Georgia Citizenship by Descent
Georgia recognises citizenship by descent for those born to Georgian citizen parents. An 'ethnic Georgian' pathway also exists which is administered by the President. Georgia applied for EU candidate status in 2022, raising the profile of Georgian citizenship internationally.
Current passport design
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Eligibility Overview
Citizenship by descent applies where at least one parent was a Georgian citizen at the time of birth. An ethnic Georgian route, recognised by Presidential decree, provides a separate pathway for the Georgian diaspora worldwide.
Key Requirements
- ✓At least one parent who was a Georgian citizen at time of applicant's birth
- ✓Ethnic Georgian descent pathway available by Presidential discretion
- ✓Application submitted to Civil Registry Agency or Georgian embassy/consulate
- ✓Documentary proof of lineage required
- ✓Dual citizenship permitted; no renunciation needed
Documents You Will Need
- 1Applicant's birth certificate (apostilled and translated into Georgian)
- 2Parent's Georgian identity documents or citizenship certificate
- 3Marriage certificates for linking family members
- 4Any documentary evidence of Georgian ethnic identity (passports, church records, etc.) for ethnic route
- 5Completed application form and current passport
Expected Timeline
Processing at the Civil Registry Agency typically takes 3–6 months. For applicants abroad, the embassy route may take 6–12 months including document authentication.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- ⚠️Soviet-era records may be held in Russian, Armenian, or Azerbaijani archives depending on family history — research is essential
- ⚠️The ethnic Georgian presidential route is discretionary and not guaranteed
- ⚠️Georgian does not use Latin script — all documents must be professionally translated
- ⚠️EU candidate status is aspirational; Georgian citizenship does not currently confer EU rights
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can qualify for Georgia Citizenship by Descent?
Anyone born to a Georgian citizen parent qualifies by right. Ethnic Georgians born abroad may apply via the presidential ethnic Georgian route.
Which documents are required?
Birth certificate, parental Georgian identity documents, marriage certificates, and translations into Georgian are required.
How long does the process take?
Approximately 3–6 months domestically; 6–12 months via Georgian consulate.
Legal Basis
Law of Georgia on Georgian Citizenship (1993), as amended, including amendments allowing dual citizenship.
Dual Citizenship
Georgia permits dual citizenship. Georgian citizens may hold foreign passports without needing to renounce Georgian citizenship.
Estimated Costs
State fees are approximately GEL 50–200 (€15–€70). Professional translation, apostille, and legal fees typically total €300–€700.
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