Digital Nomad's Guide to Georgia

In that regard, Georgia is an increasingly attractive spot for digital nomads. In particular, the trendy cafes and stylish and thoughtfully arranged coworking spaces of Tbilisi are perfect for remote working. And of course, when the working week is done, some hard-earned rest and relaxation in the beautiful landscapes of the Georgian countryside are merely a short drive away.

Moreover, with reliable and fast internet, an affordable cost of living, renowned hospitality, and unique Georgian cuisine, the attractions for digital nomads are plentiful. In this guide, we cover the essentials of living and working in Georgia in 2024. 

Can foreigners work in Georgia?

Absolutely. With generous visa arrangements for citizens of numerous countries, Georgia warmly welcomes foreigners seeking to live and work here. Specifically, the "Remotely from Georgia" initiative has fully encouraged and embraced digital nomads.

Is Georgia good for digital nomads?

Digital nomads have widely applauded Georgia as an ideal place to work for several reasons, including the following:

1. Relaxed Visa Regulations: The "Remotely from Georgia" scheme enables digital nomads to reside and work in Georgia for up to a year.

2. Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to Western nations, Georgia offers a very affordable cost of living.

3. Reliable and Fast Internet Access: All of Georgia’s major cities, namely Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi, boast excellent internet connectivity.

4. Renowned Hospitality: Georgians pride themselves on their revered hospitality, making foreigners feel right at home. 

Tbilisi, Batumi, or Kutaisi?

Your choice of Georgian city will of course depend on your needs and preferences. The capital Tbilisi is the largest city, with an array of well-equipped modern coworking spaces, a thriving nightlife, and pretty much everything a digital nomad could ask for.

Elsewhere, the coastal city of Batumi is another popular spot for digital nomads. One of its attractions is the sea air, making it a standout summer vacation destination as well. However, aside from the summer festivities, Batumi’s climate is moderate for most of the year allowing remote workers to enjoy the outdoors all year round on their downtime.

Crucially, Batumi also boasts all of the essential infrastructure for a digital nomad. Like Tbilisi, it houses various top-class coworking spaces and cafes with high-speed internet. In addition, with a well-established community of like-minded people, there is plenty of support for newcomers as well as boundless networking and collaboration opportunities.

Alternatively, the city of Kutaisi in western central Georgia, as well of all the essentials a digital nomad needs, has a rich history and culture, giving remote workers here the chance to soak up an authentic experience when taking some time away from the desk. 

Where to live in Tbilisi as a digital nomad?

Digital nomads in Tbilisi usually tend to favor the central districts of Vake, Saburtalo, and Sololaki. These areas are popular because of their lively atmospheres, cultural monuments, and of course impressive coworking spaces. Other parts of the city such as Mtatsminda, Vere, and Marjanishvili are also growing in popularity among remote workers making the wise choice to move to Georgia.

Does Georgia have a digital nomad visa?

Yes. The "Remotely from Georgia" initiative issues digital nomad visas, allowing visitors to stay in the country for up to a year. 

Does Georgia tax remote workers?

Just like local citizens, digital nomads are taxed at 20%. But, and this is an important “but,” those registered as individual microentrepreneurs are treated to an exceptionally generous 1% tax rate. In addition, Georgia does not impose double taxation measures. 

Does Georgia have good internet?

Dependable and high-speed internet is abundant in Georgia, particularly in its main cities of Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi. Notably, Wi-Fi is available in most public spaces and every single coworking spot offers an internet connection of the highest quality. 

Do I need a Georgian bank account?

It is not mandatory for a digital nomad to have a Georgian bank account, but having one will certainly make financial transactions, and life here in general, a lot simpler. Thankfully, Georgian banks’ services are very expat-friendly, so managing one’s finances in Georgia is straightforward.

As a first step, it would be prudent to research the various banks carefully, consult fellow digital nomads about their experiences, and choose the one that best suits your needs. To open an account, some important documents such as a valid passport, visa (if needed), and/or proof of legal entry/stay in Georgia, will be needed. Meanwhile, some banks may require additional documents depending on their policy. 

Before visiting a branch to open an account, contacting the bank beforehand and/or checking their website for any specific non-citizen or non-resident requirements would be sensible.

Are Georgians friendly people?

Digital nomads can be assured that Georgians will treat you like their own, and will be delighted to have you and help you in their country.

Apart from its famous hospitality and friendly people, Georgia is also fast becoming one of the safest countries in the world. In 2021, according to the Travel and Tourism Development Index of the World Economic Forum, Georgia ranked 44th among 117 countries, putting it ahead of its neighboring countries.