Who Can Enter Georgia Visa-Free?
Georgia operates one of the most generous visa-free policies on the planet. If your passport is on the list, you simply land at Tbilisi International Airport, pass through immigration, and your 365-day stay begins. No appointment, no application, no fee.
| Passport / Region | Visa-Free Stay | Status |
|---|---|---|
| USA, UK, EU countries | 365 days | Confirmed |
| Canada, Australia, New Zealand | 365 days | Confirmed |
| Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, South Korea | 365 days | Confirmed |
| UAE, Israel, Turkey | 365 days | Confirmed |
| India, Pakistan, Bangladesh | Visa required | Apply in advance |
| Most African & some Asian passports | Visa required | Check MOFA list |
Your 3 Main Visa & Residency Options
Once you know you can enter visa-free, your next question is: what are your options for staying longer or making it more official? Here is a clear breakdown.
| Option | Duration | Min. Income / Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free Stay | Up to 365 days | No requirement | Testing the country, short-term nomads |
| "Remotely from Georgia" Program | Up to 365 days | ~$2,000/month income or $24,000 savings | Nomads from non-visa-free countries |
| Temporary Residency Permit | 1–6 years (renewable) | Varies by category | Long-term expats, entrepreneurs, property buyers |
Option 1 — Visa-Free Stay (The Easy Route)
If your passport qualifies, this is the simplest path. You arrive, you stay for up to 12 months, and you leave. There is no application, no fee, and no minimum income requirement. Many remote workers simply renew this by taking a short trip to a neighbouring country — such as Armenia or Turkey — and re-entering. However, this "border run" approach is not officially guaranteed, so use it with caution.
Option 2 — "Remotely from Georgia" Program
This program was originally launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to attract remote workers from countries that did not have visa-free access. Today it is being gradually phased out as visa-free access has expanded, but it remains a valid route for those whose passports are not on the visa-free list. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of approximately $2,000 USD or total savings of at least $24,000 USD. The application is submitted online and processing typically takes 3–5 business days.
Option 3 — Temporary Residency Permit
If you want to stay longer than one year and put down real roots, a formal residency permit is your best option. Common qualifying routes include:
- Property ownership: Buy real estate worth at least $100,000 USD (a rule that has been in place, with properties purchased before March 2026 qualifying under this threshold).
- Registered business: Open a Georgian company or register as an Individual Entrepreneur.
- Employment: Work for a Georgian-registered company.
- IT Worker Permit: A newer permit introduced in September 2025, offering one of the longest initial permit durations available — ideal for tech professionals.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Georgia?
Georgia is not the ultra-cheap destination it was in 2018, but it still offers outstanding value compared to Western cities. Prices rose sharply in 2022–2023 due to an influx of migrants, but the market has since stabilised and rents even dipped slightly in early 2025.
| Expense | Budget Level | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed apartment) | $350–450/mo | $500–700/mo | $800–1,200/mo |
| Groceries | $100–150/mo | $200–280/mo | $350–500/mo |
| Dining out | $100–150/mo | $200–300/mo | $400–600/mo |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water) | ~$50–80/mo (summer) | ~$100–150/mo (winter) | ||
| Internet (fibre, 50–200 Mbps) | ~$15–25/mo | ||
| Coworking space | $80–180/mo | ||
| Health insurance (basic) | $10–50/mo local | $100+ international | ||
| Total (single person) | ~$900/mo | ~$1,400/mo | ~$2,200/mo |
To put this in perspective: the same lifestyle that costs $8,800/month in Washington, D.C. costs roughly $3,000/month in Tbilisi — a saving of over 65%.
The Tax Advantage — Why Freelancers Love Georgia
Georgia's tax system is one of the most attractive in the world for freelancers and online business owners. Here is what you need to know:
- Individual Entrepreneur (IE) status: You can register as a Small Business and pay a flat 1% income tax on your first $155,000 USD of annual revenue. This is one of the lowest freelance tax rates anywhere in the world.
- No tax on foreign income (under 183 days): If you stay less than 183 days, Georgia does not tax your foreign income at all. You are only taxed on income sourced within Georgia.
- Easy registration: You can register as an Individual Entrepreneur in as little as 3 days, walk out with a business certificate, and start invoicing the same day.
- Simple banking: Both Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank open accounts for foreigners with just a passport. Both have excellent English-language mobile apps.
Practical Steps to Move to Georgia
- Check your passport on Georgia's official MFA website to confirm your visa-free eligibility.
- Book a one-way or flexible ticket to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). You do not need a return ticket to enter.
- Find short-term accommodation first — Airbnb works well for the first 2–4 weeks while you scout neighbourhoods. Popular expat areas include Vera, Vake, Saburtalo, and the Old Town.
- Open a bank account at Bank of Georgia or TBC Bank using your passport. This can often be done within a day.
- Register as an Individual Entrepreneur if you plan to stay long-term and want the 1% tax benefit.
- Get a SIM card from Magti or Geocell. Excellent 4G coverage throughout the city and country.
Georgia vs. Other Popular Nomad Destinations
| Country | Visa-Free Stay | Monthly Budget | Freelancer Tax Rate | Application Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 365 days | $900–$1,400 | 1% | No (most passports) |
| Portugal | 90 days (Schengen) | $2,000–$2,800 | 20% flat (NHR) | Yes — D8 Visa |
| Thailand | 30–60 days | $1,000–$1,800 | ~15–35% | Yes — LTR Visa |
| Mexico | 180 days | $1,200–$2,000 | Varies | No (tourist) |
| Estonia | 90 days (Schengen) | $2,200–$3,200 | 20% | Yes — Digital Nomad Visa |
Georgia stands out on almost every metric: the longest visa-free stay, the lowest tax rate, and one of the lowest monthly budgets — with essentially zero paperwork to get started.