europe Updated January 21, 2026 Work Remotely from Georgia: Complete Guide
The Caucasus gem for digital nomads. 1-year visa-free for 95+ nationalities, 0% tax on foreign income, stunning mountains, legendary hospitality, and living costs under €800/month.
Updated January 21, 2026 • Verified current for 2026
Georgia is one of the best countries in the world for remote workers. Citizens of 95+ countries (including US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia) can stay for one full year without any visa, permit, or application. Foreign-sourced income is taxed at 0% for non-residents. Tbilisi has fast internet, hundreds of cafes with WiFi, a massive digital nomad community, and you can live comfortably on €600-800/month. The food is incredible, the wine flows freely, and Georgians are famously hospitable. This is not a hidden gem anymore—it’s a proven destination that keeps drawing remote workers back.
Visa Options
1-Year Visa-Free Entry
Georgia offers one of the most generous visa policies for remote workers anywhere. Citizens of over 95 countries can enter Georgia and stay for up to 365 days without a visa. No application, no fees, no proof of income, no health insurance requirement. You just show up at the airport with your passport.
This applies to passport holders from:
- United States, Canada, all EU countries, UK, Australia, New Zealand
- Japan, South Korea, Israel, and many others
When your year is up, you can do a “visa run”—leave the country (even for a day trip to Armenia or Turkey), and re-enter for another full year. Many digital nomads have lived in Georgia for years this way.
Remotely from Georgia Program
Launched in 2020, “Remotely from Georgia” is a government program designed specifically for digital nomads. While you don’t need it to stay (the visa-free year covers that), registering provides:
- Official recognition as a remote worker
- Simplified process for opening bank accounts
- Access to networking events and coworking discounts
- A clear legal framework for your stay
To apply, you need:
- Proof of remote employment or freelance income
- Minimum monthly income of $2,000 USD
- Health insurance valid in Georgia
- Clean criminal record
The application is straightforward and can be done online. Approval typically takes 5-10 business days.
Residence Permit
If you want to stay longer-term or establish tax residency for business reasons, you can apply for a residence permit. Options include:
- Work permit (if hired by a Georgian company)
- Individual Entrepreneur registration (for freelancers/business owners)
- Investment residence (requires minimum investment of ~$300,000 in property or business)
Most remote workers never need this—the visa-free year with periodic border runs is sufficient for years of living in Georgia.
Tax Implications
The 0% Tax Advantage
Georgia operates a territorial tax system. If you’re working remotely for foreign clients or employers and you’re not considered a Georgian tax resident, your foreign-source income is taxed at 0% in Georgia.
You’re considered a non-resident for tax purposes if you spend fewer than 183 days in Georgia during a calendar year, OR if your “center of vital interests” (family, permanent home, economic ties) is in another country.
This means you can:
- Live in Georgia for up to 182 days per year
- Pay 0% Georgian tax on foreign income
- Potentially minimize taxes in your home country depending on their rules
Georgian Tax Residency
If you become a tax resident (183+ days or permanent home in Georgia), your worldwide income becomes taxable. The good news: Georgia’s tax rates are still competitive:
- Personal income tax: flat 20%
- Individual Entrepreneur status: 1% of revenue up to 500,000 GEL (~$185,000)
- Small Business Status: 1% on turnover under 500,000 GEL
Many long-term nomads register as Individual Entrepreneurs and pay just 1% tax on their revenue—one of the lowest rates in the world for self-employed people.
Your Home Country Obligations
Georgia’s tax treatment doesn’t change your obligations to your home country. US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live. EU and other passport holders typically become non-resident for tax purposes after spending less than 183 days in their home country, but rules vary. Consult a cross-border tax specialist for your specific situation.
Best Cities for Remote Work
Tbilisi
Georgia’s capital is where 90%+ of digital nomads base themselves, and for good reason. The city has transformed into a genuine remote work hub with infrastructure to match.
Why it works:
- Dozens of coworking spaces (Fabrika, Impact Hub, Terminal, Lokal)
- Hundreds of cafes with WiFi where you can work all day on one coffee
- Fast fiber internet in most buildings (50-100 Mbps typical)
- Large English-speaking expat community
- Incredible food scene—from cheap street khachapuri to upscale Georgian restaurants
- Walkable old town with charm and character
- Active nightlife and cultural scene
The scene: The Fabrika complex in Marjanishvili has become the unofficial nomad headquarters—a converted Soviet factory with coworking, bars, restaurants, and shops. Vera and Vake neighborhoods attract longer-term residents with quieter streets and leafy parks.
Costs:
- 1-bedroom apartment: $300-500/month
- Coworking day pass: $5-10
- Meal at local restaurant: $3-6
- Monthly total: $600-900 living well
Downsides: Air quality can be poor in winter (inversions trap pollution). Traffic is chaotic. Some buildings are Soviet-era with spotty heating. Summer can be hot (35C+).
Batumi
Georgia’s second city sits on the Black Sea coast and offers a completely different vibe—beach town meets Las Vegas meets Soviet architecture. It’s smaller, cheaper, and more relaxed than Tbilisi.
Why it works:
- Beach lifestyle with promenade and swimming from May-October
- Even cheaper than Tbilisi (rent 20-30% lower)
- Growing coworking scene
- Casinos and nightlife if that’s your thing
- Close to Turkish border for easy visa runs
Considerations:
- Much smaller expat community than Tbilisi
- Very rainy in winter (Mediterranean climate)
- Seasonal economy—city empties in off-season
- Fewer coworking options and cafes for working
Costs:
- 1-bedroom apartment: $200-400/month
- Monthly total: $500-750 living well
Best for: Beach lovers, those who want maximum budget stretching, or a change of pace from Tbilisi.
Timezone Overlap
Georgia operates on Georgia Standard Time (GET), which is UTC+4 year-round (no daylight saving time changes).
Working with US Companies
- East Coast (EST): 9 hours ahead—morning meetings with US colleagues happen at 6-8pm your time
- West Coast (PST): 12 hours ahead—synchronous work is difficult; async communication becomes essential
- Overlap window: If you work 4pm-midnight Georgia time, you catch US East Coast 7am-3pm
This timezone difference is the main challenge for US-based remote workers. It works best if:
- Your company is async-first
- You’re willing to work late afternoons/evenings
- Most of your meetings can be condensed to a 2-3 hour overlap window
Working with European Companies
- London: 4 hours ahead (3 hours during UK summer time)
- Central Europe (Berlin, Paris): 3 hours ahead (2 hours during summer)
- Good overlap: Working 9am-6pm Georgia time covers European afternoon
Working with Middle East, India, Asia
- Dubai: Same timezone (UTC+4)
- India: 1.5 hours behind—excellent overlap
- Singapore: 4 hours ahead—morning overlap possible
- Australia (Sydney): 6-7 hours ahead—afternoon/evening overlap
If you work with India, Middle East, or Asian clients, Georgia is actually better positioned than Western Europe.
Cost of Living
Georgia is one of the most affordable countries in Europe for remote workers. Here’s what to expect in Tbilisi:
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Budget (€600-800/month):
- Rent (1BR outside center): €200-300
- Groceries + home cooking: €100-150
- Eating out (local restaurants): €100-150
- Transport (metro, buses): €10-20
- SIM card with data: €5-10
- Coworking/cafes: €20-50
- Entertainment: €50-100
Comfortable (€800-1,200/month):
- Rent (1BR in good neighborhood): €350-500
- Food (mix of cooking and restaurants): €250-350
- Coworking membership: €80-150
- Gym membership: €30-50
- Transport + occasional taxi: €30-50
- Entertainment + exploring: €100-150
Splurging (€1,200-1,800/month):
- Rent (modern 2BR or premium 1BR): €500-800
- Food (restaurants, wine, going out): €350-500
- Premium coworking: €150-200
- Regular taxis/Bolt: €50-100
- Weekend trips, activities: €150-200
What Your Money Gets You
Georgian cuisine is legendary and dirt cheap. A massive khachapuri (cheese bread) costs $2-3. A full khinkali (dumpling) meal at a local spot is $5-8. Restaurant meals with wine run $15-25 per person at nice places.
Wine is everywhere and excellent—Georgia has 8,000 years of winemaking tradition. A bottle of good Georgian wine at a shop costs $5-15. At restaurants, expect $15-40 for a bottle.
Groceries at local markets are extremely cheap. Produce, bread, cheese, and local products cost a fraction of Western prices. Imported goods (specialty items, Western brands) are pricier but available.
Moving to Georgia Checklist
- 1 Book one-way flight to Tbilisi (visa-free entry at airport)
- 2 Arrange accommodation for first 1-2 weeks (Airbnb works well for scouting)
- 3 Get travel/health insurance valid in Georgia
- 4 Upon arrival: buy local SIM card at airport (Magti or Geocell)
- 5 Open Bank of Georgia account (passport + local phone number required)
- 6 Register with 'Remotely from Georgia' program if qualifying
- 7 Find longer-term apartment (Facebook groups, place.ge, ss.ge)
- 8 Set up home internet (Magticom or Silknet, 50-100 Mbps for ~$15/month)
- 9 Join Tbilisi digital nomad communities (Slack groups, Facebook, meetups)
- 10 Get familiar with public transport (metro + marshrutkas + Bolt app)
- 11 Note your entry date—you have 365 days before needing to exit and re-enter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Georgia safe for digital nomads?
Georgia is very safe. Tbilisi consistently ranks as one of the safest capitals in Europe for violent crime. Petty crime exists but is uncommon compared to Western European cities. Georgians are famously hospitable to foreigners—you'll often be invited for meals or drinks by strangers. Solo female travelers generally report feeling safer than in many Western countries. The main safety concerns are chaotic traffic (watch out when crossing streets) and drinking too much at Georgian feasts (toasting culture is intense). Common sense precautions apply, but overall, Georgia is remarkably safe.
Do I need to speak Georgian or Russian?
English is sufficient in Tbilisi, especially in tourist areas, cafes, coworking spaces, and among younger Georgians. Restaurant menus often have English, Bolt/taxi apps work in English, and most administrative tasks can be handled with English + Google Translate. However, older Georgians often speak Russian but not English. Learning basic Georgian phrases (hello, thank you, cheers) is appreciated and will unlock warmer interactions. Outside Tbilisi, English becomes much less common—Russian is often more useful in smaller towns.
How reliable is the internet for remote work?
Internet in Tbilisi is genuinely good and affordable. Most apartments have fiber with 50-100 Mbps speeds, and 1 Gbps connections exist in newer buildings. Home internet costs around $10-20/month. Mobile data is cheap and fast—unlimited 4G plans run $10-15/month. Coworking spaces have reliable, fast connections. Video calls rarely have issues. The main risk is occasional building-level outages, so having mobile data as backup is smart. Outside Tbilisi, internet quality drops significantly—Batumi is fine, but rural areas can be spotty.
What's the food and dining scene like?
Georgian cuisine is a massive draw. Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread in various regional styles), khinkali (soup dumplings), grilled meats, walnut-based sauces, fresh vegetables, and incredible cheese. Meals are communal and generous. The wine tradition goes back 8,000 years—orange wine (amber wine) in clay qvevri is uniquely Georgian. Eating out is cheap: a filling meal at a local restaurant costs $5-10, a nice dinner with wine $20-30 per person. Vegetarian options exist but Georgian cuisine is meat-heavy; vegans will need to cook more. International food (Asian, Italian, Middle Eastern) is available in Tbilisi.
Can I open a bank account in Georgia?
Yes, opening a bank account is straightforward for foreigners. Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank both serve foreigners with minimal requirements: passport, local phone number, and sometimes proof of address (a hotel booking or rental contract works). The process takes about an hour at the branch. You'll get a GEL account and can add USD/EUR accounts. Georgian banks offer Visa/Mastercard debit cards that work internationally. Online banking and apps are modern and available in English. Having a local account is useful for paying rent, utilities, and avoiding currency conversion fees.
What should I know about the visa run process?
After 365 days, you must leave Georgia to reset your visa-free period. The simplest option is flying to nearby countries like Armenia (1hr flight), Turkey (1-2hr flight), or Azerbaijan. You can literally take a day trip—leave in the morning, spend a few hours in Yerevan or Istanbul, fly back the same evening. Land border crossings to Turkey (Sarpi) and Armenia (Sadakhlo) are also popular and cheaper. There's no minimum time outside Georgia required—technically you can exit and re-enter the same day. Many nomads combine their visa run with a proper trip to explore neighboring countries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely from Georgia for a US company?
Yes, you can work remotely from Georgia for a US company. Most remote workers use tourist visas for short stays or apply for specific work/residence visas for longer periods. You'll typically continue to be paid in USD and remain on your US employer's payroll while working abroad. Check the visa section above for specific options and durations available in Georgia.
Do I need a visa to work remotely from Georgia?
It depends on your nationality and intended length of stay. Many nationalities can enter Georgia visa-free for tourism (usually 30-90 days), during which remote work for foreign companies is generally tolerated. For longer stays, you'll need a specific visa such as a digital nomad visa, work visa, or residence permit. Check the requirements specific to your passport and planned duration of stay.
What's the cost of living for remote workers in Georgia?
The cost of living in Georgia is very affordable, with monthly budgets of $1,000-1,500 being typical for a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, and coworking space. Major cities tend to be more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. Your actual budget will depend on your lifestyle choices, accommodation preferences, and which city you choose to live in.
Does Georgia have a digital nomad visa?
Check the visa section above for Georgia's specific visa options. Many countries now offer dedicated digital nomad visas, remote work visas, or freelance visas designed for location-independent workers. Even without a specific digital nomad visa, there are often alternative visa categories that allow remote work, such as temporary residence permits or self-employment visas.
What are the best cities for remote work in Georgia?
The best cities for remote workers in Georgia typically offer a combination of reliable high-speed internet, coworking spaces, affordable cost of living, and quality of life. Check the cities section above for specific recommendations, including internet speeds, cost indexes, and the number of coworking spaces in each location. Consider factors like timezone overlap with your team, climate preferences, and local amenities when choosing.
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