Expat Life in Georgia — ECS Destination Hub
Expat life in Tbilisi, Georgia
🇬🇪 Expat Life in Georgia

Your guide to living, working, and thriving in Georgia.

Ancient culture, 1% business tax, and 365 days visa-free. Our vetted network of Tbilisi professionals will guide you through every step of your move.

2026 Update

New work permit rules are now in effect. From March 1, 2026, foreign workers in Georgia must obtain a Right to Labour Activity permit. Existing workers have until January 1, 2027 to comply.

Read the full guide
$1,200
Monthly cost
Comfortable single expat lifestyle in Tbilisi, including rent
365
Visa-free days
Citizens of 95+ countries — no visa required to enter and stay
1%
Small business tax
Georgia's Small Business Status — on turnover up to ~$180,000/yr
10yr
Path to residency
General permanent residence after 10 years; investment path from 5
Our Services

The three things every Georgia expat needs to get right

The 2026 regulatory changes make professional guidance more important than ever. We connect you with vetted Tbilisi-based experts.

Residency & Permits

Georgia offers visa-free entry for 95+ nationalities for up to 365 days. But from March 2026, working here requires a Right to Labour Activity permit. We'll walk you through which track fits your situation — visa-free stay, D1 visa, labour permit, or investment residence.

Get residency help
Taxes

Georgia's territorial tax system means foreign-sourced income is generally untaxed for individuals. Register as an Individual Entrepreneur with Small Business Status and pay just 1% on turnover up to ~$180,000/yr. Your home country still has claims — we connect you with dual-jurisdiction specialists who know both sides.

Talk to a tax specialist
Property

Tbilisi's Vera and Vake neighbourhoods, Batumi's Black Sea coast, Sighnaghi's wine country. Note: from March 2026, the minimum real estate investment for a residence permit increased to $150,000. Foreigners can own property freehold — but due diligence and title verification are essential.

Find a property specialist
SH
"I've already lived in Georgia for 3½ years. In January 2027 I'm returning — and documenting every step of the process in real time. The new permit rules, the neighbourhood decisions, the banking setup. This isn't research from a distance."
Stuart Henderson — Founder, Expat Connect Services · Former firefighter · 14+ years international living · Nicaragua, Philippines, Bulgaria, Georgia
Our Network

Georgia professionals, personally vetted

We're actively building our Georgia network ahead of 2027. Tbilisi-based lawyers, accountants, and advisors who work with English-speaking expats.

Browse the directory
NK
Nino K.
Immigration Lawyer · Tbilisi
Permits
GJ
Giorgi J.
Tax Advisor · Tbilisi
Tax
+
Property specialist
Tbilisi · Coming soon
Property

Are you a Georgia-based professional working with expats? Apply to join our network →

Where Expats Live

Find your corner of Georgia

Tbilisi
Capital · Nomad hub · Culture

Georgia's capital and the clear first choice for most expats. Old Town sulfur baths, Vera and Vake coffee shops, fibre internet, and a large international community of Europeans, Americans, and Israelis. Budget $1,200–$1,800/month all-in.

Batumi
Black Sea · Beach · Investment

Georgia's second city on the Black Sea coast. Popular for property investment and a warmer climate. More Russian-speaking than Tbilisi, strong tourism economy, growing expat scene. Lower cost than the capital.

Kutaisi
Budget · Authentic · Growing

Georgia's third city and the most affordable of the major centres. Direct budget flights to Europe via Kutaisi International Airport. Less expat infrastructure than Tbilisi but significantly cheaper rent and a more authentic Georgian experience.

Sighnaghi
Wine country · Remote work · Scenic

The "City of Love" in the Alazani Valley wine region. Small, beautiful, and increasingly popular with remote workers seeking a slower pace. Stunning Caucasus views, excellent wine, and a growing guesthouse scene.

Mtskheta
Ancient · UNESCO · Commutable

Georgia's ancient capital 20km from Tbilisi — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Monasteries, history, and a quiet pace with easy access to the capital. Popular with expats who want peace but need regular city access.

Borjomi
Mountain · Spa · Nature

Famous for its mineral water and mountain setting in the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. A retreat destination for Tbilisi expats and a growing long-stay option for those who prioritise nature over city amenities.

Guides & Advice

Georgia guides & advice

View all Georgia articles
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Permits
Georgia's 2026 Work Permit Changes: What Every Expat Needs to Know

From March 1, 2026, foreign workers in Georgia must hold a Right to Labour Activity permit. Here's what changed, who it affects, and the January 2027 transition deadline.

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Tax
Georgia's 1% Small Business Status Explained

One of the lowest business tax rates in the world — and it's legitimate. How Individual Entrepreneur registration works, who qualifies, and what your home country will still want from you.

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Relocation
The New Era of Global Relocation in 2026

Exit taxes, permanent establishment risk, and the rise of Caucasus destinations. How the global expat landscape is shifting and why Georgia is emerging as the smart move.

Ready to make your move to Georgia?

We're building the most useful English-language resource for expats moving to Georgia. Connect with a vetted professional, or follow along as our founder returns to Georgia in January 2027 — and documents every step.

Connect with a
Professional