Country guide · 2026Move to Georgia: Visas, Costs and the Real Logic of Relocation
A move to Georgia starts with the passport rule: citizens listed in Government Ordinance No. 255 may stay visa-free for one full year, while other passports follow different routes. A practical solo baseline is $900–1,600 per month with a long-term lease. Tbilisi is strongest for work and services, Batumi is highly seasonal, and Kutaisi generally costs less.
Overview
Why Choose Georgia
Georgia can work as a trial move or a longer base when your passport is covered by the official visa-free list and your work arrangement is handled separately. Tbilisi has the deepest services, Batumi adds the coast and strong seasonality, while Kutaisi lowers the monthly baseline.
Visa-free stay does not itself authorize local work. From 1 March 2026, foreign employment and entrepreneurial activity are regulated through a right-to-work process and suitable immigration status; the 1% small-business rate is also conditional rather than automatic.
Visas
Visa Routes in 2026
Conditions change regularly. Verify current requirements on official government sources before applying.
| Visa | Duration | Key Requirements | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-free entry | One full year only for citizens on the official list | A passport listed in the annex to Ordinance No. 255 | Testing the country and living without local work |
| Short-stay visa / eVisa | Depends on nationality and permitted entries | Passport, trip purpose and documents shown by the official visa navigator | Travellers without the one-year exemption |
| Work residence permit | Validity follows the approved basis; residence card follows | Qualifying activity, right to work and required income or turnover evidence | Local employment and entrepreneurial activity |
| Study / family residence | Based on the approved ground and evidence | Enrollment or a qualifying family relationship | Students and family reunification |
Cost of Living
Cost of Living in Georgia
Excludes insurance, visa fees, flights and setup costs.
Top Cities: Tbilisi · Batumi · Kutaisi
Analysis
Pros & Cons
Pros
- A one-year visa-free period is available to citizens on the official list, which can support a careful trial move
- Tbilisi has the country's broadest mix of clinics, international services, coworking and year-round connections
- Three distinct bases: business-focused Tbilisi, seasonal coastal Batumi and lower-cost Kutaisi
- Qualifying Georgian-source small-business income may receive a 1% rate after the status is granted and conditions are met
Cons
- Visa-free entry does not by itself authorize local employment or entrepreneurial activity
- From 1 March 2026, regulated work requires a separate right-to-work check and suitable immigration status
- Batumi rents can change sharply in summer; the lease should state the term, price and seasonal termination rules
- The 183-day tax-residence test and the 1% small-business regime are separate rules, and neither automatically grants the other
Practical Answers
Relocation Questions
Do you need a visa for Georgia?
It depends on citizenship. Only citizens covered by the annex to Georgian Government Ordinance No. 255 may enter and stay visa-free for one full year. Other passport holders should use the official visa navigator and eVisa portal.
What is the cost of living in Georgia in 2026?
A practical solo baseline with a long-term lease is about $900–1,600 per month. Tbilisi is usually higher, Batumi is strongly seasonal, and Kutaisi can cost less. Flights, deposit, insurance and permit costs are separate.
Does Georgia have a digital nomad visa?
Do not treat a separate digital-nomad visa as the default current route. First check passport-based entry, then verify whether your exact work activity is permitted and how the income is taxed.
How do you get a Georgia residence permit?
The basis may be work or business, study, family, investment or another statutory category. For a work residence permit in 2026, include the right-to-work rules and verify the current document list with the Public Service Development Agency.
Is tax really 1% in Georgia?
The 1% rate applies to qualifying small-business income after the status is granted and conditions are met. It is not an automatic rate on all foreign income; salary, source rules, excluded activities and turnover thresholds must be checked separately.
When do you become a Georgian tax resident?
The Tax Code's standard test is at least 183 days in any continuous 12-month period ending in the relevant tax year. This is separate from immigration status: a lawful long stay does not by itself determine how a particular salary, business payment or foreign client income is taxed.
Should you choose Tbilisi or Batumi?
Tbilisi is generally stronger for year-round work, clinics, schools, banking and government procedures. Batumi suits a coast-first plan and has a milder winter, but summer rent and visitor pressure can alter the budget. Before signing, ask for the full-term price, utility terms and any seasonal termination clause.
Ready to Choose a Country?
Compare destinations, run the budget, check the visa.
Compare Countries Cost Calculator Visa GuideOfficial Checks
Official Sources To Verify Before You Pay
Use these official pages for stay length, renewal logic, income proof, permitted activity, dependants and document checks before paying for housing, flights or services.
Explore Next
Countries hub
Start with country pages if you are still choosing a destination.
Asia visa guide
Compare visa routes before planning housing or flights.
Focused SEO guides
Short decision pages for long-tail visa and relocation questions.
Compare countries
Side-by-side country comparison for relocation decisions.