🇬🇪 Georgia digital nomad visa

Georgia’s nomad visa just became a lot more interesting with its 365-day visa-free entry for tons of nationalities. It’s a solid option if you’re weighing it against other European or Balkan spots.

Who actually gets in? And how much cash do you need?

This programme is called "Remotely from Georgia." Simple enough. The big question is always income. They want to see $2000 per month consistently. For proof, they’re pretty standard: bank statements are king. Make sure they show that $2000 flowing in each month for the last 3-6 months. Payslips from an employer are good too. If you’re a freelancer or business owner, you’ll need to show invoices and possibly a contract or letter from clients. What gets people rejected here? Inconsistent income, or statements that look like you just moved money around to hit the target. They want to see actual earnings.

What docs will they nickel and dime you on?

Applying for the Remotely from Georgia programme means gathering a pile of paperwork. You’ll need your passport, obviously, with at least six months validity. Then, proof of address in Georgia – usually a rental contract. A letter from your employer stating your position and salary, or client contracts if you’re self-employed. Don't forget travel insurance. The biggest reason people get rejected? Missing documents, or documents that aren't translated properly. Everything needs to be translated into Georgian and notarized. The whole process, from submitting your application to getting your residence card, can take 8-12 weeks. Some people get it faster, maybe 6 weeks, but it’s safer to budget for longer, especially if you’re applying during peak season.

The tax trap most people miss

Here’s where Georgia gets interesting. For the first year, you’re generally not taxed on your foreign income. After that, it gets a bit more complicated. If you spend more than 183 days in Georgia within a 12-month period, you’re considered a tax resident. The good news? Georgia has a super low 1% Individual Entrepreneur tax if your annual turnover is under approximately **$155,000 **. This is a huge draw. However, you need to be careful about double-taxation treaties. If your home country also considers you a tax resident, you could end up paying taxes twice. You need to check the specific treaty between Georgia and your home country. Also, this 1% rate is for business activity within Georgia. If your remote work is purely for foreign clients and you’re not registered as a Georgian business, you might fall into a different, higher tax bracket for foreign income, usually around 20%, after your first year. That’s the catch most people miss.

So, is Remotely from Georgia worth the hassle?

yes, for many. Compared to its neighbours, Georgia offers a genuinely attractive package. The 12-month visa is a good duration, and it’s renewable. The 1% tax rate for small businesses is incredibly appealing, making it one of the cheapest places in Europe to run your operation from. The 365-day visa-free entry for so many nationalities also simplifies the initial arrival immensely. Armenia requires a visa or has shorter visa-free periods, and while Turkey is also popular, its tax structure is less straightforward for long-term remote workers. The main downside is that outside of Tbilisi, infrastructure can be less developed. But if your priority is low cost of living, a straightforward tax system (for the first year at least), and a beautiful country, Remotely from Georgia is a very strong contender.