Blog Digital Nomad Visas 🇬🇪 The Caucasus Calling: Georgia Digital Nomad Visa Guide

🇬🇪 The Caucasus Calling: Georgia Digital Nomad Visa Guide

I. The Call of the Caucasus: Why Georgia?

For the modern professional whose office is a laptop and whose commute is a walk to a cafe, the world has opened up like never before. Among the emerging constellation of digital nomad hubs, one nation—nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia—stands out not just for its breathtaking mountains and ancient wine culture, but for a genuinely welcoming government policy: Georgia. We make it simple with this Georgia Digital Nomad Visa Guide.

Forget the red tape, the prohibitive fees, and the endless bureaucratic hoops you’ve come to expect. Georgia offers a potent combination of low-cost living, lightning-fast internet, and a tax system that is aggressively appealing to the self-employed. But its primary appeal lies in its incredible flexibility. For citizens of nearly 100 countries, the path to a long-term stay is as simple as arriving at Tbilisi International Airport and receiving a stamp that grants a stay of up to one full year (365 days)—no visa required.

This simple policy is the country’s main draw, making the official “Remotely from Georgia” program (the traditional digital nomad visa) more of a specialized route for those from non-qualifying countries or a formality for companies seeking compliance. Whether you choose the path of the visa-free tourist or the tax-optimized resident, Georgia is inviting remote workers to settle in, explore the ancient streets of Tbilisi, and enjoy a unique life with minimal friction. The question is: are you ready to heed the call?

II. The Definitive Guide to Long-Term Stay: Two Paths to Residency

This section will differentiate between the two primary ways to stay and work remotely in Georgia.

1. The Visa-Free Advantage: The 365-Day Stay (The Default Nomad Path)

Key Concept: Georgia allows citizens of 95 countries (including the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) to enter and stay for 365 days without a visa.
The Power of the Border Run: Explain the simplicity of crossing a land border into Turkey (e.g., Sarpi) or Armenia to reset the 365-day clock.
Pros & Cons: The easiest, cheapest, and most common path vs. the lack of an official residency document.

2. The Official Path: The “Remotely from Georgia” Visa (The Formal Path)

Official Name & Purpose: Launched during COVID-19 to allow workers to enter legally when borders were otherwise closed.
Who Needs It: Primarily for citizens of countries not on the 95-country visa-free list.
Core Requirements:
- Minimum Income: $2,000 USD per month OR $24,000 in savings.
- Work Status: Proof of remote employment (contract, company registration, freelancer documents).
- Duration: Up to 1 year (D category visa).
- Application Fee: The search results suggest the application is free, though some older or third-party sources mention fees; this needs to be emphasized as a major perk.
Application Process (Briefly): Online submission through the official portal, followed by approval and entry.

III. Application Deep Dive: Step-by-Step for the “Remotely from Georgia” Visa

This section will provide the detailed “how-to” for the official program, which is essential for a comprehensive visa guide.

1. The Eligibility Checklist

Country of Citizenship: Confirm the applicant is NOT from one of the 95 visa-free countries, or that they prefer the official document.
Financial Proof: In-depth discussion of the $2,000/month or $24,000 savings. What documents are accepted (bank statements for the last 12 months, contracts, etc.)?
Insurance: Requirement for comprehensive health insurance covering the entire intended stay (up to 12 months).

2. The Documentation Arsenal (The Checklist)

Copy of a Valid Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
Completed Application Form (online).
Employment/Business Documents:
- For Employees: Letter from employer confirming remote work, contract, and salary details.
- For Freelancers/Entrepreneurs: Certificate of Incorporation, service contracts, portfolio, and proof of client base/income.
Proof of Financial Stability (Bank Statements).
Health Insurance Certificate.

3. The Online Submission and Processing

Where to Apply: Direct the reader to the correct official portal (The “Remotely from Georgia” portal).
Timeline: The search results indicate around 10 business days for processing.
The Post-Approval Step: What happens next? The approval letter and what to present at the border.

IV. The Financial Edge: Unlocking Georgia’s 1% Tax Nirvana is easy thanks to the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa

This is arguably the single most important section for financially-minded nomads. It explains the path to official tax residency.

1. Understanding the 183-Day Rule (Tax Residency)

The Golden Rule: Staying in Georgia for 183 days or more within any continuous 12-month period makes you a Tax Resident.
Worldwide vs. Territorial Tax: Explain Georgia’s generally territorial tax system. Foreign-sourced income is often not taxed, though for remote workers, the income earned while working in Georgia is typically considered Georgian-sourced and therefore taxable. This is the crucial nuance.

2. The Small Status Entrepreneur (IE) Scheme

The 1% Tax: Detail the process of registering as an Individual Entrepreneur (IE) with “Small Status.”
- Turnover Limit: Applicable for annual turnover up to 500,000 GEL (approx. $185,000 USD).
- The Catch: The 1% rate only applies to certain service-based activities. It’s essential to avoid excluded activities (like consulting services that require a license, etc.).
- Registration Process: Where to register (Public Service Hall or Revenue Service Portal) and what documents are needed.

3. Flat Rate and Non-Nomad Tax (The Alternative)

A brief mention of the standard 20% flat Personal Income Tax (PIT) that applies if you do not register for the 1% status.

V. Life Beyond the Laptop: Cities, Culture, and Cost of Living

This comprehensive section covers the lifestyle aspects confirmed by the search results.

1. Tbilisi: The Heart of the Nomad Scene

The Vibe: Old world meets modern, vibrant nightlife, historic Old Town, Brutalist architecture.
Co-working Spaces: Mention popular spots like Terminal and Impact Hub (with approximate price ranges).
Accommodation: Use the search data:
- Average rent for 1-BR in the center: $500-$800 USD/month.
- Trendy neighborhoods: Vera, Vake, Sololaki (more expensive).
- Affordable areas: Saburtalo, Gldani.
Cost Breakdown (The Nomad Budget): Use the search data to offer a detailed monthly budget of $1,200 – $1,800 USD for comfortable living (rent, utilities, food, transport).

2. Batumi: The Black Sea Getaway

The Contrast: Modern skyscrapers, beach life, seasonal tourism.
Seasonal Difference: Busy summer, quiet winter. Less of a year-round nomad hub than Tbilisi.

3. Georgian Culture & Cuisine

Food: Khachapuri (the national cheese bread), Khinkali (dumplings), and the concept of the Supra (feast).
Wine: The world’s oldest winemaking tradition (Qvevri).
Safety & Locals: General safety, and the famous Georgian hospitality.
Language Barrier: The importance of Georgian/Russian outside Tbilisi and the increasing use of English in the capital.

4. Connectivity & Infrastructure

Internet Speed: Affordable and generally reliable fiber in major cities (e.g., 60+ Mbps for $18/month).
Transportation: Cheap public transport (Metro/Bus) and affordable taxis (e.g., $2.50 USD for an average ride).

VI. Pros, Cons, and the Final Verdict

A balanced summary for the concluding argument.

Pros:

Visa-Free/Easy Stay: 365 days is unmatched globally.
Tax System: The 1% Individual Entrepreneur status.
Low Cost of Living: Excellent value compared to Western Europe/North America.
Geographical Hub: Easy access to Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and cheap flights to Europe.

Cons:

Infrastructure Outside Cities: Reliable internet and amenities can be sparse outside Tbilisi and Batumi.
Language Barrier: English is not universal.
Bureaucracy (Specific): The tax registration process (IE status) requires precision and local advice.
Rental Market Fluctuations: Rent can be volatile, especially in tourist season.

1. The Visa-Free Advantage: The 365-Day Stay (The Default Nomad Path)

For citizens of nearly 100 countries, the 365-day visa-free stay is arguably the most generous entry policy in the world. This is the most common path for digital nomads coming from major markets like the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and all EU member states.

What It Means in Practice:

Zero Application: You do not need to apply for any visa, pay a fee, or submit proof of income or insurance before arriving. You simply land at Tbilisi (TBS) or Kutaisi (KUT) and get a stamp in your passport allowing you to stay for one full year.
The Border Run: This 365-day clock can be “reset” by simply crossing a land border into a neighboring country like Turkey or Armenia and re-entering Georgia. This technique, known as a “visa run,” is currently permitted and widely used, allowing nomads to stay for years with minimal hassle.
The Catch: While you can stay and work in Georgia legally, this path does not grant you a formal temporary residency permit (TRP) or any official residency document. For long-term administrative tasks—such as establishing deep ties or proving your legal status to third parties—it can be slightly less convenient than having a formal visa.

2. The Formal Path: The “Remotely from Georgia” Visa (The Specialized Path)

The official “Remotely from Georgia” program was launched in 2020. Today, its main purpose is to provide a legitimate long-term entry route for citizens of countries not on the 365-day visa-free list.

Core Requirements for the Visa:

This visa provides a formal, sanctioned path to stay and work for one year. The requirements are clear, straightforward, and generally less onerous than those of other European digital nomad visas:

Requirement	Details
Citizenship	You must be a citizen of a country eligible for the program but not on the 365-day visa-free list.
Minimum Income	You must provide proof of a regular monthly income of at least $2,000 USD (or the equivalent).
Alternative Funds	You can instead show proof of $24,000 USD (or the equivalent) in your bank account as savings.
Work Status	You must be a remote employee, freelancer, or business owner working for a company or clients outside of Georgia.
Health Insurance	You must obtain health insurance coverage for your entire intended stay (up to 12 months).

A Key Advantage: Unlike many other visas, the application for the “Remotely from Georgia” program is often free, representing a huge saving compared to fees in other countries.

VII. Application Deep Dive: Step-by-Step for the Official Visa (The D-Category) 📄

If you determine that the official “Remotely from Georgia” visa (which is a type of D-category immigration visa) is the right fit for your needs, the application process is done entirely online and is remarkably fast.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Gather Your Documents

Before logging into the portal, ensure every piece of documentation is scanned, digitized, and clearly labeled.

The Essential Document Checklist:

Valid Passport: A scan of your passport’s bio page, which must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Georgia.
Proof of Remote Work: This is crucial. It must clearly demonstrate your business is external to Georgia.
- For Employees: A signed work contract or an official letter from your employer confirming your remote work status, role, and salary.
- For Freelancers/Entrepreneurs: A Certificate of Incorporation (or business registration) and recent service contracts or invoices with foreign clients.
Proof of Financial Stability: This confirms the income requirement ($2,000/month or $24,000 savings). Accepted documents include:
- Official bank statements for the last 6-12 months.
- Stock statements or other evidence of fixed, liquid assets.
Health Insurance Certificate: A policy that specifically covers medical expenses for the duration of your stay in Georgia (up to 12 months).

Step 2: Access the Official Online Portal

The application is submitted through the dedicated portal for the “Remotely from Georgia” program. You will be asked to fill out personal details and your anticipated date of arrival.

Step 3: Complete the Application and Upload Documentation

The online form is straightforward, requiring basic information about yourself and your remote business. You will then upload all the documents gathered in Step 1. Ensure all scans are high-quality and legible to prevent delays.

Step 4: Submission and The Waiting Period

Once submitted, the government begins its review. The key benefit here is the speed:

Processing Time: The official review period is approximately ten business days (two weeks).
Cost: The application is generally free, a significant competitive advantage over many other digital nomad visas.

Step 5: Receive Approval and Prepare for Entry

Upon approval, you will receive an official Approval Letter via email.

What to do: Print this letter and carry it with you. When you land in Georgia, you may be asked to present this letter, your passport, and your health insurance at the border crossing.
Your D-Visa: The letter acts as your authorization to enter the country and stay for the designated one-year period.

(Word Count Check: The initial response and this continuation now stand at approximately 1,200 words. We are well on our way to the 3,000-word goal.)

VIII. The Financial Edge: Unlocking Georgia’s 1% Tax Nirvana 💰

This section now transitions to the single biggest financial reason nomads choose Georgia: the path to the 1% tax rate thanks to the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa.

1. Understanding the 183-Day Rule (Tax Residency)

Georgia has a major draw for remote workers: an extremely low tax burden. To take advantage of this, the first thing you must understand is tax residency.

The Rule: If you spend 183 days or more within any continuous 12-month period in Georgia, you are considered a Tax Resident. This status is essential for accessing the best rates.
Tax on Georgian-Sourced Income: As a tax resident, you are generally subject to a flat 20% Personal Income Tax (PIT) on income considered to be Georgian-sourced. For a digital nomad physically working in Georgia for foreign clients, this remote income is typically viewed as Georgian-sourced and therefore taxable.
The Escape Route: The 20% PIT is high, but the government created a system to help small entrepreneurs avoid it—the Small Status Entrepreneur (or Individual Entrepreneur) scheme.

2. The Small Status Entrepreneur (IE) Scheme (The 1% Tax)

This is the holy grail for freelancers, contractors, and solopreneurs working remotely. By registering as an Individual Entrepreneur (IE) and applying for Small Business Status (SBS), you can reduce your tax rate dramatically.

The 1% Rate: You pay only 1% tax on your gross annual turnover, rather than 20% on net profit. This applies to income up to 500,000 GEL (Georgian Lari, currently approximately $185,000 USD). Income above this threshold is taxed at 3%.
Eligibility & Exclusions:
- You must be the sole operator of the business.
- Your activity must not fall into a list of excluded professional services (e.g., legal services, accounting, medical, or audit consulting). IT, digital marketing, web development, and content creation are typically eligible.
The VAT Threshold: Note that if your VAT-able turnover (income from Georgian clients, or services not exempt) exceeds 100,000 GEL in any 12-month period, you must register for 18% VAT. However, B2B services provided to non-residents are often exempt from this threshold, meaning many nomads can avoid VAT entirely.

The 3-Step Registration Process for the 1% Tax

To officially become a Small Status Entrepreneur, you need to follow a few simple steps, usually completed in person at a Public Service Hall (PSH), which is known for its efficient, one-stop-shop service: .

Step A: Register as an Individual Entrepreneur (IE)

Obtain a Tax ID (Personal Number): This unique ID is required for all official interactions.
Provide a Georgian Address: This is the legal address for your business (can be a residential rental or a virtual office service).
Submit Passport and Notarized Translation: Your passport will need a notarized Georgian translation.
Pay a Small Registration Fee: The process is finalized, and you receive an Extract from the Registry confirming your IE status.

Step B: Apply for Small Business Status (SBS)

Log in to the Revenue Service Portal (RS.ge): Once your IE is registered, you apply for the SBS designation through your online tax account.
Confirmation: The status is usually approved within a few business days, confirming your eligibility for the 1% tax rate.

Step C: Monthly Compliance

Monthly Reporting: Even with the 1% tax, you must submit a monthly turnover declaration via the RS.ge portal, even if your income for the month was zero.
Annual Report: A final annual income report must also be submitted.

🔗 Official & Relevant Links for the Georgia Digital Nomad Guide

Link Description	Target URL/Portal	Relevance to the Blog Post
I. & II. Visa & Entry Policy (The 365-Day Stay and “Remotely from Georgia” Program)
Official List of Visa-Free Countries (The 365-Day Rule)	[Link to the official Consular Department or Ministry of Foreign Affairs page]	Confirms the list of countries eligible for the 1-year visa-free stay. This is the foundation of the “Default Nomad Path.”
Official “Remotely from Georgia” Portal/Page	[Link to the specific Georgian government portal for the DN visa]	The official application portal for the D-category visa for those not on the visa-free list.
Official Georgia e-Visa Portal	`https://www.evisa.gov.ge/`	While the digital nomad visa is separate, this is the main official visa site and can be used to check general visa policies.
III. Application Step-by-Step
Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Consular Information)	[Link to the main Consular page for official regulations]	Provides the most up-to-date, non-COVID-era information on visa and entry requirements.
Reputable Global Health Insurance Provider for Nomads	[Link to a provider commonly used for Georgian visas, like SafetyWing or a local Georgian provider]	Practical link for the mandatory health insurance requirement.
IV. Tax & Financial Edge (The 1% IE Scheme)
Georgia Revenue Service Portal (RS.ge)	`https://www.rs.ge/home-en`	The official portal where Individual Entrepreneurs (IEs) register, file monthly declarations, and pay the 1% tax. Essential for the “1% Tax Nirvana” section.
Public Service Hall (PSH) Official Website	[A link to the PSH website or a major branch listing, e.g., psh.gov.ge]	The “one-stop shop” where IEs register in person. You can mention that the PSH website is where to find locations and service details.
Official Tax Code / Excluded Activities List	[Link to a reliable summary of the official Georgian tax code regarding the 1% IE exclusions]	Critical link to help nomads verify their profession is eligible for the Small Business Status.
V. Life Beyond the Laptop (Cost of Living & Community)
Popular Co-working Space in Tbilisi (e.g., Terminal, Impact Hub)	[Link to Terminal or Impact Hub Tbilisi]	Provides practical resource for the “Tbilisi: The Heart of the Nomad Scene” section.
Major Georgian Real Estate/Rental Platform	[Link to a primary source for apartment prices, e.g., MyHome.ge]	Supports the rent and cost of living data provided in the post.
Local Travel/Tourism Authority Website	[Link to Georgia Travel or a similar official tourism site]	Good resource for the “Culture & Cuisine” section and regional travel (Batumi, etc.).