How to Move to Georgia

Georgia Visa and Residency Options

Georgia offers five main pathways. Visa-free entry allows citizens of 95 countries to stay up to 365 days with just a valid passport, no application needed. The Remotely from Georgia program (launched 2020) is a digital nomad program requiring USD 2,000 per month in income, though it has been largely superseded by the visa-free stay for eligible nationalities. The IT Sector Residence Permit (launched September 2025) grants 3-year renewable residency to IT professionals earning at least USD 25,000 per year. Individual Entrepreneur registration provides a tax-efficient business structure with just 1% tax on income up to USD 155,000 per year. Standard Work Permits are available for employment with Georgian companies.

• Citizens of 95 countries can stay 365 days visa-free
• IT Sector Residence Permit grants 3-year residency, renewable up to 12 years
• Individual Entrepreneur status offers 1% income tax up to USD 155,000
• Remotely from Georgia processes in about 2 weeks
• No language requirement for any visa or residency pathway

Cost of Living in Georgia

Georgia is one of the cheapest countries in Europe for daily living. Tbilisi one-bedroom apartments in central areas rent for USD 400 to USD 700 per month. Batumi, the coastal city, is slightly cheaper. Groceries are extremely affordable, with a full weekly shop costing USD 30 to USD 50. Dining out is remarkably cheap: a full meal at a local restaurant costs USD 5 to USD 10. A single person can live comfortably on USD 1,000 to USD 1,500 per month in Tbilisi, including rent. The Georgian lari (GEL) has been relatively stable against the dollar. The main cost consideration is heating in winter, as many older apartments use gas heaters.

Language Requirements

Georgia has no language requirement for any visa or residency type. Georgian is the official language and uses its own unique alphabet (Mkhedruli). Basic Georgian (A2 level) and knowledge of Georgian history and law are required only for citizenship, which few foreigners pursue. English is spoken in Tbilisi among younger people and in the hospitality sector, but outside the capital, Georgian and Russian are the primary languages. Russian remains widely understood among older Georgians. Learning basic Georgian phrases significantly improves daily interactions, especially with landlords, taxi drivers, and market vendors.

Credential Recognition

Foreign degrees and qualifications are recognized through the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE). The process typically takes 1 to 2 months and requires apostilled, translated copies of your diploma. In practice, credential recognition is mainly necessary for regulated professions like medicine and law, or for employment with Georgian government institutions. The tech sector and most private employers do not require formal credential recognition. The IT Sector Residence Permit requires proof of 2 or more years of IT sector experience but does not mandate a specific degree.

Visa and Residency Application Process

For citizens of the 95 visa-free countries, no application is needed. Just arrive with a valid passport and you can stay up to 365 days. The Remotely from Georgia program is applied for online and processes in approximately 2 weeks. The IT Sector Residence Permit is applied for through the Public Service Hall in Georgia, with processing taking about 4 weeks. Individual Entrepreneur registration is done at the Revenue Service and can be completed within a week. For the IT Sector Permit, you need proof of 2 or more years of IT experience, income documentation of at least USD 25,000 per year, a valid passport, and a criminal background check. Georgia's bureaucracy is efficient compared to most countries in the region, with the Public Service Hall serving as a one-stop shop for most administrative tasks.

Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Permanent residency in Georgia requires 6 years of continuous legal residence on a temporary residence permit. The IT Sector Residence Permit counts toward this (renewable up to 12 years total, providing a clear path to PR). Individual Entrepreneur status also counts toward PR if you maintain an active business. Visa-free stays do not count toward permanent residency. Citizenship requires 5 years of permanent residence, A2 Georgian language proficiency, and knowledge of Georgian history and law. Citizenship is rarely granted to foreigners in practice, and Georgia does not allow dual citizenship (with limited exceptions). Most long-term residents maintain permanent residency rather than pursuing citizenship.

Your First Days in Georgia

Georgia's setup process is straightforward. If you plan to stay long-term, visit the Public Service Hall in Tbilisi to begin any residency applications. Open a bank account at Bank of Georgia or TBC Bank (requires passport only; takes about 30 minutes). If registering as an Individual Entrepreneur, visit the Revenue Service to obtain your tax registration. Rent an apartment through platforms like MyHome.ge or SS.ge. SIM cards are available immediately at any mobile operator store (Magti, Geocell, Beeline) with just your passport. Expect the full setup process to take 1 to 2 weeks.

Moving with Family

Family members can enter Georgia visa-free if they hold passports from one of the 95 eligible countries. For families needing residence permits, family reunification applications are available through the Public Service Hall. Georgian public schools are free but teach in Georgian. Several international schools in Tbilisi offer English-language instruction (British, American, and IB curricula), with annual fees ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000. Childcare is affordable, with private nurseries costing USD 200 to USD 400 per month. Georgia is generally family-friendly, with a strong culture around children and family life.

Healthcare in Georgia

Georgia has a universal healthcare program that covers basic services for Georgian citizens and permanent residents. Foreign residents and digital nomads should arrange private health insurance. Private insurance costs USD 50 to USD 150 per month and provides access to private clinics in Tbilisi, which offer modern facilities and English-speaking doctors. Public hospitals vary significantly in quality. For serious medical procedures, many residents travel to Turkey or Western Europe. Dental care and cosmetic procedures are affordable and of good quality in Tbilisi. Pharmacies are widely available, and many medications that require prescriptions elsewhere are available over the counter in Georgia.

Taxes in Georgia

Georgia offers some of the lowest tax rates in the region. Individual Entrepreneurs pay just 1% tax on gross income up to GEL 500,000 (approximately USD 155,000) per year. Standard personal income tax is a flat 20%. Corporate tax uses an Estonian-style system where only distributed profits are taxed at 15%. There is no wealth tax, no inheritance tax (for close relatives), and no capital gains tax on securities. VAT is 18%. Georgia has double taxation treaties with over 50 countries. The combination of low taxes, low cost of living, and visa-free entry has made Georgia one of the most popular destinations for freelancers and small business owners looking to optimize their tax situation legally.