Given, 35, had been out of favour at Manchester City since the rise to prominence of England No 1 Joe Hart.
And having been linked with a number of clubs, Alex McLeish has made the Republic of Ireland international his first signing as Villa boss.
On the move: Shay Given has left Manchester City to sign for Aston Villa
Earlier, defender Richard Dunne welcomed his internatioanl team-mate's arrival.
He said: 'I spoke to him earlier in the week, he just wanted to get here and get started,'
'He was frustrated over the way things have gone over the last year, I think he just wants to get playing again and he'll be looking forward to it.
Safe hands: Given is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League
'I spoke to him on Friday when he got here and I think he was surprised about how good the facilities and the setup are here at Bodymoor.
'I think it's a good opportunity for Shay to get back to playing football and I think it's one he's really looking forward to.'
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Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail