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Relocation guide

Relocating to Georgia: the complete guide

How to relocate to Georgia step by step: visa-free entry, residence permits, company registration, banking, housing, healthcare, documents and the obligations that follow.

The Bridge of Peace over the Mtkvari river in Tbilisi

Ways to stay in Georgia

Citizens of 95+ countries can enter Georgia visa-free and stay for up to one year. This makes Georgia one of the easiest countries to try before committing — you can arrive, explore, and start your setup without any paperwork.

For stays beyond one year, or to work legally as an employee, you need a residence permit. The main routes are work (employment or entrepreneurial activity), investment (USD 300,000+), property (USD 150,000+ for a short-term permit), IT activity, and family reunification.

Permanent residence is available after six years of lawful temporary residence, or through an investment of USD 300,000 or more. A permanent residence card is renewed every ten years.

Visa-free stay (up to 1 year)

Duration
Up to 365 days; no extension without leaving
Requirements
Valid passport from an eligible country; no application needed
Best for
Short-term visitors, digital nomads testing Georgia, tourists
Our fee
from $450 per applicant
Government fee
—
Processing
Immediate on arrival
Learn more: Visa-free stay (up to 1 year)

Temporary residence permit

Duration
1 year, renewable; some bases grant 6 years
Requirements
A legal basis: work, investment, property, IT activity or family
Best for
Expats, entrepreneurs, investors, remote workers settling long-term
Our fee
from $690
Government fee
220 GEL · same day 475 GEL
Processing
10–30 days
Learn more: Temporary residence permit

Permanent residence permit

Duration
Indefinite; must renew the card every 10 years
Requirements
6 years of lawful residence, or investment of USD 300,000+
Best for
Long-term residents, families making Georgia their permanent home
Our fee
from $350
Government fee
—
Processing
30 days
Learn more: Permanent residence permit

Starting your relocation from abroad

You can begin most of the process before arriving in Georgia.

  1. Assessment and plan

    We assess your situation and create a step-by-step relocation plan tailored to your needs.

  2. Documents from abroad

    We tell you which documents to prepare, apostille and translate before you travel.

  3. Company and bank (if needed)

    Company registration and some bank accounts can be done by power of attorney before arrival.

  4. Arrival and filing

    On arrival, we submit the residence permit application and handle remaining steps in person.

  5. Settling in

    Housing, insurance, orientation and a support line for 90 days after you arrive.

Documents you will need

Georgian authorities accept foreign documents once their origin is certified: by an apostille in countries party to the Hague Apostille Convention, otherwise by consular legalization. Every foreign document is then translated into Georgian by a certified translator and the translation notarized.

Prepare these documents before you travel. The apostille process varies by country and can take days to weeks, so start early.

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining
  • Birth certificate (for residence permit applications)
  • Marriage certificate (if applying with a spouse)
  • Criminal record check from your home country
  • Educational diplomas (if relevant to your permit route)
  • Employment contract or business documents

Typical timeline

A realistic plan for a full relocation, starting from abroad:

  1. Assessment and relocation plan1–2 working days
  2. Document preparation and apostille abroad1–3 weeks, by country
  3. Company registration (if needed)1–5 working days
  4. Arrival and residence permit submission1–2 working days
  5. Bank account opening1–10 working days
  6. Housing and settling in1–2 weeks

Fees

Two kinds of fees apply: official government fees paid at cost, and our professional fee, fixed in writing before we start.

Official government fees

Official government fees
ServiceStandard, 1 working daySame day
Company registration or change (LLC, JSC, branch)200 GEL400 GEL
Registry extract20 GEL75 GEL

Our professional fees

Professional fees in US dollars, excluding government fees, notary, translation and apostille costs.

Banking in Georgia

Georgian banks open accounts in lari, US dollars and euros. Each bank decides after its own compliance review, and no adviser can guarantee the outcome.

Some banks open accounts remotely for suitable profiles; others ask you to visit a branch. We prepare the file, choose the right bank and stay with the application until a decision.

Bank account opening

After you arrive

Your relocation does not end at arrival. Here are the tasks that follow:

  • Submit the residence permit application (if not filed before arrival)
  • Open a bank account and set up internet banking
  • Register with a healthcare provider and arrange insurance
  • Sign a lease and register your address
  • Activate the Revenue Service portal if you have a company
  • File tax declarations as they fall due

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay in Georgia without a visa?

Citizens of 95+ countries can stay for up to one year without a visa. No application or registration is needed.

How much does a residence permit cost?

The official processing fee is 300 GEL for 30 days, 450 GEL for 20 days or 600 GEL for 10 days. Our professional fee for the application starts from $450.

Do I need to visit Georgia to start?

No. Document preparation, company registration and some bank accounts can be arranged remotely before you arrive.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Family members can apply for residence permits based on family reunification once the primary applicant has a permit.

Is Georgia safe?

Yes. Georgia is considered one of the safest countries in the region, with low crime rates and a welcoming attitude to foreigners.

What is the cost of living?

Significantly lower than Western Europe. A comfortable life in Tbilisi costs roughly $1,500–$2,500 a month for a single person, including rent, food and transport.

Ready to relocate?

Answer a few questions and receive a fixed-fee proposal within one business day.