Tbilisi
A year visa-free for most passports, dinner with wine for a tenner, and mountains an hour away. The wiring — political and electrical — can be temperamental.
Snapshot
FORM TBS-01Cost of living
FORM TBS-02- Housing (1BR apartment)$280
- Food & Dining$108
- Transportation$25
- Utilities + Internet$54
- Entertainment & Social$45
- Health Insurance$45
- Total$557
- Housing (1BR apartment)$400
- Food & Dining$180
- Transportation$38
- Utilities + Internet$72
- Entertainment & Social$108
- Health Insurance$72
- Total$870
- Housing (1BR apartment)$640
- Food & Dining$360
- Transportation$100
- Utilities + Internet$90
- Entertainment & Social$225
- Health Insurance$108
- Total$1,523
Figures are planning estimates for one person, reviewed June 2026. Run your own numbers in the cost calculator.
Banking
FORM TBS-03Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank are the two major banks — both have excellent mobile banking apps (some of the best in Eastern Europe). Account opening is simple: passport and proof of address (even a hotel booking works initially). Accounts can be opened in GEL, USD, and EUR. Crypto-friendly — no restrictions on cryptocurrency accounts. Wise is widely used for incoming international transfers. Banking fees are low. ATMs are widespread in Tbilisi. Georgian banking technology is surprisingly advanced — mobile payments, instant transfers, and digital services are well-developed. Interest rates on GEL savings accounts can be attractive (8-10% on GEL deposits).
Moving money across borders? Wise converts at the mid-market rate with fees of roughly 0.3–1% — the tool we set our own clients up with before anything else.
Open WiseTaxes
FORM TBS-04Errors in tax filing can result in significant penalties. Flat 20% personal income tax. CRITICAL BENEFIT: Foreign-source income is NOT taxed for individuals who are not Georgian tax residents (those spending less than 183 days). Even for tax residents, foreign-source income received from abroad may be exempt under certain conditions — this makes Georgia extremely attractive for remote workers and digital nomads. Small Business Status: 1% tax on revenue up to GEL 500,000/year (~$190,000). Virtual Zone for IT companies: 0% corporate tax on income from services exported outside Georgia. These tax advantages make Georgia one of the world's most tax-efficient jurisdictions for location-independent workers.
Visas & residency
FORM TBS-05Important: Visa regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before making plans. This guide provides general information as of 2026. Georgia offers one of the world's most generous visa policies: citizens of 95+ countries can stay for up to 1 full year without any visa at all. No application, no fees, no minimum income requirement — just show your passport at the border. The 'Remotely from Georgia' program (launched 2020) is specifically designed for digital nomads: apply online, requires proof of $2,000/month income or $24,000 in savings, provides a special status with potential tax benefits. After 1 year, you can exit and re-enter for another year. Permanent residency is available after 6 years of legal residence.
Healthcare
FORM TBS-06Understanding the healthcare system is crucial for any expat — it affects your daily peace of mind, your budget, and your visa eligibility. Here's a comprehensive guide based on real advisory experience. Georgia's public healthcare system is developing but still limited compared to European standards. Universal Healthcare Program (UHC) covers basic services for Georgian residents. For expats, private health insurance is strongly recommended — costs approximately $50-100/month from providers like GPI Holding, Ardi, or international insurers. Good private hospitals in Tbilisi include Evex Medical Corporation, MediClub Georgia, and Aversi Clinic. For serious medical issues, some expats travel to Turkey or Western Europe. Dental care is very affordable and generally good quality. Pharmacies (aptiaqi) are abundant and many medications are available without prescription.
Not yet covered locally? SafetyWing insures remote workers in 180+ countries from about $45/month — a sensible bridge until you enter a national system.
Check SafetyWingThe case for Tbilisi
FORM TBS-07- Visa-free for 1 full year (95+ nationalities) — easiest long-stay in the world
- Incredibly affordable — $900/mo for very comfortable life
- Foreign-source income NOT taxed for individuals — massive benefit
- Amazing Georgian food (khinkali, khachapuri) and world's oldest wine tradition