So You Want to Become a Georgian? A (Slightly Tongue-in-Cheek) Guide to Passport Procurement in the Land of Khinkali
Let's face it, your passport is basically your adult permission slip for global adventures. And if those adventures involve scaling dramatic mountain ranges, getting lost in ancient cave cities, and downing platefuls of delicious khinkali (dumplings that would make your grandma jealous), then a Georgian passport might be your ticket to paradise.
But before you pack your khachapuri (cheesy bread, another Georgian wonder) and head to the nearest embassy, there are a few things to consider.
How To Get A Georgian Passport |
Not Quite Prince Charming (or Princess Peach): Marriage Route
Found yourself smitten with a Georgian stunner and exchanging rings instead of Instagram handles? Congratulations! Marrying a Georgian citizen can be a path to citizenship, but be prepared to navigate some bureaucracy and brush up on your romantic Georgian phrases (trust us, "she's a keeper" translates beautifully).
This path is for the true romantics (or those with a serious aversion to paperwork).
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
Got Money? The Investor's Dream
Feeling flush and fancy a Georgian passport to add some spice to your travel collection? Georgia's got you covered (with a hefty investment, of course). Plop down a cool $300,000 on real estate or a local business, and you're on your way to permanent residency. After a decade of enjoying Georgian hospitality (and maybe a few too many supra feasts - epic Georgian meals), you can apply for citizenship.
This path is for the high rollers who like their citizenship with a side of khachapur.
Blood is Thicker Than... Bureaucracy?
Do you have Georgian ancestry tucked away in your family tree? If you can prove Georgian heritage, you might be eligible for a simplified citizenship process. Dust off those genealogy charts and get digging!
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
This path is for history buffs with a hankering for their ancestral homeland.
Important Note: These are just some of the options. Be sure to check with the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs for the latest information and the most official, slightly less humorous, breakdown of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
How to speak Georgian?
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
While not mandatory, knowing some basic Georgian phrases will definitely endear you to the locals. Plus, imagine the bragging rights of ordering your khachapuri in perfect Georgian!
How long does it take to get a Georgian passport?
The processing time can vary depending on the chosen path, but generally, it takes anywhere from a few months to a decade.
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
How much does it cost?
Again, it depends on the method. Investment can cost $100,000 or $300,000 depending on the residency option you choose.
How much khinkali can I eat in one sitting?
This is a question best answered through trial and error. Just be sure to wear comfortable pants.
How awesome is Georgia?
Highly awesome. But don't just take our word for it, go see for yourself (and maybe bring us back some churchkhela, a delicious Georgian candy made with grape must and nuts).