Georgia Announces Stricter Migration Rules: New Language Requirements, Quotas for Students, Criminal Penalties for Fictitious Marriages
TK Counsel editorial · 9 June 2026
Reviewed by TK Counsel editorial
Georgia's Interior Ministry announced sweeping new migration rules on June 8, 2026, targeting international students, marriage-based immigration fraud, and the operational authority of the Migration Department. The amendments, set to be adopted under the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons, represent one of the most comprehensive revisions to Georgia's migration framework in recent years.
New Rules for International Students
The amendments introduce language requirements for foreign students seeking to study in Georgia. Applicants must now submit an international language certificate and/or pass a foreign language or state language examination organized by the National Assessment and Examinations Center (NAEC). The Interior Ministry stated that the current legal framework "does not provide detailed regulations" regarding foreign student studies, and that "in practice, there are cases in which foreign nationals are formally enrolled at universities, but their participation in the academic process is not actually confirmed."
The new rules also introduce maximum quotas on the number of foreign students each educational institution may admit. Educational institutions will be required to enter detailed information on foreign students—including enrollment, academic performance, mobility, and completion status—into a "unified information system" accessible to appropriate state agencies.
Administrative penalties for institutions violating the new recording rules include fines, restrictions on admitting foreign students, and revocation of institutional authorization.
Student residence permits will be issued to adults "studying at an authorized higher or vocational education institution." Permits may be revoked if a student fails to meet academic requirements, violates conditions of employment, or is not actually present in Georgia for the period defined by law.
Criminalizing Fictitious Marriages
One of the most significant new provisions criminalizes "fictitious marriages" entered into for the purpose of obtaining Georgian citizenship, a residence permit, or another legal basis for lawful stay. The Interior Ministry will establish a special commission to verify the authenticity of marriages between Georgian citizens and foreign nationals before issuing any associated residence permit.
Penalties for marriage-based immigration fraud include:
- Deportation of the foreign national plus a reentry ban of two to ten years
- A fine
- House arrest for one to two years
- Imprisonment of up to two years
This provision directly targets arrangements that have been used to circumvent Georgia's immigration rules, and introduces criminal consequences where previously only administrative penalties applied.
Migration Department's New Powers
The amendments grant the Migration Department of the Interior Ministry the authority to conduct operational-search activities for the purpose of "combating, preventing, and suppressing illegal migration." This represents a significant expansion of the department's surveillance and enforcement capabilities.
Expedited Court Proceedings
The legislative package also introduces significant changes to court proceedings in migration cases:
- Shorter appeal deadlines
- Expedited timelines for case hearings
- In certain cases, proceedings may be conducted without oral hearings
These procedural changes are likely to accelerate the processing of migration cases, including deportations and permit revocations, limiting the time available for legal challenge.
Context: Georgia's Anti-Migration Crackdown
The amendments follow a broader pattern of restrictive migration policy under the Georgian Dream government. Prior measures include:
- Tightened labor laws for foreigners, with restrictions on working in courier and taxi services (certain exemptions apply)
- Restrictions on foreign students' access to public universities under ongoing education reforms
- Continued reports of expulsions of migrants present in Georgia without valid documentation
The government has framed the package in part as a response to public concerns about irregular migration, with officials arguing that the new rules close administrative gaps and improve identification of fraudulent applications.
What This Means for You
These amendments have direct implications for:
- International students planning to study in Georgia — language examination requirements and institutional quotas may affect admission prospects
- Foreign nationals in relationships with Georgian citizens — the new authenticity review and criminal penalties add significant risk to arrangements previously treated as administrative matters
- Employers in sectors that rely on foreign workers — the expanded Migration Department authority and expedited proceedings increase compliance risks
Students, spouses of Georgian citizens, and employers in courier / taxi / construction: request a written preliminary assessment — within 24 hours we'll tell you which rules already apply to you, and which are still in the proposed-amendment stage.
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