How to Get Georgian Citizenship by Marriage? A Complete Roadmap!

Navigating the path to get Georgian citizenship by marriage can seem daunting, but the rewards make it worthwhile for those seeking to settle in Georgia with their spouse permanently. Because only three years of marriage are required, marrying a Georgian citizen offers one of the fastest routes to naturalization compared to other countries. 

This guide will comprehensively walk you through the documents, exams, interviews, and step-by-step application process involved so you can successfully obtain full Georgian citizenship. Also, we’ll discuss the many benefits of citizenship grants, eligibility requirements, how to assemble the paperwork, options for legal help, and what to expect during the approximately 6-month application process. 

If you’re a foreigner married to a Georgian national and desire the privileges and advantages of naturalization, use this guide to demystify the procedure from start to finish.

Overview of Getting Georgian Citizenship by Marriage

The first thing to understand is that Georgia allows foreign spouses of Georgian citizens to obtain Georgian citizenship after three years of marriage. This is one of the fastest routes to get Georgian citizenship by marriage compared to other countries.

Therefore, to qualify, you must have a valid marriage with a Georgian citizen that has lasted at least three years. You must also provide extensive documentation proving your legitimate relationship and meeting other eligibility criteria.

The process involves paperwork, interviews, exams, and waiting periods. But once approved, you will gain the full rights of Georgian citizenship, including the ability to live and work in Georgia indefinitely, own property, vote, and access social services.

Benefits of Getting Georgian Citizenship by Marriage

There are many benefits to getting Georgian citizenship by marriage:

• You can live and work permanently in Georgia without needing visas or permits. Since Georgian citizens can access over 110 countries visa-free.
• You gain voting rights and can participate politically in Georgia.
• You can buy and own real estate in Georgia without restrictions.
• You can access Georgia’s public services, including healthcare, pensions, and education.
• You can pass Georgian citizenship to any children born after you’ve obtained citizenship.
• You can obtain a Georgian passport, which provides more accessible international travel.
• You enjoy full legal rights and protections as a Georgian citizen.

Requirements for Getting Georgian Citizenship by Marriage

To qualify for Georgian citizenship by marriage, you must meet several needs:

• You must have a valid marriage to a Georgian citizen for three continuous years. This includes same-sex marriages.
• You must have documentation proving cohabitation with your spouse during the three years, such as a marriage certificate, photos, utility bills, etc. 
• You must pass Georgian language and history exams at specified levels.
• You must have a clean criminal record with no past offenses.
• You must be able to support yourself and your dependents financially.

Meeting all the requirements and providing the correct paperwork is crucial for getting approved for naturalization.

Documents Needed to Apply for Georgian Citizenship  

When applying for Georgian citizenship by marriage, you must gather and submit various documents to prove you meet the requirements. Typical documents include:

1. Completed naturalization application forms. 
2. Valid Georgian marriage certificate. 
3. Passport photos. 
4. Your birth certificate shows your parents’ details.
5. Your spouse’s Georgian ID card and birth certificate. 
6. Past marriage, divorce, or name change certificates, if applicable.
7. Police certificates from countries you’ve lived in for the past five years.
8. Employment documents like pay stubs and tax returns.
9. Documentation of cohabitation for the three years, like utility bills, leases, photos, etc.
10. Bank statements prove you can support yourself financially.
11. Documentation noting the change of legal address to Georgia.
12. Valid passport and Georgian visa or residence permit.  

In short, having complete and accurate documents is vital for getting your citizenship application approved without delays or issues.

Step-by-Step Process for Getting Georgian Citizenship by Marriage

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and gathered all the required documents, the step-by-step process is as follows:

1. Submit your application for naturalization to get Georgian citizenship by marriage to the Civil Registry Agency in Georgia. Additionally, this can be carried out either remotely or in person. 
2. Schedule and pass your Georgian language and history exams if you haven’t already.
3. Attend an interview with immigration officials to review your application. And answer questions clearly and accurately.
4. Provide biometrics like fingerprints and signatures as required.
5. Wait for officials to process your application and conduct background checks.
6. Take an Oath of Allegiance to Georgia in front of an authorized official.
7. Get notified if your Georgian citizenship is approved. The process takes around six months in total.
8. Apply for and receive your official Georgian naturalization certificate and a Georgian passport.
9. Attention that you are not required to legally renounce any former citizenship you hold within three months of getting Georgian citizenship. Georgia allows dual citizenship in your case.
10. You are now a full Georgian citizen and can start enjoying all the benefits!

Laws of Getting Married in Georgia 

If you want to get Georgian citizenship by marriage, marrying a Georgian citizen is one of the primary avenues available. To qualify for naturalization through your spouse, you must first legally wed in Georgia while knowing all the laws:

• Civil marriages for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples are permitted. Besides, valid identification, birth certificates, and any previous divorce decrees must be submitted for civil unions.
• At a minimum, one spouse must be a Georgian citizen or permanent resident. Long-term visa holders may also qualify.
• A 10-day waiting period is compulsory after submitting the marriage application.
• An official civil ceremony at the Public Service Hall is required to register the marriage and any cultural or religious ceremonies.
• Documents need certified translation into Georgian. So, interpreters are often required.
• Spouses receive an official Georgian marriage certificate after the ceremony, essential for the future citizenship application.
• The marriage must be valid under Georgian law to eventually qualify for naturalization benefits through your spouse.
• You can maintain any other citizenship you currently hold. Georgia does allow dual citizenship for naturalized citizens.

Closely adhering to Georgia’s marriage laws and procedures ensures your union is recognized and meets future requirements when you apply for Georgian citizenship by marriage.

Finding Help with Getting Georgian Citizenship by Marriage

Because of the complexity, seeking professional help when applying for Georgian citizenship by marriage is advisable.

Immigration attorneys in Georgia can assist with:

– Guiding you through the eligibility requirements.

– Ensuring you gather and translate all required documents. 

– Preparing strong applications on your behalf.

– Representing you in interviews with officials.

– Tracking your application status and speeding processing.

– Advocating for you if any issues arise.

Having legal help greatly simplifies getting Georgian citizenship by marriage. So, look for attorneys experienced specifically in Georgian immigration law.

Last Words

Although it takes time and effort, getting Georgian citizenship by marriage provides vast rewards if you want to settle long-term in Georgia with your spouse. Indeed, meeting the requirements like a three-year valid marriage, passing exams, having no criminal record, and providing extensive paperwork is essential. However, seeking professional assistance can ease the process. You’ll gain the full rights and privileges of being a Georgian citizen if approved.