payment. You can pay the rest in instalments.
The project has luxury facilities such as a swimming pool, a gym, parking, and 24-hour security.
The Bridge of Peace was built in 2010 by an Italian architect and is one of Tbilisi’s modern symbols.
Yes. The Rike Park cable car takes you to Narikala Fortress and the Mother of Georgia statue. Operating hours are usually 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Yes. The Rike Park balloon rises to a height of 50 metres and offers a panoramic view of Old Tbilisi.
Juta is about 30 to 45 minutes from Stepantsminda. The route is a mountain road with beautiful views.
Yes. Juta is one of the best places for camping in the Kazbegi region. Unspoiled nature and stunning views make for a memorable experience.
Yes. In Juta you can explore nature on horseback. This is a good option for people who cannot hike long distances.
Tbilisi has a population of about 1.5 million and is Georgia’s most populous city.
Tbilisi comes from the Georgian word “tbili”, meaning warm, and refers to the city’s natural hot springs.
Spring and autumn suit city sightseeing, and summer suits outdoor activities. Tbilisi can be visited in every season.
From 1 March 2026, the minimum appraised property value for short-term residence is 150,000 US dollars.
Yes. Short-term residence lasts one year and can be renewed every year, as long as you keep owning the property.
Yes. A spouse and minor children can receive residence under the same investment.
Gudauri is about 119 km from Tbilisi, and the drive takes about 2 hours 20 minutes.
Gudauri’s ski season usually runs from December to April.
Yes. Thanks to its steady thermal winds, Gudauri is one of the best paragliding destinations in the Caucasus.
Yes. MoonRise manages every step of school and university enrolment, from admission to residence and housing.
For most English-language programmes, IELTS or TOEFL is not needed.
Yes. Under the Bologna Process, qualifications from Georgian universities are valid in most European and American countries.
Georgia is one of the oldest civilisations in the world, with a history of nearly 7,000 years.
Georgia has land borders with Russia to the north, Armenia and Turkey to the south, and Azerbaijan to the east and south-east.
Georgia’s population is currently estimated at about 3.7 million.
Sighnaghi is in the Kakheti region, Georgia’s main wine-growing area.
Because of its romantic architecture, old brick houses, and peaceful atmosphere, Sighnaghi is known as the City of Love.
Niko Pirosmani, the Georgian painter, fell in love with the French actress Marguerite de Sèvres. The story inspired the song “A Million Roses”.
In central Tbilisi it is between 500 and 800 dollars a month, and outside the centre between 350 and 500 dollars.
Yes. Each metro or bus journey costs only 1 lari (about 38 cents).
No. Georgia’s state insurance covers only Georgian citizens, and foreign nationals must arrange private insurance.
The best way is the funicular (the historic cable railway). You can also go by bus or taxi.
Yes. With an amusement park, restaurants, and recreation facilities, Mtatsminda Park is an ideal destination for families.
The funicular costs about 5 to 10 lari per person.
The Dry Bridge antiques market is open every day, but it is liveliest on weekend mornings.
Yes. Prices at the antiques market are negotiable, and you can haggle with the sellers.
The Dry Bridge is in the centre of Tbilisi, near Freedom Square.
Borjomi is about 160 km from Tbilisi, and the drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Yes. Borjomi mineral water comes from natural springs and has therapeutic properties for the digestive system and general health.
Summer and early autumn are the best times to visit Borjomi. The air is cool and nature is at its most beautiful.
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