Student Residency in Georgia: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you are studying in Tbilisi, getting your student temporary residency is not optional. It is what keeps you legal for the full duration of your studies, and without it you risk overstay penalties that can affect your ability to re-enter the country.

I went through this process myself and put together this guide so you know exactly what to bring, where to go, and what to expect.

Documents You’ll Need

Identification Documents

1. University Enrollment Letter (Georgian): Your university will provide a letter confirming your enrollment, program details, and study duration.
2. Translated and Notarized Passport: Have your passport translated into Georgian by a certified translator and notarized by a Georgian notary public. The easiest place to do this is directly across the street from the Public Service Hall. There are several notaries there who handle both the translation and the notarization in one visit. Budget around 45 to 50 GEL for this.

Financial Proof

Bank Statement in Georgian You need a bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in Georgia. Ask your bank to issue the letter in Georgian. At Bank of Georgia this costs 10 GEL.

The minimum amount required depends on your program length:

For Iranian readers: You can open a Bank of Georgia account without a residency card. Get your bank letter from BOG. To open a TBC account, you will need your residency card first, so BOG is the practical option at this stage.

Photo

Passport Photo You can take your photo at the Public Service Hall itself for 5 GEL. There are photo booths right at the entrance when you walk in, with staff available to help. Choose the electronic photo option and bring the receipt to the counter when you submit your application.

Additional Requirements

Remaining Stay Eligibility You must have at least 40 days of remaining stay eligibility in Georgia when you apply. If you are under 40 days, you will need to cross the border and re-enter, or apply for a visa extension before submitting your residency application.

Police Clearance Letter (Iranian nationals only) You will need a police clearance letter from either the Iranian Embassy in Tbilisi or from Iran directly.

Getting it from the embassy in Tbilisi takes approximately one month. Get your police clearance letter directly from Iran before you travel. Once you have it, bring it to the Iranian Embassy in Tbilisi to have it translated and legalized. The fee is 25 EUR.

Iranian Embassy address: Chavchavadze 80, Vake, Tbilisi.

📍 Address of the Iranian Embassy: Vake, Chavchavadze 80

How to Apply

1. Go to the Public Service Hall Address: 2 Zviad Gamsakhurdia Named Right Bank, Tbilisi. The building looks like a mushroom. You will not miss it.
   Go early in the morning. It gets very busy in the afternoon and wait times can be long. Opening hours are 09:00 to 18:00.
2. Take a number and wait Standard procedure. Early arrival makes a real difference here.
3. Submit your documents The representative at the counter will help you complete the application form. You will need your Tbilisi address, phone number, and email address ready.

📍Address: 2 Zviad Gamsakhurdia Named Right Bank

Choose your processing speed

The payment is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application.

Checking Your Application Status

Checking Your Application Status

When you submit, you will receive a paper with your application number and a tracking code. You can check the status online at psh.gov.ge, by SMS, by phone, or by visiting the Public Service Hall in person.

If Your Application is Accepted

Once approved, you need to apply for your physical Residency Card. There are two ways to register your address for the card:

Option 1: Visit with your landlord Go to the Public Service Hall together with your landlord. They provide their address directly at the counter.

Option 2: Notarized landlord form Collect a form from the Public Service Hall. Your landlord fills it out in Georgian with both their information and yours, then it gets notarized and you submit it.

Residency Card fees (“Binadroba”):

Important notes: This guide is for informational purposes. Requirements and fees may change, so always double-check with the Public Service Hall website. Make sure all your documents are complete and accurate to avoid rejections and delays.

If Your Application is Rejected

You can reapply after a one-month waiting period. Use that time to go through your documents carefully and make sure everything is complete, accurate, and properly notarized. Also confirm you still have 40 days of remaining stay eligibility before you resubmit.

Already sorted your residency? Read my guide to finding an apartment in Tbilisi and my honest breakdown of the cost of living in Tbilisi to get settled properly.