Georgia Relocation Guide

Essential First Steps for New Arrivals

Visa and Entry
Many nationalities can stay up to one year visa‑free. Digital nomads can apply for the Remotely from Georgia program.

Register Your Address (if required)
Some residence permit applications require proof of address.

Obtain a Personal Number
Required for employment, banking, taxes, healthcare, and property ownership.

Open a Georgian Bank Account
Georgia is known for efficient banking; ID and personal number typically required.

Healthcare Registration
Public healthcare is available, but many expats prefer private clinics.

Housing in Georgia

Types of Housing

• Private rentals
• Furnished and unfurnished apartments
• Shared housing
• Guesthouses and long‑stay hotels
• Houses in suburban or rural areas

Market Characteristics

• High demand in Tbilisi and Batumi
• Prices vary significantly by district
• Deposits typically equal one month’s rent
• Many apartments are furnished

Practical Advice

• Use reputable real estate platforms or agents
• Check heating type (gas heating common)
• Understand utility costs
• Inspect insulation and ventilation
• Beware of tourist‑season price spikes in Batumi

Working in Georgia

Work Permits and Visas

• Work residence permit
• Entrepreneur residence permit
• Digital nomad program
• Student residence permit

Employment Standards

• Standard workweek: 40 hours
• 24 days paid vacation
• Overtime compensation required
• Notice periods depend on contract type

Key Industries

• IT and software development
• Tourism and hospitality
• Agriculture and wine production
• Logistics and transportation
• Real estate and construction
• Creative industries

Financial Overview: Taxes and Income

Income Tax for Employees
Georgia uses a flat income tax rate with pension contributions for residents.

Taxes for Entrepreneurs and Freelancers
Georgia offers Small Business Status (1% turnover tax), Virtual Zone Status for IT companies, and simplified reporting.

Corporate Tax
Distributed profits taxed; retained earnings tax‑free.

VAT
Standard rate: 18%.

Healthcare System

Georgia has a mixed public–private healthcare system. Many expats prefer private clinics for faster service.

General Practitioner
Residents can choose public or private clinics.

Costs

• Public healthcare low‑cost
• Private clinics moderate
• Dental care mostly private

Transportation and Mobility

Public Transport

• Tbilisi Metro
• Buses and minibuses (marshrutkas)
• Intercity trains and buses
• Ride‑sharing services

Driving

• International licenses accepted temporarily
• Local license required for long‑term stays
• Road conditions vary
• Mountain roads require caution

Cycling
Limited but improving infrastructure.

Culture and Society

Georgian culture is warm, expressive, and deeply rooted in hospitality, tradition, and national pride.

Social Norms

• Guests treated with great respect
• Relationships matter in business
• Punctuality flexible socially
• Traditional customs influential

Religion in Georgia

Religion plays a significant cultural role, with Georgian Orthodox Christianity as the majority.

Daily Life

Shopping and Services
Major supermarkets include Carrefour, Goodwill, Spar, and Nikora.

Language
Georgian is the official language. English proficiency moderate; Russian widely understood.

Digital Services
Online banking, government portals, and e‑services for business registration.

Education and Family Life

School Options

• Public schools
• Private schools
• International schools
• Bilingual programs

Childcare

• Nurseries
• Kindergartens
• After‑school programs

Community and Integration

Active expat communities exist in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi.

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Georgia Relocation Guide