Moving to Georgia (the Country): Everything You Need to Know in 2026

Georgia sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, wedged between the Black Sea, the Caucasus mountains, Russia, and Turkey. It's a country of extraordinary food, ancient wine traditions (Georgia invented wine 8,000 years ago), and a government that has deliberately positioned itself as the world's most welcoming destination for foreign residents.

In 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, tens of thousands of entrepreneurs and tech workers relocated to Georgia. They found a country genuinely prepared to welcome them - and the expat infrastructure has accelerated rapidly since.

Visa Situation: The World's Most Welcoming Policy

Citizens of 98 countries - including the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia - can enter Georgia visa-free and stay for 365 days in a 12-month period. No application. No income requirement. No fee. Just arrive.

For Longer Stays

• Temporary residence via business registration: Register as an Individual Entrepreneur, apply for a residence permit - simple, cheap, fast
• Property purchase: Buying property worth $100,000+ qualifies for a residence permit
• Employment: Working for or running a Georgian-registered company

Cost of Living in Tbilisi (2026)

Housing

• 1BR, Vera / Vake neighbourhoods: $400–700/month
• 1BR, Fabrika / Old Town: $500–900/month
• 2BR, good area: $700–1,200/month

Daily Life

• Groceries: $150–250/month
• Eating out (Georgian cuisine is excellent and cheap): $150–300/month
• Transport (metro + Bolt taxis): $20–50/month
• Comfortable couple total: $1,400–2,200/month

The 1% Flat Tax - The Real Story

Small business owners with turnover under 500,000 GEL (~$185,000) pay just 1% flat tax as an Individual Entrepreneur. This has attracted thousands of freelancers and consultants who register a Georgian IE, bank locally, and operate internationally.

1. Register as Individual Entrepreneur online (1–2 days, ~$20)
2. Open a Bank of Georgia or TBC Bank account
3. Declare quarterly income and pay 1% tax
4. Receive Georgian residency via business registration if desired

Internet & Co-Working

Central Tbilisi has widespread fibre (Silknet, Magticom) at 100–300 Mbps. The co-working scene has exploded - Fabrika, Impact Hub, and dozens of smaller spaces serve the growing nomad community. The Fabrika complex (a converted Soviet factory) is the beating heart of Tbilisi's tech and creative scene.

What Georgia Is Not

• English is limited outside central Tbilisi and the startup community
• Healthcare quality varies - private clinics in Tbilisi are good, regional care is not
• The political situation near the Russian border requires monitoring
• Banking can occasionally be frustrating for international transfers

For the risk-tolerant nomad with modest requirements and an appetite for cultural depth, nowhere in the world offers a comparable package. Extraordinary food, ancient culture, welcoming people, and 1% tax. The secret is getting out fast.