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Georgia

Europe

Georgia offers one of the world's most generous visa policies with 365-day visa-free entry for 95+ nationalities, ultra-low 1% tax rates for freelancers through the Individual Entrepreneur scheme, and an extremely affordable cost of living. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, this Caucasian gem has become a top digital nomad destination with fast internet, easy banking, vibrant culture, and stunning mountain landscapes.

5
Visa Types
95
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

Visa-Free Entry (365 Days)

Citizens of 95+ countries can enter Georgia without a visa and stay for up to 365 days. Mandatory health insurance required from January 2026. One of the most generous visa-free policies in the world.

365 days
Duration
$50
— fee
⚠️Remote Work: Grey Area

Remote work for foreign employers with no Georgian clients or economic footprint is generally tolerated. From March 2026, a Special Labour Activity Permit is required for labor activity in Georgia, but fully remote workers with no local footprint may be exempt. Transition period until January 2027.

✅ Key Benefits

✓Full year stay without any visa application
✓No visa fees or bureaucracy
✓Can register as Individual Entrepreneur for 1% tax on turnover up to 500,000 GEL
✓Easy banking access
✓Multiple entries allowed
✓Border run resets 365-day period with no minimum time outside
📋 Requirements (5)
  • •Passport valid for duration of stay
  • •Mandatory health and accident insurance with minimum 30,000 GEL coverage (from January 1, 2026)
  • •Insurance policy must be in Georgian or English and cover full period of stay
  • •Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested)
  • •Return or onward ticket (may be requested)
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Instant on arrival
  1. 1Ensure your nationality is on the visa-free list (95+ countries including EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia)
  2. 2Purchase health and accident insurance with minimum 30,000 GEL coverage before travel
  3. 3Arrive at any Georgian airport or land border
  4. 4Present your passport and insurance proof to immigration
  5. 5Receive entry stamp valid for 365 days
  6. 6No visa forms to fill, no visa fees to pay
Apply Online

🛡️ Tax Implications

After 183 days in any 12-month period, you become a Georgian tax resident. Register as Individual Entrepreneur with Small Business Status for 1% tax on turnover up to 500,000 GEL. Standard personal income tax is 20%. Foreign-sourced income of residents may be exempt depending on classification.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Purchase travel insurance before arrival — it is mandatory from January 2026 and you may be denied entry without it
  • •If planning to freelance, obtain a Special Labour Activity Permit — enforcement begins May 2026
  • •Open a bank account early — most banks require only a passport
  • •Register as Individual Entrepreneur at Revenue Service for 1% tax on turnover up to 500,000 GEL

e-Visa

Tourist

Electronic visa for nationals who don't qualify for visa-free entry. Valid for short-term stays up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism, business, or medical purposes.

90d
Duration
$70
— fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱5 business days
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
e-Visa government feeOfficial government fee plus 2% service charge
$20—
Mandatory travel insuranceRequired from January 2026. Minimum 30,000 GEL coverage for health and accident.
$50—
Required Total
$70—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa validity period
  • •Recent passport-size photo
  • •Proof of accommodation in Georgia
  • •Proof of sufficient funds
  • •Mandatory health and accident insurance with minimum 30,000 GEL coverage
  • •Return or onward ticket

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Visit the official e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.ge)
  2. 2Select your visa type (tourist, business, medical)
  3. 3Complete the online application form
  4. 4Upload passport scan and photo
  5. 5Pay the $20 fee online
  6. 6Receive e-Visa via email within 5 business days
  7. 7Print e-Visa and present at entry

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Cannot be extended within Georgia
  • •Limited to 30-90 days depending on nationality
  • •Must have all documents ready before applying

⚠️ Remote Work: Grey Area

Short-term e-visa holders are unlikely to trigger labor permit requirements. Remote work for foreign employers during a tourist stay is generally tolerated. From March 2026, the Special Labour Activity Permit applies to those engaged in labor activity in Georgia.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Short stays under 183 days do not create tax residency. No tax obligations unless earning Georgian-source income.

💡 Tips

  • •Check if your country has visa-free access first - 95+ countries do
  • •Apply at least 2 weeks before travel
  • •Ensure passport has 3+ months validity

Work Residence Permit

WorkPopular

Residence permit for foreign nationals employed by Georgian companies or registered as Individual Entrepreneurs. From March 2026, a Special Labour Activity Permit (200-400 GEL) must be obtained first. IT professionals receive 3-year permits.

365d
Duration
GEL 500
— fee
+GEL 1,450 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱10-30 days for residence permit; 30 days for labour permit (10 business days expedited)
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
GELUSD
Required
Residence permit application feeStandard 30-day processing at Public Service Hall
GEL 300—
Special Labour Activity PermitRequired from March 2026. Standard 30-day processing via Ministry of Labour.
GEL 200—
Additional (estimated)
Express residence permit processing (10 days)Faster processing at Public Service Hall
GEL 600—
Expedited residence permit processing (20 days)Mid-tier processing speed
GEL 450—
Express labour permit processing (10 business days)Faster labour permit processing
GEL 400—
Required Total
GEL 500—
+ Additional (estimated)
GEL 1,450—
Estimated Total
GEL 1,950—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport
  • •Special Labour Activity Permit from Ministry of Labour (mandatory from March 2026)
  • •Employment contract (6+ months) or Individual Entrepreneur registration
  • •Employer annual turnover proof: 50,000 GEL per foreign employee (35,000 GEL for education/medical)
  • •Proof of legal stay in Georgia
  • •Passport photos
  • •Mandatory health and accident insurance with minimum 30,000 GEL coverage
  • •For IT sector: 2 years experience and minimum 25,000 USD annual income

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Obtain Special Labour Activity Permit from Ministry of Labour (employer applies for employees; self-employed apply independently)
  2. 2Employer must first post job on Labour Market Management portal and wait 10 business days (labour market test)
  3. 3Within 10 days of receiving labour permit, apply for work residence permit at Public Service Development Agency
  4. 4Submit required documents and pay application fee (300 GEL standard)
  5. 5Wait for processing (10-30 days depending on fee)
  6. 6Receive residence permit valid for 6-12 months initially (3 years for IT sector)
  7. 7Renew before expiry to maintain status

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Must maintain employment or IE status
  • •Turnover requirements for business-based permits
  • •Annual renewal required
  • •2025/2026 reforms adding stricter compliance requirements

✅ Remote Work: Allowed

Work residence permit explicitly authorizes employment or entrepreneurial activity in Georgia. Remote work for foreign clients is permitted.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Work residence permit holders become tax residents after 183 days. Standard income tax 20%. Individual Entrepreneurs with Small Business Status pay 1% on turnover up to 500,000 GEL. Employer withholds 20% income tax from salary.

💡 Tips

  • •Register as IE with Small Business Status for 1% tax on income up to 500,000 GEL
  • •Use central Tbilisi branches of Public Service Hall for English support
  • •Keep all business records organized for renewal
  • •Consider the new IT-sector permit if you work in technology

Property Ownership Residence Permit

Special Program

Residence permit for foreign nationals who own real estate in Georgia worth $150,000 or more (increased from $100,000 in March 2026). Multiple properties can be combined to meet the threshold. Renewable annually.

365d
Duration
GEL 600
— fee
+GEL 2,550 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱10-30 days
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
GELUSD
Required
Residence permit feeStandard 30-day processing
GEL 300—
Property valuationCertified appraisal from accredited assessor
GEL 300—
Additional (estimated)
Express processing (10 days)Faster processing
GEL 600—
Expedited processing (20 days)Mid-tier processing speed
GEL 450—
Legal assistanceProperty purchase guidance
GEL 1,500—
Required Total
GEL 600—
+ Additional (estimated)
GEL 2,550—
Estimated Total
GEL 3,150—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport
  • •Property ownership documents registered in state registry
  • •Certified property valuation by accredited appraiser ($150,000+ market value)
  • •Proof of legal stay in Georgia
  • •Passport photos
  • •Property must not be agricultural land
  • •Multiple properties can be combined to meet threshold
  • •Mandatory health and accident insurance with minimum 30,000 GEL coverage

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Purchase non-agricultural real estate in Georgia worth $150,000+ (multiple properties can be combined)
  2. 2Obtain certified property valuation from an accredited independent appraiser
  3. 3Gather ownership documents registered in the state registry and passport
  4. 4Apply at Public Service Development Agency (in person or online for renewals)
  5. 5Pay application fee (300 GEL standard, 450 GEL for 20-day, 600 GEL for 10-day processing)
  6. 6Receive residence permit valid for 1 year
  7. 7Renew annually as long as property ownership continues at $150,000+ value

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Must maintain property ownership
  • •Property must retain $100,000+ value
  • •Agricultural land excluded
  • •Annual renewal required
  • •Permit invalidated if property sold without replacement

⚠️ Remote Work: Grey Area

Property residence permit does not include work authorization. Remote work for foreign employers is in a grey area similar to visa-free entry. For local employment or freelancing, a Special Labour Activity Permit is required from March 2026.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Property residence holders become tax residents after 183 days. Standard income tax 20%. Can register as Individual Entrepreneur with Small Business Status for 1% tax on turnover up to 500,000 GEL.

💡 Tips

  • •Tbilisi and Batumi have strongest real estate markets
  • •Get property valuation from accredited appraiser only
  • •Consider combining property investment with IE registration
  • •First application must be in-person; renewals can be remote

Investment Residence Permit

Special Program

Five-year residence permit for foreign nationals investing $300,000+ in Georgia. Fastest path to permanent residency through investment.

1825d
Duration
GEL 300
— fee
+GEL 6,050 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱10-30 days depending on fee paid
🔄Extendable +1825d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
GELUSD
Required
Residence permit feeStandard 30-day processing
GEL 300—
Additional (estimated)
Express processing (10 days)Faster processing
GEL 600—
Expedited processing (20 days)Mid-tier processing speed
GEL 450—
Legal and investment advisoryProfessional assistance recommended
GEL 5,000—
Required Total
GEL 300—
+ Additional (estimated)
GEL 6,050—
Estimated Total
GEL 6,350—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport
  • •Proof of $300,000+ investment in Georgia (real estate or business)
  • •Investment documentation and certified valuation report
  • •Source of funds documentation
  • •Passport photos
  • •For business investment: company incorporation documents
  • •For real estate: property ownership registered in state registry, non-agricultural
  • •Mandatory health and accident insurance with minimum 30,000 GEL coverage

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Make qualifying investment of $300,000+ in Georgia (real estate or business)
  2. 2For real estate: obtain certified valuation report exceeding $300,000
  3. 3For business: incorporate company and invest $300,000 in capital
  4. 4Apply at Public Service Development Agency with investment proof and personal documents
  5. 5Pay application fee (300 GEL standard, up to 600 GEL for express)
  6. 6Receive 5-year residence permit
  7. 7For business investors: meet annual turnover requirements ($50K year 1, $100K year 2, $120K years 3-5)
  8. 8After 5 years maintaining investment, eligible for permanent residence

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •High investment threshold ($300,000)
  • •Agricultural land excluded
  • •Investment must be maintained
  • •Citizenship requires renouncing other citizenship (with few exceptions)

✅ Remote Work: Allowed

Investment residence permit holders are exempt from the Special Labour Activity Permit requirement. Free to work, freelance, or conduct business in Georgia.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Investment residence holders become tax residents after 183 days. Standard income tax 20%. Can register as Individual Entrepreneur with Small Business Status for 1% tax on turnover up to 500,000 GEL. Business investment income taxed at standard rates.

💡 Tips

  • •Real estate in Tbilisi or Batumi offers good investment potential
  • •Work with local lawyers experienced in investment immigration
  • •Consider business investment for potential returns
  • •Investment can include portfolio of properties

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalTbilisi
CurrencyGEL (₾)
LanguageGeorgian
TimezoneUTC+4
Last UpdatedDec 3, 2025

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration BureauEmbassy Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Georgia have a digital nomad visa?
Yes, Georgia offers the "Remotely from Georgia" program launched in 2020, specifically designed for remote workers. It requires proof of $2,000 monthly income (or $24,000 savings) and health insurance. However, since Georgia already offers 365-day visa-free entry for 95+ countries, most digital nomads simply use the visa-free option instead. Both allow you to work remotely and register as an Individual Entrepreneur for the 1% tax rate.
Can I work remotely on a tourist visa-free entry in Georgia?
Yes, working remotely for foreign clients and employers is fully permitted under Georgia's visa-free entry. The key distinction is that you cannot work for Georgian companies without proper work authorization. Most digital nomads register as Individual Entrepreneurs (IE) to formalize their status and access the 1% tax rate. This registration takes just 1-2 days at Public Service Hall and is available to visa-free visitors.
How does the 1% tax rate work for freelancers in Georgia?
Georgia's Individual Entrepreneur (IE) scheme with Small Business Status offers one of the world's lowest tax rates for freelancers. If your annual turnover is under 500,000 GEL (approximately $165,000), you pay just 1% tax on gross income. For turnover under 30,000 GEL (~$10,000), you can register as a Micro Business and pay 0% tax. Registration takes 1-2 days at Public Service Hall, costs around 20 GEL, and is available to anyone legally present in Georgia.
How easy is it to open a bank account in Georgia?
Opening a bank account in Georgia is remarkably easy - no residency required. Simply walk into Bank of Georgia or TBC Bank with your passport, and you can open an account the same day. Multi-currency accounts (GEL, USD, EUR) are standard. Mobile banking apps are excellent. Pro tip: Use central Tbilisi branches on Rustaveli Avenue or near Liberty Square for English-speaking staff. Wise and PayPal transfers are accepted by Georgian banks.
What happens after 183 days - do I become a tax resident?
Yes, if you spend 183 days or more in Georgia within any 12-month period, you automatically become a Georgian tax resident. This happens regardless of your visa status. As a tax resident, you're subject to 20% income tax on worldwide income - unless you register as an Individual Entrepreneur with Small Business Status, which reduces this to just 1% on turnover up to 500,000 GEL. You'll need to file annual tax declarations by March 31st.
Can I stay longer than 365 days in Georgia?
Yes, there are several options: 1) Exit to a neighboring country (Armenia, Turkey) and re-enter to reset your 365-day visa-free period - no minimum time outside required. 2) Register as an Individual Entrepreneur to obtain a work residence permit (6-12 months initially, renewable up to 6 years). 3) Purchase property worth $100,000+ for a 1-year renewable residence permit. 4) Invest $300,000+ for a 5-year residence permit with path to permanent residency.
What is the cost of living for digital nomads in Tbilisi?
Tbilisi remains very affordable despite recent price increases. Budget digital nomads can live comfortably on $800-1,000/month, while $1,200-1,500 provides a very comfortable lifestyle with dining out and entertainment. Premium living runs $2,000-2,500/month. One-bedroom apartments range from $400-700/month. Coworking spaces cost $100-200/month. Meals at local restaurants are $3-8. Fast fiber internet is around $18/month at home.
How good is the internet in Georgia for remote work?
Georgia has solid internet infrastructure, especially in Tbilisi and Batumi. Home fiber connections typically offer 50-100 Mbps, with some providers offering 200+ Mbps. Coworking spaces and cafes generally have reliable 15-30 Mbps connections. Mobile data is very affordable - unlimited 4G plans from Magti cost around 5 GEL ($2) per week. Power outages occasionally occur in older buildings, so having mobile data as backup is recommended.
Is health insurance required in Georgia?
Health insurance is not mandatory for visa-free entry but strongly recommended. The "Remotely from Georgia" program does require health insurance. Georgian healthcare has improved but varies significantly between urban and rural areas. Most expats opt for international health insurance (SafetyWing, World Nomads, Cigna Global) or local Georgian insurance (~$25/month). Private healthcare in Tbilisi is decent and affordable.
What are the new 2025 immigration rules for Georgia?
Georgia is implementing stricter immigration rules through 2025-2026. Key changes include: enhanced scrutiny of residence permit applications, a new database tracking foreigners who have overstayed, new IT-sector residence permits (3-year validity, requires $25,000+ annual income), and stricter work authorization requirements for those employed by Georgian companies (effective March 2026). Visa-free tourism and remote work for foreign employers remain unchanged.
⚠️

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 3, 2025

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