Georgia (GE)

Get a work permit if employed by a Georgian company

The 365-day visa-free period does NOT automatically authorise working for a Georgian employer. Nationals of countries that enjoy visa-free access may work if they obtain a work permit through their employer. The employer (a registered Georgian company) applies for the work permit on behalf of the employee at the CRA. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. Self-employment as a sole trader or Virtual Zone company does not require a work permit.

Enrol in the Georgian mandatory pension scheme

If you are formally employed by a Georgian company (with an employment contract), you are automatically enrolled in the mandatory pension scheme introduced in 2019. Contributions: 2% employee + 2% employer + 2% Georgian state = 6% total monthly contribution into your individual portable pension account. Self-employed and sole traders can contribute voluntarily. Your account is managed at PENSIONS.GE — you can track balances and make investment choices online.

Confirm payroll tax setup with your Georgian employer

Georgian income tax on employment income is a flat 20% withheld at source by the employer. The employer pays monthly to the Revenue Service (rs.ge). Additionally: 2% pension contribution deducted from gross salary. Review your first payslip to confirm: gross salary, 20% income tax deduction, 2% pension deduction, and net salary. Any discrepancy should be raised with your HR department immediately.

Register a birth at the Civil Registry Agency (CRA)

If a child is born in Georgia, register the birth at the CRA within 30 days. The hospital provides a birth notification document. The CRA issues a Georgian birth certificate. For expat parents: also register the birth at your home country's embassy in Tbilisi to obtain home country citizenship documentation for the child. Most Western embassies (UK, USA, Australia, EU countries) have procedures for registering births abroad — do this simultaneously with the CRA registration.

Get mandatory MTPL car insurance (compulsory for all vehicles)

MTPL (Mandatory Third-Party Liability insurance — ავტოდაზღვევა) is legally required for all vehicles in Georgia. Without it, you cannot register a vehicle or legally drive. Cost: 150–400 GEL/year depending on vehicle type and engine size. Annual technical inspection is also required at SLSG-approved stations. Major providers: Aldagi, GPI Holdings, TBC Insurance, Ardi Insurance. Compare at georisk.ge.

Import your pet to Georgia (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate)

Importing dogs and cats to Georgia: (1) ISO 11784/11785 microchip required; (2) Rabies vaccination (minimum 21 days before travel, within 12 months); (3) Official health certificate from an accredited vet in your home country, issued within 10 days of travel; (4) No quarantine required if documentation is complete for pets from EU/UK; (5) Inspection by National Food Agency at Tbilisi airport (moa.gov.ge). Georgia is NOT rabies-free — stray dogs are common in urban and rural areas. Rabies vaccination is essential.

Apply for a residence permit at the Civil Registry Agency

Most nationalities enjoy a 365-day visa-free stay in Georgia — no registration required during this period. Once you decide to stay beyond 365 days, or to work legally for a Georgian employer, you must apply for a residence permit at the CRA. The most common types for expats are investment-based (property: min USD 150,000 from March 2026; business investment: verify current threshold with CRA) and employment-based (employer must be a registered Georgian company). Processing takes 1–3 months. Annual renewal required.

Obtain your Georgian Personal ID Number (PIN)

When you receive a Georgian residence permit, the CRA assigns you a Personal Identification Number (PIN — პირადი საიდენტიფიკაციო ნომერი). This 11-digit number is required for tax registration at the Revenue Service (rs.ge), opening a bank account at some banks, signing official contracts, and registering a company. Without a PIN you cannot register a Georgian business or file a tax return.

Register with the Revenue Service (rs.ge) as a taxpayer

Any expat who earns income in Georgia (employment with Georgian company, sole trader income, rental income) must register as a taxpayer with the Revenue Service at rs.ge. Registration requires your Georgian PIN (obtained at CRA with a residence permit) and takes 30 minutes online. Employed expats are registered automatically by their employer. Sole traders must self-register. Tax year: January 1 – December 31. Annual income tax return deadline: March 31.

File your annual Georgian income tax return (deadline March 31)

If you have Georgian-source income as a sole trader, rental income, or business income, you must file an annual tax return by March 31 following the tax year (January 1–December 31). Employed expats whose only income is salary have taxes withheld by the employer — they may not need to file separately. The Revenue Service online portal (rs.ge) has an English-language section. Most expats use a Georgian accountant for annual returns: fee 200–500 GEL.

Register a vehicle in Georgia

If you purchase a car in Georgia or import one, register it at the SLSG within 30 days. Georgia has a growing used car market — many imported from the USA and Europe. Technical inspection (analogous to TÜV) is required at SLSG-approved inspection stations. MTPL (mandatory motor liability) insurance must be purchased before registration. Car import from non-CIS countries: customs duty applies (check Georgian customs tariff schedule).

Get official Georgian translations and apostilles for foreign documents

Foreign documents used in Georgia (birth certificates, marriage certificates, degree certificates, contracts) must be officially translated into Georgian by a licensed Georgian translator. If the documents will be used for official purposes (CRA, Revenue Service, courts), they must also be notarised. For Georgian documents to be used abroad, an apostille from the Ministry of Justice is required. Georgia is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Annual document review: update passport, permits, and insurance

Every January: review the status of all key documents. (1) Passport validity — Georgia requires 6 months validity; renew if expiring within 12 months. (2) Residence permit renewal: must be renewed annually at CRA — start process 2 months before expiry. (3) Private health insurance renewal: compare plans annually as Georgian insurer offerings change. (4) MTPL car insurance renewal. (5) Revenue Service account: confirm tax filings are current. A systematic annual review prevents unexpected lapses.

Open a TBC Bank or Bank of Georgia account

Georgia has an expat-friendly banking system. TBC Bank (largest) and Bank of Georgia (BOG, second largest) both accept passport holders on a 365-day visa-free visit — no residence permit required. Both banks offer GEL, USD, and EUR accounts simultaneously. TBC SPACE app and BOG mobile app are excellent in English. The process takes 30 minutes to 2 hours at a branch.

Set up international money transfers (Wise/Revolut)

Wise and Revolut both work well from Georgian bank accounts. For receiving foreign income (remote work salary, freelance payments), set up a Wise account before arriving — you can link it to your TBC or BOG GEL/USD/EUR accounts. Georgian SWIFT codes: TBC Bank: TBCBGE22; Bank of Georgia: BAGAGE22. Currency exchange: use TBC or BOG ATMs/in-app exchange rather than street money changers who often short-change.

Open a business bank account for Georgian company or Small Business Status

If you register a Georgian sole trader business (for Small Business Status 1% tax) or an LLC/Virtual Zone company, you need a dedicated business account. TBC Bank and BOG have good business banking apps. Basis Bank and Credo Bank are popular alternatives for smaller businesses. Business accounts require your company registration certificate from NAPR (napr.gov.ge).

Get a Georgian SIM card (Magti or Geocell/Silknet)

A Georgian phone number is required for bank accounts, government portals (my.gov.ge), and daily apps. Three main operators: Magti (best 4G/5G coverage in cities and rural areas), Geocell/Silknet (second largest), Beeline Georgia (budget option). Starter SIMs available at airports, operators' shops, and supermarkets. Bring your passport. Monthly plans: 15–30 GEL for 20–50 GB data + calls. eSIM available from Magti and Silknet.

Set up fibre home internet (Silknet, Magticom, or CableVision)

Tbilisi has good fibre broadband coverage. Main providers: Silknet (formerly Geocell broadband, reliable, widespread), Magticom (competitive), CableVision (cable internet, good in some areas), Caucasus Online. Speeds of 50–200 Mbps available for 30–60 GEL/month. Fibre availability: check with your building manager as wiring varies. Installation takes 1–5 business days.

Learn Georgian cultural norms: tamada, toasts, and hospitality

Georgian culture is famous for its extraordinary hospitality (სტუმართმოყვარეობა — stumartmoq'vareoba). Key cultural norms: (1) Toasting culture: at a Georgian feast (supra), a tamada (toast master) leads elaborate formal toasts — refusing a toast offered to you is considered rude; (2) Food and wine: accepting food from Georgian hosts is expected — refusing can cause offence; (3) Orthodox Christianity: ~83% of Georgians are Orthodox — be respectful at churches (cover shoulders and knees, women cover hair); (4) Hospitality: Georgians will often insist on paying the bill — graciously accept or offer firmly three times.

Choose the right Tbilisi neighbourhood for your lifestyle

Tbilisi neighbourhood guide for expats: (1) Vake — upscale, green, many restaurants/cafes, highest expat concentration, 900–1,500 USD/month 1BR, walking distance to Vake Park; (2) Old Town/Abanotubani — historic, atmospheric, tourist area, higher noise levels, 700–1,200 USD/month; (3) Saburtalo — practical, central, good transport links, quieter than Vake, 500–900 USD/month; (4) Vera — bohemian, between Vake and Old Town, growing expat area; (5) Gldani/Didi Dighomi — budget (300–500 USD/month), further from centre; (6) Mtatsminda — hillside, great views, atmospheric but hilly.

Note Georgian Orthodox public holidays affecting services

Georgia observes Georgian Orthodox Christian holidays as public holidays. Many banks, government offices, and smaller businesses close for extended periods. Key dates: January 7 (Orthodox Christmas), January 19 (Epiphany/Batistao), April 9 (Independence Restoration Day), May 9 (Victory Day), May 12 (Saint Andrew's Day), May 26 (Independence Day), August 28 (Mariamoba — Georgian festival), October 14 (Mtskhethoba), November 23 (Giorgoba — St. George's Day). Longer closures occur around Orthodox Easter (moveable feast — often April).

Register on the my.gov.ge e-government portal

my.gov.ge is Georgia's unified e-government portal. Services include: civil status certificates, property extracts, driving licence status, tax record requests, company information, and document apostilles. Registration requires a Georgian phone number and PIN (or passport). The portal is available in Georgian and English. Many services that previously required in-person visits are now online.

Set up TBC SPACE app for banking, payments, and services

TBC SPACE is one of the most comprehensive lifestyle apps in the South Caucasus. It combines banking (TBC accounts, payments, international transfers), marketplace (buy/sell goods), services (utilities, mobile top-up, insurance), credit, and lifestyle (food delivery, event tickets). The app is in Georgian and English and widely used across Tbilisi. BOG's mobile app is similarly capable — use both for redundancy.

Set up cybersecurity essentials for remote work in Georgia

Remote workers and digital nomads in Georgia should implement basic cybersecurity: (1) VPN — not blocked in Georgia, widely used for streaming and security (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Mullvad); (2) Password manager (Bitwarden, 1Password); (3) 2-factor authentication on all work accounts; (4) Encrypted backup of client work and contracts; (5) Separate work and personal banking. Coworking spaces (Impact Hub, Fabrika, Terminal) provide secure dedicated WiFi. Public café WiFi should be used only with VPN.

Research and apply to international schools in Tbilisi

Tbilisi has several English-language international schools: QSI International School (USD 10,000–15,000/year, IB curriculum), European School of Tbilisi, Green School International, and Tbilisi International School. The school year runs September to June. Intake primarily in September but rolling admissions possible. Application process: submit application, assessment/entrance test, interview, acceptance letter. Many schools have waitlists — apply 6+ months in advance.

Register children in nursery or private kindergarten

Private English-language nurseries and kindergartens in Tbilisi: 300–800 GEL/month for ages 1.5–6. Tbilisi municipal kindergartens are free for Georgian-resident families but teach in Georgian. Most expat families use private bilingual nurseries in Vake and Saburtalo. Key nurseries include Bright Kids International, Bee School, and various neighbourhood private crèches. September is the main intake; apply 2–3 months in advance.

Set up comprehensive family health insurance

With no state healthcare for expat families, comprehensive private family health insurance is non-negotiable in Georgia. Family plans from Georgian insurers (Aldagi, ALD Insurance, IMEDI L): 200–600 GEL/month covering parents and children. Maternity coverage: must be purchased BEFORE conception as most Georgian insurers have 10-month waiting periods for maternity. Check whether your plan covers: paediatric care, vaccinations, emergency care, hospitalisation, and dental for children.

Set up a GEL/USD/EUR currency management strategy

The Georgian Lari (GEL) fluctuates against major currencies. Approximate 2026 rates: 1 USD ≈ 2.7–2.8 GEL; 1 EUR ≈ 3.0–3.2 GEL. Expats earning in foreign currency can keep USD/EUR accounts at TBC or BOG and convert to GEL only as needed. This protects against GEL depreciation. For ATM withdrawals, TBC and BOG ATMs give competitive exchange rates — better than street exchange offices. Avoid changing money at Tbilisi airport (poor rates).

Get private health insurance (essential for all expats)

Georgia has NO public healthcare for non-Georgian citizens. The Universal Health Programme covers only Georgian nationals. All expats must have private health insurance from day one. Georgian insurers (GeoMed, Aldagi, ALD Insurance, IMEDI L) offer plans from 50–200 GEL/month for individuals and 200–600 GEL/month for families, with coverage at major private hospitals including GHG Group, Mediclub Georgia, and Aversi-Rational.

Register with a private GP clinic in Tbilisi

Georgia has no GP registration system like the UK. Instead, register as a private patient at one of the main private clinic networks. Recommended for expats: Mediclub Georgia (English-speaking doctors, Vake district); Aversi-Rational (widespread locations); GHG Group hospitals. GP consultations: 25–50 GEL; specialist: 50–120 GEL — pay at the time of visit.

Find and rent an apartment via SS.ge or Myhome.ge

Georgia's main property portals are SS.ge (largest classifieds — property, cars, jobs), Myhome.ge (focused on property), and Vendoo.ge. Most listings are in Georgian but SS.ge has English translation available. Tbilisi neighbourhoods for expats: Vake (upscale, 900–1,500 USD/month 1BR), Saburtalo (practical, 500–900 USD/month), Old Town/Abanotubani (character, 700–1,200 USD/month), Didube/Gldani (budget, 300–500 USD/month).

Set up electricity, water, and internet utilities

Electricity in Tbilisi: Telasi (JSC Telasi) — telasi.ge. You must transfer the electricity account to your name at a Telasi service centre with your rental contract and passport. Tbilisi Water (Tbiliselebi JSC) handles water bills — typically paid by the landlord. Internet: Silknet, Magticom, and CableVision offer fibre from 30–60 GEL/month for 50–200 Mbps in Tbilisi. Contact your provider for installation.

Track your 365-day visa-free stay to avoid overstay

Citizens of approximately 100 countries (all EU/EEA, USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, UAE, and many others) enjoy a 365-day visa-free entry to Georgia per calendar year (or rolling 365-day period — rules can vary, check with CRA). Stamp your passport on entry/exit and maintain a diary of your time in Georgia. Overstaying the 365-day limit results in a fine and potential 90-day to 180-day entry ban. If you plan to stay beyond 365 days, apply for a residence permit before the period expires.

Get home contents insurance for your rental property

Georgian home contents insurance is available from Aldagi and GPI Holdings. It covers personal belongings, electronics, furniture, and valuables against theft, fire, and water damage. Cost: 100–400 GEL/year depending on declared value and coverage. The Georgian contents insurance market is less developed than Western equivalents — compare products carefully. Some international travel insurance policies include limited contents coverage for short stays.

Learn the Georgian Mkhedruli alphabet (33 letters)

Georgian uses the unique Mkhedruli script — one of the world's oldest and most distinctive alphabets with 33 letters. Learning to read the script (even without vocabulary) is essential for reading street signs, menus, and transport information. The alphabet can be learned to reading level in 2–4 hours using online resources. It is phonetic — each letter has one sound — making reading straightforward once the letters are memorised.

Enrol in a Georgian language course at Tbilisi Language House

The Tbilisi Language House and other language schools (Georgian-language.com, Language House Tbilisi, private tutors via Preply or iTalki) offer Georgian language courses from beginner to advanced. Group courses: 8–15 participants, 10–15 GEL/hour. Private tutors: 20–50 GEL/hour. Georgian is a famously complex language (verb conjugation, postpositions, multiple cases) but basic conversational Georgian earns enormous goodwill from locals and significantly enriches the experience.

Execute a notarised power of attorney at a Georgian notary

If you need someone to act on your behalf in Georgia (for property transactions, company administration, or government filings), a notarised power of attorney (POA) is required. Georgian notaries (notariusi) are public officials who draft, authenticate, and register legal documents. A POA can be prepared in 1–2 hours at any notary office. Cost: 50–200 GEL depending on scope. If the POA will be used abroad, it may need an apostille from the Ministry of Justice.

Register your pet with a Tbilisi veterinary clinic

Find and register with a Tbilisi vet on arrival with your pet. Main options: Vetline (tbilisi-based, experienced with international pet passports), several clinic chains in Vake and Saburtalo. Vet costs in Georgia are significantly lower than Western Europe: consultation 30–60 GEL; vaccinations 20–50 GEL; routine surgery considerably cheaper. Update your pet's vaccination records at the first visit and register microchip in Georgian database. Dog registration: Municipality of Tbilisi requires registration of dogs.

Register with your home country's embassy in Tbilisi

Most countries recommend registering with their embassy or consulate in Tbilisi, Georgia. In case of political crisis, natural disaster, or personal emergency, this is the fastest way to be located and assisted. Georgia has had periods of regional instability (South Ossetia, Abkhazia) and political tension — registration is prudent.

Get a Metromoney card for Tbilisi public transit

Tbilisi metro, buses, and minibuses all use the Metromoney contactless card. Flat fare: 1 GEL per journey on metro and buses. The metro has 2 lines (Akhmeteli-Varketili and Saburtalo lines) covering major neighbourhoods. Get the card at any metro station ticket office — initial top-up of 2–5 GEL is sufficient to start. Buses (Saqalako autobusi) run city-wide routes; marshrutka minibuses are faster but more chaotic.

Install Bolt and Yandex Go for ride-hailing

Bolt is the dominant ride-hailing app in Georgia (Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi). Typical city ride: 5–10 GEL. Yandex Go is the main alternative — useful outside Tbilisi in areas where Bolt coverage is thinner. Both apps work with Georgian and international phone numbers and accept Georgian bank cards and cash. Much cheaper than traditional taxis.

Exchange your foreign driving licence for a Georgian licence

International driving licences and many national licences are valid in Georgia for visitors. Long-term residents with a Georgian residence permit should exchange to a Georgian licence. The SLSG (Service Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs — sda.mia.gov.ge) handles licence exchange. Requirements: valid foreign licence, Georgian residence permit, medical certificate from approved clinic, passport photos, and fee. Georgia drives on the right.

Understand Georgian state welfare: expats are generally not covered

Georgia's state welfare system (Targeted Social Assistance, Universal Health Programme, state pension of ~350 GEL/month) is designed for Georgian citizens. Expats are not entitled to Georgian state benefits, social assistance, or public healthcare. The one exception is the mandatory pension scheme: if you are formally employed by a Georgian company, you and your employer contribute to your individual pension account (pensions.ge) — you retain this money.