Dual Citizenship in Georgia: The Untold Secrets

The phone buzzed. "You won’t believe this, but I found a loophole." My friend’s voice was electric, and I could hear the excitement through the receiver. Georgia, a small but historically rich country nestled between Europe and Asia, had recently made headlines for a much-discussed topic: dual citizenship. But was it as simple as the media portrayed? Could you really hold two passports without a hitch in Georgia?

Let’s dive deep into the intricacies of Georgia’s dual citizenship policy, peeling back the layers of its legal frameworks, history, and the practical realities on the ground. What you think you know may be far from the truth.

The Law: What Does Georgian Legislation Actually Say?

Georgia, like many nations, is quite protective of its sovereignty. This is reflected in its laws governing citizenship. According to the Constitution of Georgia, acquiring dual citizenship is not a straightforward process. But the Constitutional Law of Georgia on Citizenship, enacted in 2018, brought a breath of fresh air to those seeking dual nationality.

In essence, the law provides that Georgian citizenship may be granted by exception to those who are deemed to have rendered special services to Georgia, or in other cases when doing so serves the country’s interests. However, not everyone qualifies for this fast-track option.

Here's a simplified breakdown of the legal routes to dual citizenship in Georgia:

1. By Birth: If you are born in Georgia to Georgian parents, you're automatically a citizen.
2. Naturalization: After living in Georgia for a certain period (usually 5-10 years), individuals may apply for naturalization.
3. Special Contributions: This is where things get interesting. If you can prove that granting you citizenship would significantly benefit Georgia, you could be awarded dual nationality. This might include business investments, cultural contributions, or political engagement.

While these pathways might seem accessible on paper, each comes with its own set of hurdles. The legal jargon can be daunting, and even a small misstep could see your application delayed for years.

Loopholes and Challenges

One might ask, "How are people managing to navigate this tricky terrain?" The answer lies in the grey areas of interpretation. Many applicants have found success by working with local attorneys who specialize in citizenship law. These experts know how to craft an application that highlights the applicant’s importance to the nation — often embellishing details to make the case more compelling.

But here’s the catch: many fail.

Numerous applications are rejected each year because they don’t meet the exacting standards set by the Georgian authorities. And once rejected, it’s not easy to appeal. The process is slow, bureaucratic, and sometimes frustratingly opaque.

Georgian Diaspora: A Bridge to Dual Citizenship?

Another avenue worth exploring is the Georgian diaspora. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, many Georgians left the country in search of better opportunities. Today, Georgian communities thrive in countries like Russia, the U.S., and Turkey. In an effort to maintain ties with these communities, the Georgian government has made it somewhat easier for diaspora members to regain or retain their Georgian citizenship, while also holding onto the citizenship of their adopted country.

The key here lies in the concept of "external citizens"— those who were born Georgian, emigrated, and then acquired citizenship in another country. These individuals are often prioritized for dual citizenship, as the government views their contributions abroad as a form of "special service" to the nation.

But even for members of the diaspora, the process is far from guaranteed. Many face extensive paperwork, long waiting times, and uncertainty.

The Perks and Pitfalls of Dual Citizenship in Georgia

Why, you might ask, would someone want to navigate this complex process? The answer is simple: privilege.

Holding dual citizenship in Georgia opens doors to various opportunities:

1. Freedom of Movement: Georgian citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 100 countries, including most of Europe. Dual citizenship allows individuals to keep their Georgian passport while also benefiting from the advantages of their second nationality.
2. Property Ownership: Georgia has one of the most liberal property ownership laws in the region, making it a hotspot for real estate investments. Dual citizens can own land and property, which is otherwise restricted for foreigners.
3. Taxation Benefits: Georgia has a relatively favorable tax system, and dual citizens can strategically manage their tax liabilities by leveraging the best of both worlds.

But with these perks come significant drawbacks:

• Military Service: Georgian law requires all male citizens to complete military service. Dual citizens are not exempt, which can pose a dilemma for those who live abroad and have no intention of returning to fulfill this obligation.
• Double Taxation: While Georgia has tax treaties with several countries, there’s always the risk of double taxation—where you're taxed on the same income by two different nations.
• Renunciation: Some countries, like the U.S., frown upon dual citizenship, and obtaining Georgian nationality might lead to conflicts with your primary citizenship.

Real-life Stories: Successes and Failures

To better understand the human side of dual citizenship in Georgia, let’s explore some real-world examples.

Success Story: The Business Mogul

Levan was born in Georgia but moved to the U.S. when he was 12. Fast forward to his 30s, and Levan had become a successful entrepreneur in the tech industry. He wanted to expand his operations into the Georgian market, which led him to apply for dual citizenship. Thanks to his business acumen and clear intent to invest in Georgia, he was granted citizenship in just under two years. Today, his company employs over 100 Georgians and contributes to the nation’s tech ecosystem.

Failure Story: The Idealistic Diplomat

On the other side of the spectrum, we have Mariam, who worked for a European NGO. She had spent years advocating for Georgia’s integration into the EU, and her work was recognized internationally. However, when she applied for dual citizenship, her application was rejected. The reason? Her work, while beneficial for Georgia’s global standing, didn’t meet the specific criteria outlined by the government for "special contributions." Her rejection was a stark reminder that even with good intentions, the process is never guaranteed.

The Future of Dual Citizenship in Georgia: Where Are We Heading?

As Georgia continues to integrate into the global economy, its approach to dual citizenship will undoubtedly evolve. There’s already talk of loosening restrictions, particularly for individuals from strategic partner countries like the U.S., Canada, and members of the European Union.

But the truth is, for now, dual citizenship in Georgia remains a complicated and often frustrating process. While success is possible, it requires patience, legal expertise, and, in many cases, a bit of luck. The rewards are significant, but so are the risks.

For those considering this path, the question is simple: Is it worth it?