🪪 Dual Citizenship Allowed in Georgia

Dual Citizenship in Georgia

Georgia permits dual citizenship – a broad legal openness that makes the country attractive to those who want to acquire a second nationality without giving up their existing one. This policy is a deliberate part of Georgia's integration strategy and diaspora policy; Georgia also has no restrictive revocation laws that would force Georgians abroad to surrender their nationality.

Legal Framework

The Georgian Law on Citizenship (1993, amended several times) explicitly allows retaining another citizenship alongside Georgian nationality. Georgians who are naturalized abroad do not automatically lose their Georgian citizenship. Conversely, foreigners who acquire Georgian citizenship may keep their original nationality – provided their home country also permits this.

Naturalization Requirements

There are several pathways for foreigners seeking Georgian citizenship:

• Ordinary naturalization: 10 years of legal residence in Georgia, sufficient knowledge of the Georgian language, no criminal record, proven means of livelihood.
• Simplified naturalization through marriage: 5 years of legal residence after marriage to a Georgian citizen.
• Presidential naturalization: For individuals who have rendered extraordinary services to Georgia, the President may grant citizenship regardless of residence duration. This option has been used for prominent foreigners (investors, academics, athletes).
• Birth and descent: The principle of jus sanguinis dominates; children of Georgian parents are automatically Georgian citizens.

Practical Relevance for Expats

Dual citizenship permission is relevant for expats in two ways:

• Georgian passport for visa flexibility: The Georgian passport offers visa-free access to around 70 countries (as of 2024) – fewer than many EU passports, but a solid travel document. For people from countries with restricted travel freedom, a second Georgian passport can be valuable.
• No conscription obligation: Georgia has no general military conscription (effectively suspended since 2016); dual citizens are not automatically obligated to perform military service.

Georgian Diaspora and Return Incentives

The dual citizenship policy is part of Georgia's diaspora strategy. An estimated 700,000–900,000 Georgians live abroad. Retaining Georgian citizenship strengthens their connection to the homeland and facilitates potential return. Georgia's Ministry of Diaspora coordinates return programs and offers economic incentives for overseas Georgians wishing to return with capital.

Conclusion: Georgia's permission of dual citizenship is a genuine legal openness that distinguishes the country from many post-Soviet neighbors. For international expats who want to build a long-term connection to Georgia, the path to Georgian citizenship without surrendering original nationality is in principle open.

This article was created on May 5, 2026