In recent years Georgia has become one of the most popular places to work remotely. Freelancers, developers, designers, marketers and entrepreneurs from all over the world move here. The reasons are clear: easy entry, a modest cost of living, fast internet, a mild climate, great food and one of the simplest tax regimes for small businesses. Here's what to know if you want to work from Georgia.

Why Georgia

  • Easy entry. Citizens of many countries can stay visa-free for up to a year. Rules depend on nationality — check current conditions before travelling.
  • Cost of living. Lower than most European capitals, though rents in Tbilisi and Batumi have risen noticeably.
  • Internet. Good mobile coverage in cities and affordable home fibre.
  • Taxes. The individual entrepreneur regime with small business status is very attractive for freelancers.
  • Lifestyle. Mountains and sea a couple of hours away, cafés, wine and hospitality.

Where to live

Tbilisi

  • Vake — green and upmarket, with parks, cafés and good infrastructure; pricier rents.
  • Vera — a cosy central area of old houses, coffee shops and bars.
  • Sololaki — historic, next to the Old Town, with atmospheric houses and balconies.
  • Saburtalo — modern and practical, with new buildings, malls and the metro; more affordable.
  • Chugureti and Marjanishvili — around the Fabrika creative space: hostels, bars and a young crowd.

Batumi

The sea, the boulevard, new towers with views and a slower pace — good if you love warmth and beaches. But summers are crowded and expensive, and winters can be damp and rainy.

Kutaisi

Quieter and cheaper, suited to those wanting calm and low costs, though with fewer coworking spaces and a smaller community.

Renting

  • Short term — monthly apartments on the usual platforms, handy at first.
  • Long term — cheaper to deal directly with landlords or local agents, especially for 6–12 months.
  • Check heating (many flats use gas boilers or air conditioners), internet, soundproofing, a lift and utility bills.
  • Prices vary greatly by district and season; a one-bedroom in a good Tbilisi area costs much more than a few years ago, so start looking early.

Coworking and cafés

Tbilisi and Batumi have plenty of coworking spaces with day and monthly passes, meeting rooms, fast internet and coffee. Many cafés are work-friendly too, with sockets, Wi-Fi and a calm vibe. Mix it up: coworking in the morning, a café with a view in the afternoon.

Tip: some coworkings host networking evenings and talks — a great way to meet people and find clients.

Internet and phone

  • Mobile. Buy a local SIM at the airport or an operator's shop with your passport; data-heavy plans are cheap.
  • Home internet. Flats usually have fibre; ask about speed when renting.
  • Mountains. Coverage can be weak in remote areas — keep that in mind if you plan to work from Svaneti or Tusheti.

Taxes and sole proprietorship

Many remote workers register in Georgia as individual entrepreneurs with small business status, which means a small percentage tax on turnover within an annual limit. Registration is done at the Public Service Hall and doesn't take long.

Keep in mind:

  • not all activities qualify for the preferential regime;
  • you must file monthly declarations;
  • your tax residency and obligations in your home country also matter.

Rules change, so consult a local accountant before registering — it's inexpensive and saves a lot of stress.

Banking

Foreigners can usually open an account in a Georgian bank, but requirements depend on nationality and purpose. A sole proprietor needs a separate business account. See our article on opening a bank account in Georgia for details.

Cost of living

Besides rent, main expenses are:

  • groceries — cheaper than most EU countries, especially at markets;
  • cafés and restaurants — affordable, pricier in tourist spots;
  • transport — metro and taxis are cheap;
  • sport and leisure — gyms, pools, yoga and weekend hikes.

Community

Tbilisi has a large international community: topic chats, meetups, language exchanges and weekend hikes. Finding like-minded people is easy — just don't be shy.

Pros and cons

Pros: affordable life, taxes, nature nearby, hospitality, food and wine.

Cons: rising rents, chaotic traffic, occasional bureaucracy, housing quality that doesn't always match the price, hot summers and humid Batumi winters.

In short

Georgia is one of the best places to work remotely: easy entry, clear taxes, fast internet and mountains an hour away. Pick a neighbourhood, find a coworking space, talk to an accountant about sole-proprietor status — and work with a view of the Caucasus.