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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Expat Life in Georgia
Your guide to living, working, and thriving in Georgia.
Ancient culture, 1% business tax, and 365 days visa-free. We're building a vetted network of professionals in Tbilisi and Batumi — and sharing what you need to know to plan your move.
$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're vetting experts in Tbilisi and Batumi to connect you with — and sharing what we learn along the way.
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. Our guide walks you through which track fits your situation — visa-free stay, D1 visa, labour permit, or investment residence.
Read the residency guideTaxes
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 — our guide covers what both sides expect.
Read the tax guideProperty
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.
Read the property guide
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 · 15+ years international living · Nicaragua, Philippines, Bulgaria, Georgia
Our Network
Our Georgia network is taking shape
We're building it now — personally vetting lawyers, accountants, and advisors in Tbilisi and Batumi. We'd rather list no one than someone we haven't checked.
Read the Georgia guides🏗️
No professionals listed yet
We're vetting our first Georgia members now
Are you a Georgia-based lawyer, accountant, or advisor who works with expats? Be one of the first to join →
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
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Permits
Georgia's 2026 Work Permit Changes: What Every Expat Needs to Know
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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.
Get the free Georgia Relocation Readiness Guide
The sourced, current picture — including the residency figure most sites still get wrong, what things actually cost in 2026, and a readiness checklist. Free for expats.
Get the free guide