Moving to Georgia — Relocation Guide

Legendary hospitality, stunning mountains, and one of the easiest places on Earth for foreigners to settle.

Georgia at a Glance

Georgia is a small Caucasus nation that punches far above its weight for relocators. Citizens of over 90 countries can enter and stay visa-free for a full year, making it one of the most accessible destinations on the planet. Tbilisi, the capital, has become a magnet for digital nomads and remote workers drawn by extremely low costs, fast internet, and a vibrant international community. The culture is anchored in an almost sacred concept of hospitality: 'stumeri ghmertisaa' (a guest is from God). Life revolves around long feasts called supras, ancient winemaking traditions, and deep family bonds rooted in Orthodox Christianity. The bureaucracy is surprisingly light and modernized compared to most post-Soviet states. Georgia reformed aggressively after its 2003 Rose Revolution, and today opening a bank account or registering a business can be done in a single day. The flipside: local salaries are very low, infrastructure outside Tbilisi can be rough, the driving culture is genuinely dangerous, and the Georgian language is notoriously difficult to learn. But for anyone earning foreign income, the quality of life per dollar is hard to beat anywhere in Europe.

Visa Options for Georgia

Visa-Free Entry (1 Year) — Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter and stay in Georgia for up to one full year without any visa. No registration required. You can leave and re-enter to reset the clock.
Remotely from Georgia — A dedicated programme for remote workers employed by a foreign company or self-employed with foreign clients. Provides a legal framework to live and work remotely in Georgia with tax benefits. Requires proof of minimum $2,000/month income.
Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — For citizens of countries that are not on the visa-free list. Allows short-term visits for tourism, business meetings, or family visits.

Key Requirements for Moving to Georgia

Temporary Residence Permit

If you plan to stay beyond the visa-free year or want formal residency status, you apply for a temporary residence permit through the Public Service Hall (PSH). Categories include work, study, family reunification, and investment. The process is straightforward and typically takes 30 days.

Personal Number (Registration)

A unique 11-digit personal identification number issued by the Public Service Development Agency (PSDA) at the Public Service Hall. Foreign nationals receive one when they register their presence or apply for residency.

Tax Registration

If you earn income in Georgia or register as a freelancer/entrepreneur, you must register with the Revenue Service (rs.ge). Georgia offers a flat personal income tax of 20%, and small business status can reduce this to 1% on gross revenue for qualifying businesses.

Bank Account

Georgia has two major banks: Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank. Opening an account is remarkably easy for foreigners — you can walk into a branch with your passport and walk out with a working account and a Visa/Mastercard the same day. No residence permit required.

Culture in Georgia

Georgian culture is built on an almost sacred tradition of hospitality. The saying 'stumeri ghmertisaa' (a guest is from God) is not a platitude — it is a lived value. Social life revolves around the supra, a traditional feast led by a tamada (toastmaster) where elaborate toasts, singing, and enormous quantities of food and wine flow for hours. Georgia claims to be the birthplace of wine (8,000 years of winemaking), and the traditional qvevri method (clay vessel fermentation) is UNESCO-recognized. The country is deeply Orthodox Christian, and churches and monasteries are central to national identity. Family bonds are exceptionally strong; multiple generations often live together, and family obligations take clear priority over individual plans. Despite the traditional foundations, Tbilisi has a surprisingly progressive and cosmopolitan youth culture, with a thriving arts, music, and nightlife scene.

Hospitality is genuine and deeply embedded — refusing food or drink can be seen as impolite.
The supra (feast) is a core social institution. Be prepared for long toasts and abundant food.
Wine is not just a drink but a national identity. Visit Kakheti to experience qvevri winemaking.
Respect for elders is paramount. Stand when an older person enters the room.
Orthodox Christianity shapes public holidays, weekly rhythms, and social norms.

Common Mistakes When Moving to Georgia

Assuming Western rental standards. Always inspect apartments in person — photos can be misleading, and older buildings may have serious plumbing, heating, or electrical issues.
Not negotiating rent. Listed prices on SS.ge and Facebook are almost always negotiable, especially for longer stays.
Trying to use only English outside central Tbilisi. Learn basic Georgian phrases or use Google Translate with the Georgian keyboard — it makes a huge difference in daily interactions.
Driving without understanding local road culture. Traffic rules are loosely enforced, and aggressive driving is the norm. New arrivals should ride with locals before attempting to drive themselves.
Underestimating winter. Tbilisi winters are cold and damp (often around 0-5C), and many apartments are poorly insulated. Budget for higher utility costs from November to March.
Ignoring tax obligations. The visa-free stay does not mean tax-free. If you establish tax residency (183+ days), you may owe Georgian income tax on worldwide income unless structured properly.

Things to Know About Georgia

Language barrier: Georgian uses its own unique alphabet and is unrelated to any major language family. Outside tourist areas in Tbilisi, English is limited. Russian is more widely understood by older generations but increasingly less so among youth.
Driving culture: Traffic in Georgia is genuinely dangerous. Aggressive driving, lane discipline is poor, and pedestrian safety is not prioritized. Exercise extreme caution as a pedestrian and consider avoiding driving in cities.
Winter heating: Many older apartments rely on individual gas heaters rather than central heating. Winter utility bills can spike, and some apartments can be uncomfortably cold. Check heating arrangements before signing a lease.
Political tensions with Russia: Russia occupies approximately 20% of Georgian territory (Abkhazia and South Ossetia). While daily life is unaffected, the political situation is a sensitive topic. Avoid traveling to the occupied territories.
Earthquake risk: Georgia is in a seismically active zone. Older Soviet-era buildings may not meet modern earthquake standards. Choose newer construction when possible.
Stray dogs: Tbilisi has a large population of ear-tagged stray dogs. They are generally vaccinated and docile but can be startling for newcomers.