The Complete Guide to
Living in Georgia
Low taxes, incredible food, warm people, mountains and sea, a thriving expat community — and a cost of living that lets you live well. Here's everything you need to know.
The Complete Guide to
Low taxes, incredible food, warm people, mountains and sea, a thriving expat community — and a cost of living that lets you live well. Here's everything you need to know.
The Big Picture
Georgia has quietly become one of the most attractive destinations for expats, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs. Here's why.
1% income tax for individual entrepreneurs. 0% on foreign-sourced income. 0% capital gains for individuals. One of the most tax-friendly jurisdictions in the world.
Modern apartment in central Tbilisi: $400-700/month. Full meal with wine: $5-10. A high quality of life at a fraction of European costs.
98 nationalities can stay visa-free for 1 year. Company registration takes 1 day and costs $50. Temporary residency for business owners is straightforward.
One of the safest countries in Europe. Extremely low crime rates. Walking alone at night in Tbilisi is perfectly normal — even in the city center.
One of the world's great undiscovered cuisines. Fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a food culture that treats every meal as a celebration.
Large and growing expat community. Coworking spaces, international events, Facebook groups, and a social scene that makes it easy to meet people.
Immigration
Georgia's immigration system is refreshingly simple. Here are your options.
Citizens of 98 countries can enter and stay for up to 365 days with no visa. Just show up with your passport. Many expats do "border runs" to reset.
Cost: Free
Register a company (1 day, ~$50), then apply for temporary residency. Individual entrepreneur status gives you 1% income tax on Georgian-sourced revenue.
Cost: ~$200 total
After 6 years of legal residence (or through investment/marriage), you can apply for permanent residency. Citizenship requires 10+ years and Georgian language.
Cost: ~$300 application
Budget
Prices as of 2025. Tbilisi is the most expensive city — other cities are 20-40% cheaper.
| Category | Monthly (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR apartment (center) | $400–700 |
| 2BR apartment (center) | $600–1,000 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $40–80 |
| Internet (fiber, 100Mbps+) | $10–15 |
| Groceries | $200–350 |
| Dining out (per meal) | $5–15 |
| Coworking space | $80–150 |
| Gym membership | $25–50 |
| Bolt ride (across city) | $2–4 |
| Comfortable total (single) | $1,000–1,800 |
| Comfortable total (couple) | $1,400–2,500 |
Where to Live
Each neighborhood has its own character. Here's what expats need to know.
Most popular with expats
Tree-lined streets, great restaurants, international schools, parks. The "default" expat neighborhood. Higher rents but walkable, safe, and well-connected. Close to Vake Park.
Bohemian & charming
Quiet, historic streets with colorful balconies. Walking distance to everything central. Full of cute cafés and wine bars. Beloved by creatives, writers, and people who like character.
Best value for money
More residential, newer buildings, excellent public transport (metro). Lower rents with good quality apartments. Popular with families and long-term expats. Major supermarkets and malls.
Historic & atmospheric
Narrow winding streets, sulfur baths, ancient churches. The most photogenic part of Tbilisi. Can be touristy and some buildings are old. Nightlife on Shardeni Street. Higher premium for charm.
Hip & emerging
The area around Marjanishvili metro is rapidly gentrifying. Art galleries, third-wave coffee shops, international restaurants. The Brooklyn of Tbilisi. Great for younger expats.
Modern & family-friendly
Newer development on the outskirts. Modern apartments, bigger spaces, lower rents. Car is helpful. Growing fast with new infrastructure. Popular with families wanting more space and quiet.
The Details
The nuts and bolts of daily life as an expat in Georgia.
Private healthcare is affordable and decent. A doctor visit: $15-30. Health insurance: $50-150/month. Major hospitals speak English. For serious matters, many expats fly to Turkey or EU.
Opening a bank account takes 30 minutes with a passport. TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia are the main players. Good mobile apps. International transfers via Wise work great.
Fast fiber internet (100Mbps+) for $10-15/month. Mobile data: 50GB for ~$5/month. Magti and Silknet are the main providers. Coverage is excellent in cities.
Georgian is the official language and has its own unique alphabet. English is widely spoken by younger people in Tbilisi. Russian is common among older generations. You can get by in English, but learning Georgian opens doors.
Bolt (like Uber) is everywhere and dirt cheap ($2-4 across the city). Metro is modern and costs $0.20. No need for a car in Tbilisi. Rent one for road trips to the mountains.
Tbilisi has hot summers (35°C+) and mild winters (0-5°C, occasional snow). Spring and autumn are beautiful. Batumi is subtropical. The mountains have alpine conditions year-round.
"I came for a month. That was three years ago."
— Every expat in Tbilisi, eventually
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