Georgia TRC Fee: A Handy Guide for Foreigners!

The Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is essential for any foreigner planning to stay in Georgia long-term. Having a valid Georgia TRC makes a living in the country much smoother and opens access to various services. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the TRC in Georgia, from fees and application process to benefits and requirements.

Introduction to Georgia Country TRC

The Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is vital for foreigners planning to reside long-term in Georgia. It is an official ID issued by Georgia’s Public Service Development Agency (PSDA) to foreign nationals with legal temporary resident status.

A valid Georgia TRC card makes life much smoother than frequently renewing short-term Georgian visas and residency permits. With this card, you can seamlessly open bank accounts, get phone service, rent apartments, travel domestically, and access healthcare in Georgia country.

The Georgia TRC allows you to legally stay in Georgia for up to 6 continuous years without reapplying for residency permits often. Also, Georgia TRC remains valid from the issue date until its printed expiry date.

In addition, this plastic credit card-sized ID displays the holder’s key details, including name, photo, nationality, birth date, card number, and expiry. So, it serves as proof of identity and legal temporary resident status in Georgia. Citizens of 94 countries can also apply for Georgia’s valuable TRC card. Finally, having it spares you the hassle of repeatedly securing Georgian visas and permits.

Benefits of Having a Georgia Country TRC

Several benefits are attached to having a Georgia TRC (Temporary Residence Card). These make your stay in Georgia much more convenient and hassle-free:

• Visa-free entry: With a valid TRC, you can enter and exit Georgia multiple times without needing a visa.
• Long-term stay: The card allows you to reside in Georgia for up to 6 years legally. 
• Banking: You can easily open a Georgian bank account and apply for loan cards with a TRC.

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• Travel: The card simplifies domestic travel within Georgia and checking into hotels.
• Healthcare: Having a TRC makes accessing Georgia’s quality, affordable healthcare system easier.
• Phone/Internet: You can get a long-term phone number and home internet contract with your TRC.
• Employment: Having TRC opens up more employment opportunities as companies can easily hire you.
• Property: You can buy and register property in your name using the residence card.

Read more: Invest in GEO PROPERTIES.

In summary, the Georgia TRC makes living, working, and investing in Georgia much more convenient and straightforward.

The process to Apply for Georgia TRC

Applying for a new Georgia TRC requires using the PSDA (Public Service Development Agency). Here are the key steps involved:

Step 1) Go to the PSDA website and fill out the online TRC application form. 

Step 2) Book an appointment online on the PSDA portal. Alternatively, you can walk in to submit the application at a PSDA service center.

Step 3) Gather and prepare all the required documents for submission. This includes your passport, photos, proof of legal stay, etc.

Step 4) Attend the appointment at the specified date, time, and service center. Submit the completed application form documents and pay the TRC fees.

Step 5) If approved, you will receive your new Georgia TRC within ten business days at the service center. Or you can opt to have it delivered by post.

That concludes the key steps to apply for a new Georgia TRC (Temporary Residence Card). The application process usually takes 10-20 business days, provided you have prepared all documentation correctly.

Critical Requirements for Georgia TRC

There are specific basic requirements to be eligible for a Georgia TRC. Meeting these is mandatory whether you are applying for the first time or renewing an existing card:

1. Valid passport with at least three months till expiry.
2. Proof of legal stay in Georgia (e.g., residence permit).
3. Document confirming your source of income.
4. Georgian bank account statement for the last six months.
5. Lease agreement or property ownership document in Georgia.
6. Certified Georgian translation of any documents in a foreign language.
7. Valid medical insurance coverage for your stay period.
8. 4 passport-size photos (3×4 cm).

You must submit clear copies of these documents along with your TRC application form. Ensure everything is prepared correctly per the requirements to avoid delays or rejections.

Read more: Cost of Living in Tbilisi.

TRC Renewal Fee in Georgia  

The standard TRC renewal fee in Georgia is 100 GEL. This applies when you are renewing the card within the valid 6-year period. However, the renewal fee increases based on how long after the expiration date you are using. Here is a breakdown of the TRC renewal fees:

– Up to 6 months after expiry: 100 GEL 

– From 7 to 12 months after expiry: 200 GEL

– From 12 to 24 months after expiry: 400 GEL

So, start your TRC renewal process a few months before the card expires. This allows sufficient time for the application and saves you from paying higher late renewal fees.

The standard 100 GEL renewal fee lets you get a new TRC valid for another six years from the issue date. Besides the TRC fee, you’ll also need to pay a small application acceptance fee and postal fee. Overall, expect to pay around 120-150 GEL when renewing your Georgia TRC on time.

People Who Need to Renew the Georgia TRC

Any foreign citizen issued a Georgia TRC must renew it before expiry to remain a legal resident. Some of the most common examples include:

Expats: Employees of multinational companies or startups working in Georgia long-term are issued TRCs. Before their card expires, they’ll need to renew.

Digital nomads: Remote workers choosing to live in Georgia as a home base require a TRC for extended stays. Therefore, renewing Georgia TRC ensures continued legal residence. 

Students: TRCs are often provided to international students enrolling in Georgian universities and are typically valid for one year. For students to continue in their academic programs, they must renew annually.

Family dependents: Spouses or children of Georgian citizens or permanent residents can get a TRC. Renewing it allows them to continue living together in Georgia.

In short, any foreigner holding a Georgia TRC who wishes to remain in Georgia without interruption of legal residence must complete the renewal process before expiry.

Georgia TRC Renewal Process

The process for renewing a Georgia TRC is relatively straightforward. Knowing the required steps and documents can help make your TRC renewal proceed smoothly. Typically, the steps are:

1.  Check expiry: Your TRC renewal window opens 60 days before the card expires. Thus, mark your calendar so you can submit it on time.
2.  Prepare documents: Besides your old TRC, you’ll need two photos, a valid passport, application forms, and proof of Georgian residence. Some supporting documents may be required depending on your residence status.
3.  Pay fee: The corresponding fee for the renewal duration you choose must be paid when applying. Most pay at the Public Service Hall via cash or card.
4.  Submit application: Applications can be submitted at Public Service Halls across Georgia. Many find it easiest to use the main branch in Tbilisi.
5.  Await processing: After submitting, it takes 1-2 weeks to get your new TRC. Your card number will remain unchanged. Depending on the selected renewal term, the renewed card will be valid. 

Tips for Maintaining Long-Term Georgia Residence

For those wanting to establish long-term temporary residence in Georgia, correctly maintaining your Georgia TRC status is crucial. Here are some tips:

Mark your renewal date: As soon as you get your TRC, note when it will expire. Then, apply for renewal early in the 60-day window before expiration.

Budget for fees: Account for the 5-year renewal fee in your living costs. So, set aside some monthly funds so it’s available when needed.

Keep documents organized: Have certified translations, passport copies, residence proofs, and supplementary materials ready to include with the renewal app.

Use reputable agencies: If hiring an agency to handle the process, research to find an established and reliable service.

Avoid lapses: Make sure there’s no gap between when your old TRC expires and when a new one is issued to maintain continuous legal status.

Taking these steps allows foreign nationals to maintain their Georgia TRC long-term properly. Moreover, this provides stability and legal compliance for the country’s expats, remote workers, and others.

Last Words

The Georgia Country TRC is a beneficial document for foreigners staying long-term in the country. It provides multiple benefits and conveniences that improve your overall living experience in Georgia. Besides, the standard TRC renewal fee is 100 GEL if applied before expiry. Thus, ensure you meet all the requirements and submit the documents correctly for a smooth application process. In conclusion, having a valid Georgia TRC card makes life far more effortless than constantly renewing visas and temporary permits.