NEW REGULATIONS IN GEORGIA FROM 28.05.2025
From 28.05.2025 a foreigner is required to either be in the country for more than 185 days in the last 12 months, OR present a valid Residence Permit to take the theory test for the Driving License.
This makes the process a bit more complicated and longer.
But the driving license process itself is still pretty straightforward and much faster and cheaper compared to other countries.
How to get residency in Georgia?
There are several ways, but in your case most probably the Small Business solution makes the most sense.
From 28.05.2025 a foreigner is required to either be in the country for more than 185 days in the last 12 months, OR present a valid Residence Permit to take the theory test for the Driving License.
This makes the process a bit more complicated and longer.
But the driving license process itself is still pretty straightforward and much faster and cheaper compared to other countries.
How to get residency in Georgia?
There are several ways, but in your case most probably the Small Business solution makes the most sense.
How to get a Residence Permit based on a small business application?
Small Business with 1% tax rate can be opened in Georgia in just 1 day.
It becomes active from the next month on.
Example: you open it on 25th june - it will become active for July - means, you will be paying 1% on the income you want to put into the Georgian bank account from the 1.07. on.
After your business pays taxes in Georgia for more than 50.000 Lari - which is around 160 Euros in taxes (1% from 50.000 Lari) - you are technically eligible to apply for the residence permit.
Usually its recommended to have your small business opened for more than 3-4 months.
EU citizens are more likely to get a residence permit, compared to other citizenships, based on closer ties of Georgia with the EU lately.
Small business can be opened remotely, through a power of attorney letter, enabling a lawyer to open it on your behalf without you being in Georgia. This makes it possible to open it in advance to apply for the residence permit when you will arrive to Georgia.
So the plan could look like this:
- Opening the small business (remotely or offline)
- Paying 160 Euro in taxes in Georgia split over the next 3-4 months.
- Coming to Georgia and appliying for the residence permit based on your small business. At this point you need around 7000 USD on your Georgian Bank account to qualify.
- Waiting for the answer to your 10 Days urgent residence permit application. In that time you can learn how to drive and prepare for the theory and practical exams.
- If its positive, you can get the ID card same day.
- On the same or the next day we will take you to the theory exam, and you can take practical exams right after it too.
- So in the end, in the best case, your whole driving license process will take around 14 days of you being physically in Georgia. You can also leave for the 10 days that your application is being processed.
- Even with this new regulation, the driving license process is still very fast for foreigners.
- If you fail the exams, you need to wait: 7 days to retake a theory test, 1 day to retake closed circuit test (car or bike), and 7 days to retake car city test.
Small Business with 1% tax rate can be opened in Georgia in just 1 day.
It becomes active from the next month on.
Example: you open it on 25th june - it will become active for July - means, you will be paying 1% on the income you want to put into the Georgian bank account from the 1.07. on.
After your business pays taxes in Georgia for more than 50.000 Lari - which is around 160 Euros in taxes (1% from 50.000 Lari) - you are technically eligible to apply for the residence permit.
Usually its recommended to have your small business opened for more than 3-4 months.
EU citizens are more likely to get a residence permit, compared to other citizenships, based on closer ties of Georgia with the EU lately.
Small business can be opened remotely, through a power of attorney letter, enabling a lawyer to open it on your behalf without you being in Georgia. This makes it possible to open it in advance to apply for the residence permit when you will arrive to Georgia.
So the plan could look like this:
- Opening the small business (remotely or offline)
- Paying 160 Euro in taxes in Georgia split over the next 3-4 months.
- Coming to Georgia and appliying for the residence permit based on your small business. At this point you need around 7000 USD on your Georgian Bank account to qualify.
- Waiting for the answer to your 10 Days urgent residence permit application. In that time you can learn how to drive and prepare for the theory and practical exams.
- If its positive, you can get the ID card same day.
- On the same or the next day we will take you to the theory exam, and you can take practical exams right after it too.
- So in the end, in the best case, your whole driving license process will take around 14 days of you being physically in Georgia. You can also leave for the 10 days that your application is being processed.
- Even with this new regulation, the driving license process is still very fast for foreigners.
- If you fail the exams, you need to wait: 7 days to retake a theory test, 1 day to retake closed circuit test (car or bike), and 7 days to retake car city test.
How much does it cost?
There are different options for the Residence Permit support.
We have different partners whom you can contact to support you in the process.
If you want the whole support in German, you can contact Staatenlos. They provide the fastest and smoothest process.
We also have local alternatives with special deals for our clients only.
Their support in the whole process will be around 250 EUR, if you book through us. Plus the urgency fees for the documents and applications, which are paid by you directly (around 300 EUR)
Let us know if you are interested in this option and we can also discuss the Driving license process with you.
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Why Georgia?
You don't need to live in Georgia to get a driving license.
It is relatively easy to get a residence permit here. It's a perfect solution for digital nomads and travelers. You still need to go there and take exams at the police station.
It's not a fake online license.
It is relatively easy to get a residence permit here. It's a perfect solution for digital nomads and travelers. You still need to go there and take exams at the police station.
It's not a fake online license.
I got my international motorbike driving license in 1 hour! (+6 hours of training).
Car DL usually takes 1-2 weeks. Plan around 1 week for preparation and you'll be on the safe side.
Plus 11 days to get a residence permit here.
Car DL usually takes 1-2 weeks. Plan around 1 week for preparation and you'll be on the safe side.
Plus 11 days to get a residence permit here.
While in Germany I paid 100$ for 80 min. of driving practice, in Georgia you can get the whole driving license for this money.
1 Training hour costs around 15-25$
1 Training hour costs around 15-25$
It's just up to your driving skills. I practiced directly in Georgia, with their instructors. But there is no mandatory amount of practice hours.
We recommend a minimal amount of practice necessary to be confident on the road and to succeed in the exams.
We recommend a minimal amount of practice necessary to be confident on the road and to succeed in the exams.
While in Georgia, you can explore this beautiful and not-yet-mainstream country.
Summer is perfect for hiking and in winter you can go snowboarding & skiing in Gudauri and other amazing ski-resorts - much cheaper than in the Alps.
Summer is perfect for hiking and in winter you can go snowboarding & skiing in Gudauri and other amazing ski-resorts - much cheaper than in the Alps.
Georgia is a part of the Geneva and Vienna Conventions, which means you can use the driving license in countries that signed it - most countries in the world. BUT, most probably not in your current country of residence.
PS: If you are an EU resident, you must obtain an EU Driving License to drive there. You can't use the Georgian driving license in the EU as EU resident, BUT some countries might allow you to exchange it to a local one even without the exams. (Ireland, Hungary)
PS: If you are an EU resident, you must obtain an EU Driving License to drive there. You can't use the Georgian driving license in the EU as EU resident, BUT some countries might allow you to exchange it to a local one even without the exams. (Ireland, Hungary)
Who is it for ideally?
- Generally, Georgia follows Geneva and Vienna conventions, meaning it's valid in all countries which also follow these conventions (all the official countries in the world actually). You can check the list here
- For some countries you will need the paperback IDP which you will also get from the traffic police in Georgia after succeeding in the last exam.
- If you plan to exchange it in your own country, please read this page about exchange and validity before contacting us. Always inform yourself of your local authorities before taking the final decision.
So who is this license useful for?
- Perpetual travelers/Digital Nomads = people without any residence who don't stay in one country for more than 185 days; They de-registered themselves from the EU or their country. In this case they can use Georgian DL everywhere in the world, including the EU.
- Travelers: Many EU residents need a DL for their trips to the USA, Asia, Latin America, Africa or Australia etc. For that it's perfect.
- People moving to a new country: Get your DL fast in Georgia and swap it in the new country or use it there for 6 months at least (check exchange regulations in advance)
- People living in a country which will allow them to exchange it without exams or without mandatory lessons (Ireland, Hungary etc.)
- Lost their driving license: Lost it in your country or during a trip? At least you'll be able to drive outside.
- Back-up: Many people just want to have a back-up license. Just in case they lose theirs.
- Collection/Flag Theory: Some people collect passports and driving licenses. The more the merrier.
- Urgency: You need it for a trip abroad super urgently.
- It takes too long in your country or you keep failing
- You need special categories (A, C, D, CE) for international travel only
Who is this license NOT for?
- EU residents (more than 6 months) who want to use it all around the EU only (Except if your country offers exam-free or simplified exchange, like Ireland, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Spain, Greece etc.) If you are only moving to the EU it might be a good solution!
- People who want to use it in their own country in general, unless it has a special agreement with Georgia for exam-less exchange. Ask your local authorities.
- People who just want to buy a license online without any exams and learning! Most providers offering online driving licenses are scammers and will cause you legal trouble. We strongly advise not to use them for your own sake.
Fill out this form to get a customized offer.
What will you get support in?
-
We know the whole process and will support you in getting your license as smooth as possible. We have already helped to get over 90 licenses for car and motorbike to clients from over 20 different countries. We offer extensive guides for Theory and practical exams preparation, which help our students to get the license in the fastest way possible. -
Our local agents and translators will accompany you to every exam related appointment and translate for you from English to Russian or Georgian.
We will book your exams, arrange you english speaking instructors and translators where needed, and make sure you can focus on learning and preparing for the exams only. -
We will provide you with the best combination of price & quality of service we know on the market. If you would be doing it all yourself, you would waste more, than if you would pay with our service.
Fill out this form to get a customized offer.
Where is it Valid and can I exchange it?
How can I get an international driving license urgently?
Whatever your reasons are - in Georgia (the country) there's no mandatory amount of classes to visit before you go to the exam, which makes the process super fast. We will help you to book an appointment for the exam so that you get it when you need it.
You still need to prepare for theoretical and practical exams for a car/motorbike though, so plan this time in. You need to be able to drive well to succeed.
You still need to prepare for theoretical and practical exams for a car/motorbike though, so plan this time in. You need to be able to drive well to succeed.
How long is the Georgian driving license valid?
It's valid for 15 years (the card) in most countries of the world. Your IDP (international driving permit - the paper book) is valid for 3 years, but you can re-apply for it online, without going to Georgia. You'll get a digital one valid in the USA/Canada and some other countries.
How fast can I get Georgian driving license?
It took me 4 days to prepare for the motorbike exam and 1 day to get my license.
For the car, you'll most likely need 2-3 weeks. I failed my first city exam and had to retake it 1 week later.
We provide you with English-speaking instructors in Tbilisi and make sure you get it as fast as possible. But not everything is in our control and a lot depends on your preparation.
It takes them 1 hour to print your driving license and your IDP (International Driving Permit) on the day of the last successful exam.
For the car, you'll most likely need 2-3 weeks. I failed my first city exam and had to retake it 1 week later.
We provide you with English-speaking instructors in Tbilisi and make sure you get it as fast as possible. But not everything is in our control and a lot depends on your preparation.
It takes them 1 hour to print your driving license and your IDP (International Driving Permit) on the day of the last successful exam.
Where can I get an international driving license cheap and fast?
Georgia is a great place for it!
With driving classes costing you 15-25$ it's much cheaper than in Germany to learn how to drive. Fees for the exams are relatively low too.
It will take you 1-2 weeks to get your driving license which you can then use everywhere around the world (limited by your residencies)
The ID card and the IDP will be done on the same day.
With driving classes costing you 15-25$ it's much cheaper than in Germany to learn how to drive. Fees for the exams are relatively low too.
It will take you 1-2 weeks to get your driving license which you can then use everywhere around the world (limited by your residencies)
The ID card and the IDP will be done on the same day.
Can I just pay for a Georgian driving license without taking exams?
No. You have to prepare and take exams in Georgia.
Can I get a Georgian driving license if I lost my driving license in my own country?
Yes. You can't use it in the country you've lost your license in, as you are banned from driving there, but you could use it in other countries. PS: If you've lost it in the EU, you are banned from driving in the EU then most probably. Our service is not a way around your EU driving ban.
Is it valid in the USA?
If you are not a US resident and you were not banned from driving there previously, you can generally use a Georgian driving license there. Inform yourself in advance. Make sure to carry the IDP (International Driving Permit) with you.
Can I exchange my Georgian driving license for my local one?
It depends on your country's regulations.
Rule of thumb:
Did you live there for less than 6 months? There's a chance you can swap it.
Did you live there for more than 6 months? You can swap it only if your country has special agreements with Georgia or has easy exchange process.
In any case, ask your local driving school and they'll know best. Many countries in the EU will accept to swap Georgian driving license without any exams even for their residents (e.g. Ireland, Hungary, and some more)
You might need to take extra exams in some countries. Check out this page for more info.
Rule of thumb:
Did you live there for less than 6 months? There's a chance you can swap it.
Did you live there for more than 6 months? You can swap it only if your country has special agreements with Georgia or has easy exchange process.
In any case, ask your local driving school and they'll know best. Many countries in the EU will accept to swap Georgian driving license without any exams even for their residents (e.g. Ireland, Hungary, and some more)
You might need to take extra exams in some countries. Check out this page for more info.
Is a Georgian driving license legit?
Yes! It's legit and recognized by all countries around the world, which signed conventions on road traffic (Geneva and Vienna) - find the full list here. Inform yourself before going to a new country what local regulations are. You might need a translation.
Can I get a Georgian driving license without coming to Georgia?
I get this question a lot and NO, there's no way. You have to take exams offline in Georgia, so for this one there's no way around coming to Georgia.
If you'll ever get an offer for a driving license that doesn't require you to take any exams it's most probably a scam scheme. Don't fall for this.
There are pretty cheap tickets from the EU countries. Check Tiflis (Tbilisi) and Kutaisi airports. Kutaisi is not that far from Tbilisi.
You'll have an amazing time and enjoy Georgian hospitality and rich culture!
If you'll ever get an offer for a driving license that doesn't require you to take any exams it's most probably a scam scheme. Don't fall for this.
There are pretty cheap tickets from the EU countries. Check Tiflis (Tbilisi) and Kutaisi airports. Kutaisi is not that far from Tbilisi.
You'll have an amazing time and enjoy Georgian hospitality and rich culture!
Is it valid in the European Union? (EU)
For touristic reasons, yes! Unless you are a resident in the EU for more than 6 months! In this case, you can't use it in the EU country you live in and other EU countries without exchanging it first.
If you are resident in a country that exchanges it without exams (e.g. Ireland, Hungary and some more).
If you are only moving to the EU and get this license beforehand, you can also swap it without exams in Spain, Greece, and some more countries.
In Germany you wouldnt need to take mandatort classes and could directly take exams, which saves you a ton of money too.
If you are not resident in the EU - you can use your Georgian driving license there, and in all other countries which signed the Vienna and Geneva conventions for touristic reasons.
Always inform yourself in advance about the specific country's regulations and rules if you plan to drive there.
If you are resident in a country that exchanges it without exams (e.g. Ireland, Hungary and some more).
If you are only moving to the EU and get this license beforehand, you can also swap it without exams in Spain, Greece, and some more countries.
In Germany you wouldnt need to take mandatort classes and could directly take exams, which saves you a ton of money too.
If you are not resident in the EU - you can use your Georgian driving license there, and in all other countries which signed the Vienna and Geneva conventions for touristic reasons.
Always inform yourself in advance about the specific country's regulations and rules if you plan to drive there.
What is an IDP (International Driving Permit) and where do I need it?
Some countries require the IDP along with your plastic card driving license (national DL). It's like a translation of your driving license. You can check the full list here. We will help you get it on the day of your exam in Georgia.
Ideally always carry your IDP along with the plastic license, just in case. Some car-hiring companies will require your IDP to give you a car.
Ideally always carry your IDP along with the plastic license, just in case. Some car-hiring companies will require your IDP to give you a car.
How many classes do I need to take to get the driving license in Georgia?
My recommendation for less experienced drivers is at least:
8*20$ hours of practice for Motbrike (160$)
Car:
Training ground: 6-8 hours *15$ (110€)
City Training: 10*45 min (ca. 200€)
If you are more experienced, you will need less classes.
You can take as many classes as you feel like you need to pass the exam.
8*20$ hours of practice for Motbrike (160$)
Car:
Training ground: 6-8 hours *15$ (110€)
City Training: 10*45 min (ca. 200€)
If you are more experienced, you will need less classes.
You can take as many classes as you feel like you need to pass the exam.
What type of support do you offer?
We offer full support in your process, so that you can be sure that you get your driving license without unnecessary mistakes:
Theoretical preparation support
Documentation preparation
Registration for all exam-related appointments: theoretical exam, practical exam, driving lessons with an English speaking instructor or with a translator + instructor
Assistance and Translation with the authorities, problem-solving
Optional: Recommendations and local support
Theoretical preparation support
Documentation preparation
Registration for all exam-related appointments: theoretical exam, practical exam, driving lessons with an English speaking instructor or with a translator + instructor
Assistance and Translation with the authorities, problem-solving
Optional: Recommendations and local support
Do you guarantee that I get the driving license in the end?
We guarantee that you'll get an appointment for the exam and the necessary amount of classes.
If you follow our recommendations, you are very likely to succeed in the exam.
If you fail the theoretical or practical exam, we can't impact the result, but we will help you get a new appointment. You are allowed to retake much faster than in other countries - just in 1 week.
The Motorbike license process is much easier and shorter.
For the car, it's more complicated, and exam appointments are harder to get. But we do our best to make sure you get a chance to take the exam. Many people fail in the first try in the city exam (including me).
That's why we suggest planning more time for the car license. (2-3 weeks at least)
If you follow our recommendations, you are very likely to succeed in the exam.
If you fail the theoretical or practical exam, we can't impact the result, but we will help you get a new appointment. You are allowed to retake much faster than in other countries - just in 1 week.
The Motorbike license process is much easier and shorter.
For the car, it's more complicated, and exam appointments are harder to get. But we do our best to make sure you get a chance to take the exam. Many people fail in the first try in the city exam (including me).
That's why we suggest planning more time for the car license. (2-3 weeks at least)
Check more info here.
We recommend checking skyscanner.com or booking.com results for "your city" to Kutaisi or Tbilisi airports.
Kutaisi often has cheap wizzair connection to Berlin and other European cities, even 1-2 weeks in advance. Ryanair can be used for inter-European flights to the city that has the cheapest flight to Georgia.
I recommend not taking the return ticket or taking a flexible one, in case you are flexible, just in case you have to retake theory or city exams.
We recommend checking skyscanner.com or booking.com results for "your city" to Kutaisi or Tbilisi airports.
Kutaisi often has cheap wizzair connection to Berlin and other European cities, even 1-2 weeks in advance. Ryanair can be used for inter-European flights to the city that has the cheapest flight to Georgia.
I recommend not taking the return ticket or taking a flexible one, in case you are flexible, just in case you have to retake theory or city exams.
Is Georgia an expensive country?
Do people speak English in Georgia?
Georgians speak Georgian and, older generations mostly, russian.
Younger generations will most probably speak English too. We suggest you to get this e-sim and use google translate - https://ref.airalo.com/Zw6M
Use code MIKALA8808 when you sign up or apply it at checkout for a discount!
When you are in Georgian you can buy a local sim card too. We recommend Magti with an internet only package. Just 15$ for the whole month.
Younger generations will most probably speak English too. We suggest you to get this e-sim and use google translate - https://ref.airalo.com/Zw6M
Use code MIKALA8808 when you sign up or apply it at checkout for a discount!
When you are in Georgian you can buy a local sim card too. We recommend Magti with an internet only package. Just 15$ for the whole month.
Can I buy real estate, a flat or a house in Georgia as a non resident?
Yes, you can. And this will even help you to get a resident status in Georgia if you want it of course.
You can check this website to get a customized offer.
Just leave a request and professionals will get back to you to support you in this process.
You can check this website to get a customized offer.
Just leave a request and professionals will get back to you to support you in this process.
Closing Disclaimer:
Every country has different regulations so it's impossible for us to keep up with all changes and all the updates, thus information provided here doesn't have a legally binding character.
Please inform yourself from your country of residence about any regulations that might hinder you from using/exchanging the Georgian driving license in that country or abroad.
if you still have questions, feel free to text us
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