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MPH Expat Experience (XP)

Georgia · MPH Expat Experience

Living in Georgia: what it really costs, and what to expect

155 researched facts across 18 categories — visas, costs, housing, tax, healthcare, safety and daily life — each with a named source and the date it was checked. Every figure links to where it came from. 2 items still have no reliable source and are marked as such.

GEL 1,958 a month · couple in Tbilisi

94th most peaceful country

35th for English proficiency

52 Mbps median home internet

+8 h from US Eastern

The $4,000 question

Can you live comfortably in Georgia on $4,000 a month?

MPH monthly budget, couple renting a 1-bed in Tbilisi: rent GEL 1,310 (asking rent, €450); groceries GEL 381; electricity GEL 57; transport GEL 80 (two passes); phones + fibre GEL 130. Eating out and heating fuel not included. Total about GEL 1,958 (≈$753). $4,000 (GEL 10,408) leaves about GEL 8,450 before tax, GEL 6,368 after 20% income tax (if the $4,000 is taxable pay).

Built by MPH from the official figures under Cost of living, Housing and Tax below, plus National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) household food spend. Your own costs depend on where and how you live.

All 18 categories

Georgia, fact by fact

Visas, residency & citizenship Cost of living Housing & property Tax, money & banking Healthcare Education & family Safety & security Climate & environment Connectivity & daily infrastructure Transport & travel Work & business Language, culture & integration Government, law & society Moving logistics Demographics Expat sentiment Food, groceries & markets Questions US movers ask

01Visas, residency & citizenship12

Visa types available (retirement / passive income, digital nomad, work, highly-skilled / EU Blue Card, student, family / spouse, investment / golden visa)

Residence permits: work, study, family reunification, investment, short-term (for property owners), IT specialists, spouse of a Georgian citizen, and permanent. There is no separate retirement or digital nomad permit; US citizens can simply stay a year without a visa (see 1010). Since 1 Mar 2026 most foreigners working in Georgia need a work permit (US State Dept).

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons – consolidated version of 25 Jun 2026 (English) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Income / savings thresholds per visa

IT-specialist permit: at least 2 years of IT experience and annual pay of at least US$25,000 (in lari); first issued for 3 years. Property permit: property worth over US$150,000; investment permit: US$300,000 (see 1004). Pay or income thresholds for work and family permits are set by government ordinance (not read).

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons – consolidated version of 25 Jun 2026 (English) – re-read · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Health-insurance requirement for the visa

Entry can be refused to anyone without health and accident insurance or enough money for the stay and the journey home. Insurance rules for each residence permit are set by government ordinance (not read).

Investment thresholds (residency and citizenship by investment)

Investment permit (5 years, family included): invest at least US$300,000 in a business (turnover $50k in year 1, $100k in year 2, $120k in years 3–5) or own non-farm property worth over $300,000; after 5 years, an unlimited permit. Property over $150,000: short-term permit renewed yearly. No citizenship-by-investment scheme; the President may grant citizenship as an exception (see 1008).

Processing time and validity

Work, study and family permits are first issued for 6 months to 1 year; the IT permit for 3 years; the investment permit for 5 years; the short-term (property) permit for 1 year, renewable yearly while you own the property. Apply in person, through a representative or online. Processing times are set by government ordinance (not read).

Path to permanent residence (years)

Permanent residence after 10 years on temporary residence permits (years of study or medical treatment do not count). Spouses of Georgian citizens: a spouse permit for up to 5 years, then permanent residence (from 1 Sep 2026). Investors: an unlimited permit after 5 years (see 1004).

Citizenship / naturalisation timeline

Naturalisation after 10 years of continuous lawful residence. You must know the Georgian language and the basics of Georgian history and law, and work, own property, run a business or hold shares in Georgia. Citizenship takes effect only when you give up your other citizenship, unless the President grants it as an exception.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Organic Law of Georgia on Georgian Citizenship – consolidated version of 25 Jun 2026 (Georgian) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Dual citizenship allowed

No, as a rule: Georgia has single citizenship. A citizen may also hold another only if the President grants Georgian citizenship as an exception, or if a Georgian gets state consent before taking another. The US State Dept says Georgia may treat a naturalised US citizen originally from Georgia as a Georgian citizen; dual nationals must enter and leave on a Georgian passport.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Organic Law of Georgia on Georgian Citizenship – consolidated version of 25 Jun 2026 (Georgian) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Citizenship by descent / marriage

Descent: a person is Georgian at birth if either parent is a Georgian citizen. Marriage: the spouse of a Georgian citizen can naturalise after 5 years of continuous lawful residence, with the language and history/law requirements but no work or property condition.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Organic Law of Georgia on Georgian Citizenship – consolidated version of 25 Jun 2026 (Georgian) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Short-stay rules (e.g. Schengen 90/180)

US citizens can enter without a visa and stay a full year (365 days). The general visa-free rule for other nationals is 90 days in any 180-day period.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Government Ordinance No 255 of 5 Jun 2015 on the list of countries whose citizens may enter Georgia without a visa – consolidated version of 24 Feb 2026 (Georgian) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

First registrations (tax number, residence registration)

Foreigners living in Georgia must register at their place of residence; a personal number is assigned on registration, and ID and residence cards are issued on the 10th business day (Law on registering citizens and aliens).

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Law of Georgia on the Procedure for Registering Citizens of Georgia and Aliens Residing in Georgia (consolidated to 17/12/2025) · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Entry restrictions (e.g. HIV restrictions)

US advisory: Level 1, exercise normal precautions (advisory of 13 Mar 2025); do not travel to the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Passport valid on entry with 1 blank page; declare more than GEL 30,000 in cash on entry and exit. No known HIV entry restrictions. Dual US–Georgian citizens must use a Georgian passport.

Source: US Department of State — Georgia – international travel information · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

02Cost of living17

Overall cost profile — single / couple / family / local

Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) — Integrated Household Survey – distribution of average monthly expenditures per capita by regions (xlsx) · Oct 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Restaurant meal (inexpensive; mid-range for two)

On Wolt (Oct 2026), a Tbilisi Georgian restaurant (Shemoikhede Genatsvale, Paliashvili St) lists 10 khinkali at GEL 38.00 (≈US$15), with a deal price of GEL 22.80 when read; packaging is charged on top of menu prices. Georgia's restaurant meal prices rose 7.6% year on year in May 2026 (Geostat, via Georgia Today).

Source: Wolt — Shemoikhede Genatsvale (Paliashvili St), Tbilisi - delivery menu · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Coffee, beer, soft drink

Starbucks, which opened in Georgia in July 2026, prices lattes and cappuccinos at GEL 11.50-13.50 (about US$4.40-5.20) and americanos at GEL 9.75-11.75; espresso from GEL 6.60. A 0.5 l can of Natakhtari beer costs GEL 5.95 at the Europroduct store.

Source: Commersant.ge — What are the prices for Starbucks coffee in Georgia? (9 Jul 2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Grocery basket (milk, bread, eggs, meat, produce, wine)

Supermarket prices in Tbilisi (Agrohub, Oct 2026): milk 1 l GEL 3.80 (own brand; other brands 5.50–8.95); 10 eggs GEL 7.00; Georgian tomatoes GEL 10.90/kg; potatoes GEL 1.80/kg; beef shoulder on the bone GEL 31.90/kg; lavash flatbread GEL 2.90.

Source: Agrohub (supermarket chain, Tbilisi) — Agrohub online shop – product prices (store: Marshal Gelovani Ave 22, Tbilisi) · Oct 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Utilities for an apartment (electricity, heating, water, refuse)

Household electricity: GEL 0.229 per kWh, all taxes included (2,500–4,999 kWh a year, first half of 2026), about €0.073 — less than a quarter of Italy's €0.314. Natural gas: GEL 0.051 per kWh.

Source: Eurostat — Electricity prices for household consumers (nrg_pc_204) and gas prices (nrg_pc_202), via API · 2026-S1 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Mobile plan

Mobile (Magti, prepaid package): unlimited calls, SMS and data for 30 days GEL 45 (about $17); 7 days GEL 12; 90 days GEL 129. Marked as a promotion.

Source: Magticom (mobile and internet operator) — Magti mobile “Everything Unlimited” packages and optical internet packages (Tbilisi) · Oct 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Broadband

Home fibre internet in Tbilisi (Magti): 70 Mbps GEL 40 a month (about $15), 80 Mbps GEL 50, 100 Mbps GEL 80.

Source: Magticom (mobile and internet operator) — Magti mobile “Everything Unlimited” packages and optical internet packages (Tbilisi) · Oct 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Public transport single ticket + monthly pass

Tbilisi metro, buses, minibuses and the Bagebi–University cable car: GEL 1 for 90 minutes of unlimited travel by Metromoney or bank card; passes GEL 3 a day, 20 a week, 40 a month, 250 a year (on a GEL 2 card).

Source: Tbilisi Transport Company — Standard tariff – municipal transport (metro, bus, minibus, Bagebi–University ropeway) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Taxi fare

Bolt estimates a ride from Station Square to Tbilisi airport (21.4 km, about 28 min) at GEL 21.30 (Basic), GEL 25.00 (standard Bolt) or GEL 31.80 (local taxi) - about US$8-12. The same page's text also says about GEL 20.50.

Source: Bolt — How to get from Station Square to Tbilisi International Airport · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Fuel price

Fuel prices from 8 Oct 2026 (Gulf): G-Force Premium petrol GEL 4.33 a litre, Super 4.65, Euro Regular 4.03; Euro Diesel 4.93. Prices have risen steadily since March (Premium 3.53 on 31 Mar).

Source: Gulf Georgia (Sun Petroleum Georgia, fuel retailer) — Fuel prices – price change history · 8 Oct 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

New car price

Toyota Georgia lists new-car starting prices of GEL 59,000 (Corolla Cross hybrid), GEL 59,800 (Corolla hybrid), GEL 72,900 (Camry) and GEL 93,700 (RAV4) - about US$22,700-36,000. The dealer says its prices are calculated at GEL 2.75 per US$ and may differ.

Source: Toyota Georgia (toyota.ge) — Toyota new cars and model line (new-cars page) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Gym membership; cinema; theatre

Gymnasia (Tbilisi) charges GEL 150 a month for the gym with sauna (≈US$58) and GEL 40 for a day pass. Cavea cinema tickets cost GEL 10-29 (GEL 10 on Wednesdays at some cinemas). Tbilisi theatre tickets for 18 Oct 2026 start at GEL 20-50 on Yolo (Marjanishvili and Griboedov theatres from GEL 30).

Source: Gymnasia — Gym Membership Prices & Deals in Tbilisi · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Clothing items

Zara Georgia online prices (Oct 2026): basic T-shirt GEL 39-69, skinny jeans GEL 159, zip hoodie GEL 159, faux-leather jacket GEL 259, waterproof jacket GEL 429. Clothing prices fell 2.5% in August 2026 from July (Geostat).

Source: Zara Georgia — მამაკაცის მოდა | ZARA Georgia (men's catalogue) · 2026 · checked 18 Oct 2026

Personal care, medicine, short doctor visit

A Clinic, a private clinic in Tbilisi, charges GEL 150 for a 40-minute GP appointment (≈US$58); its price list also shows GEL 150-180 for 30-minute GP appointments.

Source: A CLINIC (Tbilisi) — Services & Prices · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Domestic help (hourly cleaner)

Vardo Cleaning Service (Tbilisi) charges GEL 30 an hour (≈US$12) for one cleaner; standard flat cleaning is GEL 3 per m². The final price is set case by case.

Source: Vardo Cleaning Service — Vardo - Cleaning Service (modified 19 Aug 2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Average net salary; purchasing power

Average monthly earnings (gross): GEL 2,389 in Q2 2026 (about $918), up 8.0% on a year earlier; Tbilisi GEL 2,759. The median was GEL 1,531 in 2025, so most workers earn well below the average.

Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) — Average monthly nominal earnings – quarterly, by region (xlsx) and median earnings (xlsx) · 2026 Q2 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Price level vs. US

Consumer prices are well below US levels: the World Bank's price level for household consumption (PPP factor divided by the exchange rate) puts Georgia at about 0.40 of the US in 2025, against 0.73 for Italy. National figure.

Source: World Bank — PPP conversion factor, household final consumption (PA.NUS.PRVT.PP) and official exchange rate (PA.NUS.FCRF) - Georgia, Italy (API, last updated 8 Oct 2026) · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

03Housing & property13

Rent — 1-bed and 3-bed, centre and outside

No official rent figures are published. Asking rents (Global Property Guide, Q3 2026), Tbilisi: studio €310, 1-bed €450, 2-bed €590, 3-bed €860 a month; Vake 1-bed €710, Saburtalo 1-bed €510. Batumi 1-bed €470.

Source: Global Property Guide — Gross rental yields in Georgia: Tbilisi and Batumi (updated Aug 2026; data with SS.ge) · Q3 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Furnished rent, studio vs. 85 m²

Average asking rent in Tbilisi was about US$10 per m² a month in Q1 2026 (down 6% on a year earlier), so roughly US$500-600 for a 50-60 m² flat; rental yield 8.1% (TBC Capital). Rents are higher in Vake (US$14.2/m²) and Mtatsminda (US$12.7) (April 2026).

Source: TBC Capital — Residential Real Estate in Tbilisi - March 2026 Monthly Watch (PDF) · Q1 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Purchase price per m², centre and outside; median home price

New flats in Tbilisi: US$1,733 per m² in Q2 2026, up 25% in a year and 48% since Q3 2023 (Global Property Guide). Asking prices (Q3 2026): Tbilisi 1-bed €72,700, 2-bed €105,200, 3-bed €149,000; Vake 2-bed €206,200.

Source: Global Property Guide — Square metre prices in Georgia – Tbilisi, new dwellings (updated Oct 2026) · 2026 Q2 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Foreign ownership allowed / restrictions

Yes: foreigners can own homes, flats and other property on the same terms as Georgians. They cannot buy agricultural land; a foreigner may hold it only by inheritance, and a Georgian company controlled by foreigners only with a government-approved investment plan.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Organic Law of Georgia on Agricultural Land Ownership (2019, English) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Buying process for foreigners

Agricultural land can be owned by a foreigner only if inherited, or by a Georgian-registered company with a foreign majority partner under a government-approved investment plan (Organic Law on Agricultural Land Ownership, Art. 4(2)). Registering a property right with NAPR costs GEL 150 (4 working days), GEL 270 (1 day) or GEL 350 (same day).

Source: National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) — Fees and terms - immovable property registration · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Property purchase taxes and annual property tax

Registering a purchase at the Public Registry costs GEL 150 (4 working days), GEL 270 (next day) or GEL 350 (same day). A Registry extract costs GEL 13 online.

Source: National Agency of Public Registry (Georgia) — Fees and terms – immovable property registration · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Buy-to-let rules; short-term rental licensing

Income from renting out a home for residential use is taxed at 5% of the gross rent, with no deductions; the general personal income-tax rate is 20% (Tax Code, Art. 81).

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Tax Code of Georgia (consolidated to 30/09/2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Tenant rights

Civil Code: a tenant may end a home lease early on one month's notice if they offer the landlord a solvent, acceptable replacement tenant (Art. 555); the landlord may end it early if the tenant significantly damages the property (Art. 557); the notice period is three months unless agreed otherwise (Art. 561).

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Civil Code of Georgia (consolidated to 25/06/2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Mortgage availability to non-residents; rates

TBC Bank's simplified mortgage for expats lends up to US$200,000 (or the GEL or EUR equivalent) to people living and earning abroad, for up to 10 years in foreign currency, with a down payment from 15%. Indexed rates start at 9.90% in GEL (effective 11.35%), 7.40% in USD (8.30%) and 6.30% in EUR (7.33%).

Source: TBC Bank — Simplified Mortgage for Expats - Terms · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Home insurance

TBC Insurance sells home cover online from GEL 12 a month (≈US$5), covering renovation, furniture and appliances (up to GEL 20,000) and third-party liability (up to GEL 10,000). Aldagi's complete home insurance covers explosion, fire, flooding, lightning, burglary and vandalism, and natural disaster, with no maximum compensation limit.

Source: TBC Insurance — Home insurance (home.tbcinsurance.ge) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Building and renovating

Building is governed by the Spatial Planning, Architectural and Construction Activities Code (2018): a detailed development plan is the main basis for a construction permit (Art. 66), and permits are issued in two stages - approval of the land-use terms for construction, then the permit itself (Art. 101).

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Spatial Planning, Architectural and Construction Activities Code of Georgia (consolidated to 25/06/2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Selling property; capital gains tax

Gains from selling a home (with its land) are taxed at 5% (Tax Code, Art. 81(3)), and are exempt if the home was owned for more than two years (Art. 82).

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Tax Code of Georgia (consolidated to 30/09/2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Gross rental yield

Gross rental yield (Global Property Guide, Q3 2026): Georgia 7.25% (7.42% in Q1 2026); Tbilisi 7.23%, Batumi 7.28%. Cheaper districts reach 7–8%; Vake and Saburtalo about 5–6%.

Source: Global Property Guide — Gross rental yields in Georgia: Tbilisi and Batumi (updated Aug 2026; data with SS.ge) · Q3 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

04Tax, money & banking15

Income tax system and rates

Flat income tax: 20% on salary and most income. 5% on dividends, on interest and on renting a home for living (if no costs are deducted). Small-business status: see 4009. Homes: property tax of 0.8–1% of market value applies only if the family's income last year exceeded GEL 100,000 (as amended 30 Sep 2026).

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Tax Code of Georgia – consolidated version of 30 Sep 2026 (English) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Estimated tax on $50k / $100k / $250k

Single employee on a temporary residence permit, 2026 (USD 1 = GEL 2.6019): flat 20% income tax. $50k (GEL 130,095) → GEL 26,019 (about $10,000); $100k (GEL 260,190) → GEL 52,038 ($20,000); $250k (GEL 650,475) → GEL 130,095 ($50,000). No pension contribution until permanent residence (see 4010).

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Tax Code of Georgia – consolidated version of 30 Sep 2026 (English) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Tax residency test

You become Georgian tax resident for a year if you spend 183 days or more in Georgia in any continuous 12-month period ending in that year. Time abroad for treatment, holidays, business trips or study still counts. High-net-worth individuals can also apply for residency under a Finance Ministry procedure.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Tax Code of Georgia – consolidated version of 30 Sep 2026 (English) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Non-resident tax

Tax residence starts after 183 days in Georgia in any continuous 12 months (Art. 34). Non-residents' Georgian-source income not earned through a permanent establishment is taxed at source: royalties 5%, most other income 10%, salaries at the 20% personal rate, and 15% for payees in preferential-tax countries (Art. 134).

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Tax Code of Georgia (consolidated to 30/09/2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Special expat regimes

Territorial tax for individuals: income a Georgian tax resident earns from outside Georgia is exempt from Georgian income tax. Whether pay for remote work done while in Georgia counts as Georgian-source is set by the source rules (not read). A tax-residency route exists for high-net-worth individuals.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Tax Code of Georgia – consolidated version of 30 Sep 2026 (English) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Double tax treaty with the US (and UK, CA, AU)

US: the IRS says Georgia is covered by the 1973 US-USSR income tax treaty, now applied to former Soviet republics. UK: Georgia has a double-tax agreement with the United Kingdom (Ministry of Finance list). Canada and Australia are not on the ministry's list of treaties.

Source: US Internal Revenue Service — Georgia - Tax treaty documents (reviewed 9 Aug 2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Inheritance / estate tax; wills and estate planning

Inheritances to first- and second-line heirs are exempt from income tax, and third- and fourth-line heirs are exempt up to GEL 150,000 a year (Tax Code, Art. 82). Wills must be in writing, notarised or not (Civil Code, Art. 1357); children, parents and spouse are entitled to half their intestate share whatever the will says (Art. 1371).

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Tax Code of Georgia (consolidated to 30/09/2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

VAT rate; import duty on personal goods

VAT 18% (standard rate). Import duty and allowances on personal goods: not read.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Tax Code of Georgia – consolidated version of 30 Sep 2026 (English) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Corporate tax; self-employed tax

Self-employed: an individual entrepreneur with "small business" status pays 1% of turnover; once turnover passes GEL 500,000 in a year, 3% from that month to the end of the year (GEL 700,000 for wine-tourism and agro-tourism operators). Salary income is excluded. Corporate profit tax: not read.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Tax Code of Georgia – consolidated text (English) – re-read · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Pensions and social security

Funded pension: 2% of salary from the employee, 2% from the employer, plus a state top-up. It covers Georgian citizens and holders of permanent residence permits only, so most newcomers on temporary permits do not pay it. Self-employed members pay 4%.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Law of Georgia on Funded Pension – consolidated version of 16 Sep 2026 (English) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Opening a bank account as a non-resident / foreigner

Terabank: opening a multi-currency current account is free; reviewing an account application from a non-resident individual costs GEL 50 (≈US$19); account maintenance is GEL 1 a month.

Source: Terabank — Service Fees · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Multicurrency and USD accounts; money transfers

Terabank offers multi-currency current accounts (opening is free); a US-dollar transfer to another bank costs 0.2% (minimum US$15, maximum US$500).

Source: Terabank — Service Fees · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Credit scores for newcomers

Customers of TBC Bank, Bank of Georgia and Liberty Bank can get a free credit report from Creditinfo Georgia three times a year through internet or mobile banking; the free report does not include a credit score (National Bank of Georgia, 2021).

Source: National Bank of Georgia — New project of the National Bank of Georgia, systemic banks and JSC Credit Information Bureau (1 Apr 2021) · 2021 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Cashless acceptance; tipping custom; ATM

A tip of 10-15% for service is usual (Georgian National Tourism Administration); with Bank of Georgia and TBC cards a tip can be added on the card terminal. The US State Department advises checking ATMs for skimming devices.

Source: Georgian National Tourism Administration (georgia.travel) — Tipping culture in Georgia (14 Dec 2022) · 2022 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Minimum wage

The minimum wage set by Presidential Decree No. 351 of 4 June 1999 is GEL 20. Human Rights Watch (Feb 2024) says the private-sector minimum is GEL 20 a month (≈US$8) and was last updated in 1999; it gives the 2022 median wage as GEL 1,040.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Decree of the President of Georgia No. 351 of 4 June 1999 on the amount of the minimum wage · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

05Healthcare10

How the health system works; access for residents

Medical care is not free in Georgia, and hospitals want payment or proof of insurance up front (US State Dept). Patients pay much of the cost themselves: out-of-pocket payments were 59% of all health spending in 2023 (Montenegro 26%, Italy 24%). Whether foreign residents can join the state programme was not read.

Source: World Bank — Health indicators – out-of-pocket spending (SH.XPD.OOPC.CH.ZS), hospital beds (SH.MED.BEDS.ZS), physicians (SH.MED.PHYS.ZS) – Georgia, Montenegro, Italy (API) · 2023 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Health insurance — private / international plans and cost

GPI Holding's Medi private health policies cost GEL 39 (Standard), 58 (Classic) or 70 (Premium) a month (about US$15-27), with a personal doctor and unlimited outpatient services; emergency hospitalisation is covered from the start and planned surgery from the 13th month.

Source: GPI Holding — Medi policy (modified 30 Sep 2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Hospital quality; best hospitals

4.0 hospital beds per 1,000 people (2023), more than Italy (3.1) and Montenegro (3.8), both 2022. Good facilities are concentrated in Tbilisi; rural care can be hard to find (US State Dept). Main hospitals not assessed.

Doctors and GPs; dental; mental health

Plenty of doctors: 5.6 physicians per 1,000 people (2023), against 4.2 in Italy (2022) and 2.8 in Montenegro. GP registration, dental and mental-health services not read.

Children's healthcare; pregnancy and birth; women's health

The state antenatal programme gives pregnant Georgian citizens 8 scheduled check-ups with free laboratory and ultrasound tests, if they register at a participating clinic (such as Evex) before 13 weeks; the page names citizens only.

Source: Evex Hospitals — Antenatal care - care and medical assistance for pregnant women (state funding programme) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Senior and elderly care

The 2026 budget raised the state old-age pension to GEL 370 a month for people under 70 (from GEL 350) and to GEL 495 for those 70 and over (from GEL 450) (FactCheck Georgia, Nov 2025).

Source: FactCheck Georgia — Funding for social programmes in the 2026 budget increases by GEL 540 million (24 Nov 2025) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Vaccinations

The UK government advises checking the latest vaccine recommendations for Georgia at least 8 weeks before travel; rabies treatment is available in Tbilisi and major towns. For an ambulance, dial 112.

Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (gov.uk) — Health - Georgia travel advice · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Emergency numbers

Emergency 112 for all emergencies. Victim support line: 116-006. Ambulances are unreliable outside Tbilisi.

Source: US Department of State — Georgia – international travel information · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Medical insurance advice for visitors

Healthcare is available in Tbilisi; adequate care may be hard to find in rural areas. Hospitals require payment up front or proof of insurance; most US health plans do not pay abroad, so buy cover including medical evacuation. Georgia strictly limits the types and amounts of prescription medicines you can bring in.

Source: US Department of State — Georgia – international travel information · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Health care index

WHO UHC service coverage index 71 of 100 (2023), just above Montenegro (70) and below Italy (82).

Source: United Nations Statistics Division (relaying WHO) — SDG 3.8.1 – UHC service coverage index (SH_ACS_UNHC_25), via API · 2023 · checked 16 Oct 2026

06Education & family9

International schools — curricula (IB / British / American) and annual tuition

International school in Tbilisi: QSI International School of Tbilisi teaches in English for ages 2 to 18, its site lists an Advanced Placement (AP) programme; accredited by the US Middle States Association. Tuition is not published (ask the admissions office); registration fee $600 per student.

Source: QSI International School of Tbilisi — Admissions – apply (registration fee) and FAQs · 2026–27 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Local education system

School has three stages: primary, grades I-VI (6 years); basic, grades VII-X (4 years, ending with the Basic General Education Certificate); and secondary, grades XI-XII (2 years). Public general education is free, including tuition, textbooks and exam fees.

Source: European Commission - Eurydice — Georgia: Organisation of the education system and of its structure (last update 12 Dec 2024) · 2024 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Childcare / preschool cost

Preschool education in public institutions is free under the Law on Early and Preschool Education (Eurydice, Mar 2025).

Source: European Commission - Eurydice — Georgia: Early childhood and school education funding (19 Mar 2025) · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Higher education

Public universities charge local students GEL 2,250 a year (≈US$865); English-taught programmes for international students typically cost US$2,500-5,000 a year. The academic year starts in September, with autumn (Sep-Jan) and spring (Feb-Jun) semesters.

Source: European Commission - Eurydice — Georgia: Higher education funding (19 Mar 2025) · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Language learning

Georgian Technical University's Georgian-language preparatory programme (60 credits) costs GEL 3,500 for foreign citizens (≈US$1,345) and GEL 2,250 for Georgian citizens; it prepares students for undergraduate study in Georgian.

Source: Georgian Technical University — Studying Georgian language (preparatory programme) · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

School holidays

Public schools run from 15 September to 15 June (20 May for grades I and XII), in two semesters. Ministerial Order No. 84/n (2010) set winter holidays from 24 December to 19 January and spring holidays of six days from the day before Good Friday; the order has been amended since and the current text was not read.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Order of the Minister of Education and Science No. 84/n of 3 Sep 2010 on the start and end dates of the school year and holidays in public schools · 2010 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Spouse and family visas

Family reunification permit for family members of a foreigner who holds a Georgian residence permit, first issued for 6 months to 1 year. Spouses of Georgian citizens get a spouse permit (1 year, then 2-year renewals up to 5 years) before permanent residence. Investors' permits also cover a spouse and minor children.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons – family reunification and spouse permits, consolidated version of 25 Jun 2026 (English) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Maternity and parental leave

Up to 730 days of leave around a birth, 183 of them paid by the state: 126 days of maternity leave for the mother (143 for twins or complications), plus 604 days of parental leave that either parent can take, 57 days of it paid. Plus 12 weeks of unpaid leave until the child turns 5.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Organic Law of Georgia – Labour Code of Georgia, consolidated version of 16 Sep 2026 (English) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Pet relocation

Pets from the US need a USDA-endorsed health certificate valid 10 days from issue and a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel; dogs must also be treated for internal and external parasites. No rabies titer test is needed for pets travelling directly from the US.

Source: USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) — Pet Travel From the United States to Georgia (last modified 3 Feb 2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

07Safety & security10

Crime level

Police recorded 54,134 crimes in 2025, up from 49,976 in 2024 but below the 2019 peak (64,123): 17,251 property crimes, 10,475 drug offences (nearly double 2024) and 1,486 crimes against life (including attempts). First half of 2026: 29,915.

Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat), data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs — Number of recorded crimes, 2015 – first half of 2026 (xlsx) · 2025 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Safety for women

A 2022 national survey found that 50.1% of women aged 15-69 had experienced violence in their lifetime and 18.2% in the previous 12 months (UN Women). The US State Department notes that women travellers have been sexually harassed and assaulted in Georgia.

Source: UN Women Georgia — Violence against women and girls in Georgia - issue brief (PDF, 2024) · 2022 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Safety for LGBTQ+ people; legal protections

Weak protection: Georgia scores 12% on ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map 2026, 44th of 49, after a sweeping anti-LGBTI law package. Same-sex relations are legal, but same-sex couples cannot adopt and public gatherings on gay and lesbian issues are banned (US State Dept).

Source: ILGA-Europe — Rainbow Map 2026 (12 May 2026) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Racism / discrimination

The US State Department says traditional cultural attitudes mean gay and lesbian people often face discrimination and harassment in Georgia.

Source: US Department of State — Georgia International Travel Information (last updated 28 May 2025) · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Scams

Criminals may target foreigners; card fraud is common, and visitors have reported sexual assaults. Alcohol can turn minor disputes violent. Carrying pocketknives or other blades is illegal. Use only taxis booked through a recognised app. Victim support: 116-006.

Source: US Department of State — Georgia – international travel information · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Victims of crime; domestic violence

State services for domestic-violence victims include six shelters, seven crisis centres and a toll-free national hotline (116 006) that also works in eight languages besides Georgian (UN Women). Report crimes to the police on 112.

Source: UN Women Georgia — Ending violence against women · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Natural disaster risk

Earthquakes, droughts and floods are the main hazards: a magnitude-7 earthquake in 1991 killed over 250 people, a 2015 Tbilisi flood killed 19, and landslides and mudflows affect more than 70% of the country's area (World Bank, 2021).

Source: World Bank (Climate Change Knowledge Portal) — Climate Risk Country Profile: Georgia (2021, PDF) · 2021 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Road / traffic safety

Dangerous roads: about 12.4 road deaths per 100,000 people (WHO estimate, 2019), more than twice Italy (5.3) and above Montenegro (7.6). Reckless driving is common, many roads have potholes, avoid driving at night; snow tyres or chains are required in the mountains in winter (US State Dept).

Source: World Bank (WHO estimates) — Mortality caused by road traffic injury, per 100,000 (SH.STA.TRAF.P5) – Georgia, Montenegro, Italy (API) · 2019 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Food safety

The National Food Agency inspects food businesses; in Sep 2026 it suspended production at two Tbilisi food establishments for violations including hygiene and labelling. Complaints go to the agriculture ministry hotline 1501.

Source: Georgia Today — National Food Agency suspends production at two Tbilisi food establishments (17 Sep 2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Overall peace / stability

Mid-ranking: Georgia is 94th of 163 in the Global Peace Index 2026 (score 2.066, about 1% worse than last year), behind Italy (35th) and Montenegro (30th). The report cites political instability after the disputed October 2024 elections.

Source: Institute for Economics & Peace — Global Peace Index 2026 – report (PDF) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

08Climate & environment8

Climate and seasons; temperature; humidity

The eastern lowlands get only 400-600 mm of rain a year with mean temperatures of 11-13°C; mountain areas are colder (2-10°C) and wetter (1,200-2,000 mm). National averages are below zero in Dec-Feb and about 18°C in Jul-Aug; rain peaks in late spring and early summer (World Bank, 2021).

Source: World Bank (Climate Change Knowledge Portal) — Climate Risk Country Profile: Georgia (2021, PDF) · 2021 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Air quality (annual)

Air quality: people in Georgia breathe on average 18.6 µg/m³ of fine particles (PM2.5) a year (2023), about the same as Montenegro (18.5) and above Italy (14.3). No city figure for Tbilisi was read.

Source: World Bank — PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (EN.ATM.PM25.MC.M3) – Georgia, Montenegro, Italy (API) · 2023 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Pollution

Mean annual exposure to fine-particle pollution (PM2.5) in Georgia was 18.6 µg/m³ in 2023 (World Bank data), down from 19.4 in 2022.

Source: World Bank (World Development Indicators) — PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure - Georgia (API, last updated 8 Oct 2026) · 2023 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Climate-change resilience

Climate readiness: Georgia ranks 48th on ND-GAIN (score 55.3), between Italy (27th) and Montenegro (67th). It is the 123rd most vulnerable country and the 47th most ready to adapt.

Source: University of Notre Dame – ND-GAIN — ND-GAIN Country Index – Georgia · 2024 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Share of buildings with AC; heating norms

Heating dominates home energy: space heating is 51% of household energy use and air-conditioning only 0.3% (2024); in Italy 64% and 2.3%.

Source: Eurostat — Final energy consumption in households by type of end-use (nrg_d_hhq), via API · 2024 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Tap water safety; water hardness

GWP, Tbilisi's water utility, says drinking-water quality at its main facilities is monitored 24/7 and that water in the city network meets national norms and is safe for health (Georgia Today, Jun 2024).

Source: Georgia Today — GWP: Water quality fully complies with established norms & is safe for health (18 Jun 2024) · 2024 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Power grid reliability

In the World Bank's 2023 Enterprise Survey, 322 of 592 Georgian firms (54.4%, unweighted) reported power outages in the previous fiscal year.

Source: World Bank (Microdata Library) — Georgia Enterprise Survey 2023 - variable c6, power outages in last fiscal year · 2023 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Recycling / sustainability

Georgia produces 0.9-1.1 million tonnes of waste a year and its circularity rate is 1.48%, against 11.5% in the EU; producer-responsibility schemes (packaging, batteries, oils, electronics, tyres) are still weak (UNDP).

Source: UNDP Georgia — EU and UN Join Forces to Advance Circular Economy in Georgia · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

09Connectivity & daily infrastructure6

Internet speed (fixed + mobile)

Ookla (Aug 2026) ranks Georgia 112th for fixed broadband (median 51.67 Mbps download, 50.50 upload) and 20th for mobile (146.98 Mbps download).

Source: Ookla — Speedtest Global Index - Georgia (updated Aug 2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Mobile operators; eSIM

There are three main mobile operators: Magticom (41% of subscribers), Silknet (35%) and Cellfie (23%), plus Halo (0.5%). Georgia had 6.14 million mobile subscriptions in 2024, a penetration of 177% (Communications Commission).

Source: Communications Commission of Georgia (ComCom) — Number of Mobile Internet Subscribers Reaches 4.6 million in 2024 (30 May 2025) · 2024 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Setting up utilities, internet, TV

Electricity in Tbilisi: sign a supply agreement with Telmico through its online personal account, by email, at a service centre or at a Public Service Hall; if the address has no meter yet, apply first to TELASI.

Source: Telmico (Tbilisi electricity supply company) — For Home · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Free WiFi; places to work from; coworking

The US State Department advises avoiding public Wi-Fi networks and internet terminals in Georgia, and using a VPN on public Wi-Fi.

Source: US Department of State — Georgia International Travel Information (last updated 28 May 2025) · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Postal service; mail forwarding

Georgian Post is state-owned and provides the universal postal service; its EMS service reaches 192 countries. FedEx, UPS, DHL and Aramex also operate, and USA2Georgia ships parcels from the United States (US Commerce Department, Dec 2025).

Source: US International Trade Administration (trade.gov) — Georgia Country Commercial Guide - Distribution & Sales Channels (last published 3 Dec 2025) · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Useful apps; news sources

Bolt runs ride-hailing in Tbilisi (economy, standard, taxi, electric and XL rides, plus parcel delivery up to 15 kg) and Bolt Food meal delivery; Wolt delivers restaurant food, groceries (including a 24/7 Wolt Market) and pharmacy items.

Source: Bolt — Bolt in Tbilisi | Getting Around the City · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

10Transport & travel8

Public transport quality and fares

Tbilisi has a metro, city buses, minibuses and a cable car (Bagebi–University), all on one ticket: GEL 1 for 90 minutes of travel (see 2008).

Source: Tbilisi Transport Company — Standard tariff – municipal transport (metro, bus, minibus, Bagebi–University ropeway) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Driving; licence conversion for US drivers

Traffic drives on the right. The US State Department says reckless driving is common, drivers often ignore traffic laws and pedestrians are not given right of way. Any blood alcohol above 0.0% is illegal for drivers.

Source: US Department of State — Georgia International Travel Information (last updated 28 May 2025) · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Buying / importing a car; car insurance

Customs duty on passenger cars depends on engine size and year, and 18% VAT applies to most imports (US Commerce Dept, Dec 2025). In Mar 2026 the Prime Minister said excise on cars over six years old would be GEL 4.5 per cm³ of engine, three times higher for right-hand drive. Foreign-registered cars staying 15+ days need border insurance (GEL 30 for 15 days, 2018).

Source: US International Trade Administration (trade.gov) — Georgia Country Commercial Guide - Import Tariffs (last published 3 Dec 2025) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Road conditions; traffic laws

Driving: reckless driving is common and traffic laws are often ignored; many roads are in poor condition with potholes. Avoid driving at night. Snow tyres or chains are required in the mountains in winter. Use only taxis booked through a recognised app.

Source: US Department of State — Georgia – international travel information · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Commute time; traffic

Tbilisi had over 425,000 registered private vehicles in June 2022, more than 75% of them ten years old or older; the average wait between buses was 18 minutes and between metro trains 3 minutes (CEE Bankwatch). Tbilisi is not covered by the TomTom Traffic Index.

Source: CEE Bankwatch Network — Tbilisi's public transport woes and faltering reforms · 2022 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Walkability

28% of trips in Tbilisi are made on foot, 49% by public transport, 20% by private car and 2% by taxi (MobiliseYourCity, Dec 2024). Planned measures include superblocks and a pedestrian-oriented Kote Afkhazi Street.

Source: MobiliseYourCity Partnership — MobiliseYourCity Global Monitor 2025 - Factsheet: Tbilisi, Georgia (PDF, updated Dec 2024) · 2024 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Airports; airline connectivity to the US

Three international airports: Tbilisi (5.41 million passengers in 2025), Kutaisi (1.82 million, +5.9%) and Batumi on the coast (1.23 million); 8.5 million in all with Mestia and Ambrolauri. Busiest links: Turkey, Russia, Israel and the UAE.

Source: Georgian Civil Aviation Agency — Number of passengers carried by airports, 2010–2025 (Georgian) · 2025 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Aviation safety oversight

The US FAA has not rated Georgia under its aviation safety assessment programme (Georgia is not on the list); neighbours Azerbaijan and Turkey are Category 1.

Source: US Federal Aviation Administration — International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program – country list (18 Apr 2025) · 2025 · checked 16 Oct 2026

11Work & business6

Job market; finding work

Unemployment is high: 13.8% in the second quarter of 2026 (219,100 people), 13.9% for 2025 as a whole, down from 17.3% in 2022. 1.37 million people in work.

Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) — Employment and unemployment – labour force indicators (annual and 2026 quarters) · Q2 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Work culture

Personal rapport is an important part of doing business in Georgia; meetings are relatively relaxed, but foreign visitors should be punctual. Business lunches are less common than in the US; long dinners with toasts (supras) are common (US Commerce Dept). Standard working time is up to 40 hours a week (Labour Code).

Source: US International Trade Administration (trade.gov) — Georgia Country Commercial Guide - Business Travel (last published 3 Dec 2025) · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Employment law

Labour Code: standard working time is up to 40 hours a week (48 in some continuous-operation industries), with at least 12 hours' rest between shifts; overtime is paid at an increased hourly rate set by agreement (Art. 27); workers get at least 24 working days' paid leave a year and at least 15 working days' unpaid leave (Art. 31).

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Organic Law of Georgia - Labour Code of Georgia (consolidated to 16/09/2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Starting a business; company formation

Registering a company (or non-commercial legal entity) with the National Agency of Public Registry costs GEL 200 in 1 working day or GEL 400 the same day; registering as an individual entrepreneur costs GEL 26 (1 working day) or GEL 75 (same day).

Source: National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) — Fees and terms - Business registration · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Freelancing / self-employment

Self-employed people with small-business status pay 1% tax on gross income up to GEL 500,000 a year and 3% above that (Tax Code, Art. 90). The general personal income-tax rate is 20% (Art. 81). Registration as an individual entrepreneur costs GEL 26 at NAPR.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Tax Code of Georgia (consolidated to 30/09/2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Startup ecosystem

An "Emerging Innovator": 20.7% of the EU innovation average, 39th among the EU and its neighbours (+0.5 points on 2025). Strengths: share of people with degrees, highly cited science. Weak spots include ICT specialists in work.

Source: European Commission – DG RTD / DG GROW — European Innovation Scoreboard 2026 – country profile Georgia (PDF) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

12Language, culture & integration10

Official language(s)

The official language is Georgian (and Abkhazian in Abkhazia).

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Constitution of Georgia – consolidated version of 29 Jun 2020 (English) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

English proficiency

The EF English Proficiency Index 2025 ranks Georgia 35th (score 541, against a global average of 488); Tbilisi scores 550 and Batumi 544.

Source: EF Education First — EF English Proficiency Index 2025 - Georgia · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Social etiquette; culture

At a supra, the traditional feast, a toastmaster (tamada) leads a series of set toasts, and guests' own toasts are welcome (Georgian National Tourism Administration). In business, personal rapport and punctuality matter (US Commerce Dept). The US State Department says gay and lesbian people often face discrimination and harassment.

Source: Georgian National Tourism Administration (georgia.travel) — Georgian Supra (6 Oct 2022) · 2022 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Expat communities; making friends; networking

AmCham Georgia holds regular events in Tbilisi, such as receptions at the Ambassadori Hotel (15 Oct 2026) and the Stamba Hotel rooftop (18 Sep 2026) and a talk with the US Embassy (6 Oct 2026). International migrants were 2.1% of Georgia's population in 2024 (World Bank).

Source: American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia (AmCham) — AmCham Georgia - home page and events · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Marriage; divorce; dating

Registering a marriage at a Public Service Development Agency office or Public Service Hall is free without a ceremony; foreign documents must be apostilled or legalised with a notarised Georgian translation, and foreigners must show legal stay. Divorces are registered 5 working days after filing (fee GEL 60). Georgian law defines marriage as between a man and a woman (US State Department).

Source: Public Service Development Agency (sda.gov.ge) — Registration of marriage · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Religion; faith-based travellers

Religious freedom is only partly respected (Freedom House 2/4): the constitution guarantees it but gives the Georgian Orthodox Church special privileges, and minority groups report discrimination.

Source: Freedom House — Freedom in the World 2026 – Georgia · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Freedom of speech

Media are pluralistic but highly partisan and journalists face violence (Freedom House 2/4); freedom of assembly is poorly upheld, with police often using excessive force at protests (1/4).

Source: Freedom House — Freedom in the World 2026 – Georgia · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Public holidays; festivals

Public holidays (Labour Code, Art. 30): 1-2 Jan, 7 Jan, 19 Jan, 3 Mar, 8 Mar, 9 Apr, Orthodox Easter (Good Friday to Easter Monday, movable), 9 May, 12 May, 17 May, 26 May, 28 Aug, 14 Oct and 23 Nov.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Organic Law of Georgia - Labour Code of Georgia (consolidated to 16/09/2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Food scene; things to do; nightlife; sports

Georgia's traditional qvevri winemaking - making, ageing and storing wine in egg-shaped clay vessels - has been on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2013 and is practised throughout the country.

Source: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — Ancient Georgian traditional Qvevri wine-making method (No. 00870, inscribed 2013) · 2013 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Accessibility for disabled people

Tbilisi Transport Company says its buses are fully adapted for people with disabilities, while metro accessibility is at an early design stage as 12 stations are rehabilitated (EBRD, 2024). A 2020 law requires equal access to buildings, transport and information; the US State Department says accessibility is limited or nonexistent in public transport and lodging.

Source: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) — Tbilisi gets greener and more inclusive (16 Jul 2024) · 2024 · checked 17 Oct 2026

13Government, law & society4

Political system; stability

"Partly Free" and declining: Freedom House 51/100 in 2026, down from 55. Regular elections and lively civil society, but oligarchic influence, attacks and jail for opposition figures, and court interference have grown worse; corruption persists (2/4). Political instability followed the disputed 2024 elections (see 7010).

Source: Freedom House — Freedom in the World 2026 – Georgia · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Local laws; criminal penalties; arrest notification

You are subject to local laws and may be fined, arrested, deported or imprisoned, even for breaking a law unknowingly. Carrying pocketknives or other cutting devices is illegal. Dual US–Georgian citizens must enter and leave Georgia on a Georgian passport. Do not travel to Abkhazia or South Ossetia (Level 4).

Source: US Department of State — Georgia – international travel information – re-read · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Religious government

The Constitution (Art. 8) guarantees freedom of belief and religion, recognises the outstanding role of the Georgian Orthodox Church in the country's history, and states the Church's independence from the State; relations are set by a constitutional agreement.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Constitution of Georgia (consolidated to 29/06/2020) · 2020 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Economy overview

Fast growth: GDP rose 7.5% in 2025 and 9.7% in 2024 (Italy 0.5%). GDP per head is US$9,692 (2025; Italy $43,309, US $90,027).

Source: World Bank — GDP growth (NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG) and GDP per capita (NY.GDP.PCAP.CD) – Georgia, Montenegro, Italy, US (API) · 2025 · checked 16 Oct 2026

14Moving logistics2

Moving checklist; first-week tasks

US citizens may enter, live, work or study in Georgia without a visa for up to 365 days. Cash or foreign currency worth over GEL 30,000 must be declared on entry. For a residence permit, contact the Ministry of Justice (US State Department).

Source: US Department of State — Georgia International Travel Information (last updated 28 May 2025) · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Shipping household goods; customs allowance

People moving to Georgia for permanent residence (confirmed by a Ministry of Justice document) can bring furniture and household goods duty-free. By air, personal goods up to GEL 3,000 and 30 kg are duty-free, plus 1 l of spirits (22%+) or 2 l under 22%, 4 l of wine and 16 l of beer; tobacco and alcohol allowances apply from age 18 (Revenue Service).

Source: Revenue Service of Georgia (rs.ge) — Exemption of goods from duties and declaring (customs brochure, PDF) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

15Demographics5

Population; density

3,704,506 residents on 1 Jan 2025 (excluding the occupied regions); 2025: 37,867 births and 44,319 deaths, so the population is shrinking naturally. Median age 39.2; 16.6% aged 65+. Tbilisi has 1.25 million people (see 19007).

Source: Eurostat — Demographic balance (demo_gind) and structure indicators (demo_pjanind) – Georgia, via API · 2025 · checked 16 Oct 2026

GDP per capita; income level

GDP per head US$9,692 in 2025 (Italy $43,309; US $90,027), up from $8,968 in 2024.

Source: World Bank — GDP per capita (current US$) – Georgia, Italy, United States (API) · 2025 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Education level

In 2024, 33.7% of adults aged 25 and over in Georgia held at least a bachelor's degree and 93.5% had at least upper-secondary education (World Bank).

Source: World Bank (World Development Indicators) — Educational attainment, at least Bachelor's or equivalent, population 25+ - Georgia (API, last updated 8 Oct 2026) · 2024 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Tourist volume; overcrowding

Georgia received a record 5,521,866 international tourists in 2025 (up 8.4%), and 7,803,239 international visits in all (up 5.9%) (National Tourism Administration).

Source: Georgia Today — Georgia sets new tourism record in 2025 with over 5.5 million international tourists (16 Jan 2026) · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Gender ratio

More women than men: 1,780,575 men and 1,923,931 women on 1 Jan 2025, about 93 men per 100 women.

Source: Eurostat — Population on 1 January by sex (demo_pjan) – Georgia, via API · 2025-01-01 · checked 16 Oct 2026

16Expat sentiment2

Expat Insider indices — Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Working Abroad, Personal Finance, Expat Essentials

No reliable source yet. The only published measure is InterNations' Expat Insider survey, a self-selected online survey; MPH uses crowd surveys as a cross-check only and does not cite them. To be filled from MPH's own member survey.

No reliable source yet · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Return rate; liked by members

No source yet. Return rate and "liked by members" come from MPH's own member data, which has not been collected.

No reliable source yet · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

17Food, groceries & markets13

Supermarket chains — discount / mid / premium

Supermarket chains have 54% of the FMCG retail market in Tbilisi and 38% nationally, where traditional shops still hold 59%. Daily Group leads the chains with a 33% share, followed by Ori Nabiji (20.5%) and Nikora (18.7%) (TBC Capital, via Georgia Today).

Source: Georgia Today — Georgia FMCG: 9.8% in 2025, slows to 5.9% in 2026 (26 Nov 2025; TBC Capital) · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Fresh produce markets — municipal markets, farmers' markets, market days

Navtlughi Bazaar (3 Meveli St, next to Samgori railway station) is a market where farmers from eastern Georgia sell fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, Georgian cheeses, beef and chicken; a quality laboratory pre-tests products, and there is a herb market nearby.

Source: Georgian National Tourism Administration (georgia.travel) — Navtlugi Bazaar (11 Dec 2022) · 2022 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Fish and seafood markets

Batumi's seafood market at the city entrance sells dorado, flounder (kaklani), sea bass and other fish, which nearby restaurants will cook; it is busier in the resort season and Friday to Sunday (Georgian National Tourism Administration). In Tbilisi, fishmongers trade at Dezerter's Bazaar (INDIGO, 2024). Fish prices were 18.1% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier (Geostat).

Source: Georgian National Tourism Administration — ბათუმის ზღვის პროდუქტების ბაზარი (Batumi seafood market) | Georgia Travel · 2026 · checked 18 Oct 2026

Seasonal and local produce

The grape harvest (Rtveli) starts in September with Rkatsiteli in Kakheti and ends in December with Chkhaveri in Guria and Ajara. Churchkhela, a traditional sweet, is made from grape juice, wheat flour and walnuts.

Source: Georgian National Tourism Administration (georgia.travel) — Rtveli in Georgia (29 Sep 2022) · 2022 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Organic availability; organic certification

Organic production and labelling are regulated by Government Resolution No. 149 of 2023, a technical regulation with chapters on labelling, certification and state control.

Source: UNEP Law and Environment Assistance Platform (LEAP; FAOLEX data) — Resolution No. 149 of 2023 of the Georgian Government - Technical Regulation on Rules for Organic Production and Labelling · 2023 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Dietary needs — halal, kosher, vegetarian / vegan, gluten-free

Georgian cuisine has many vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as pkhali (greens with walnut paste), aubergine with walnuts and bean dishes (Georgian National Tourism Administration). Chabad Tbilisi provides kosher weekday food and Shabbat meals on registration, and lists kosher restaurants and kosher products in local shops.

Source: Georgian National Tourism Administration (georgia.travel) — A vegetarian guide to Georgian food and how to eat it (19 Dec 2022) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Allergen labelling rules

Food labelling, including allergens, is governed by Government Resolution No. 301 of 2016 on food information to consumers, in force since 1 September 2018; Annex 1 lists the substances that cause allergies or intolerances, and the rules also cover restaurants.

Source: UNEP Law and Environment Assistance Platform (LEAP; FAOLEX data) — Resolution No. 301 of 2016 of the Georgian Government on Provision of Food Information to Consumers · 2018 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Food safety standards and inspection

The National Food Agency inspects food businesses and can suspend production; in Sep 2026 it suspended two Tbilisi establishments over violations including hygiene and labelling. Food-safety complaints: agriculture ministry hotline 1501.

Source: Georgia Today — National Food Agency suspends production at two Tbilisi food establishments (17 Sep 2026) · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Alcohol rules — where it can be bought, licences, restrictions

Selling or giving alcohol to anyone under 18 is prohibited (Code on the Rights of the Child, Art. 63). In Tbilisi, alcohol, including wine from wine shops, can be ordered for delivery on Wolt.

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Code on the Rights of the Child (consolidated to 26/06/2025) · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Grocery and meal delivery services

Wolt delivers restaurant meals, groceries (including Spar and its own 24/7 Wolt Market with 7,000+ products, delivered in under 30 minutes), pharmacy items and alcohol in Tbilisi; Bolt also offers Bolt Food meal delivery.

Source: Wolt — Tbilisi | Old Tbilisi | Wolt Delivery · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Local cuisine overview

Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) is Georgia's signature dish; every region has its own speciality, mtsvadi (grilled meat) is cooked everywhere, and coriander is the main seasoning (Georgian National Tourism Administration).

Source: Georgian National Tourism Administration (georgia.travel) — Why Georgia: delicious cuisine (19 Dec 2022) · 2022 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Restaurant scene and dining cost

Annual inflation was 5.6% in August 2026, and restaurant and hotel prices were up 6.8% on a year earlier (Geostat). Average restaurant meal prices had risen 7.6% year on year in May 2026, with khachapuri leading the increase (Georgia Today).

Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) — Inflation Rate in Georgia, August 2026 (PDF, 3 Sep 2026) · Aug 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Tap water drinkable

GWP, Tbilisi's water utility, says tap water in the city network meets national drinking-water norms and is safe for health, with quality monitored 24/7 at its main facilities (Georgia Today, Jun 2024).

Source: Georgia Today — GWP: Water quality fully complies with established norms & is safe for health (18 Jun 2024) · 2024 · checked 17 Oct 2026

18Questions US movers ask7

US Social Security totalisation agreement; pension paid abroad

No: there is no US–Georgia Social Security (totalization) agreement, so short-term workers may pay into both systems and credits cannot be combined.

Source: US Social Security Administration — Status of totalization agreements · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Flight time and direct flights to major US hubs

No nonstop flights to the US: Georgia's 2025 airport traffic by country has no United States row. Fly via Istanbul, the Gulf or a European hub.

Source: Georgian Civil Aviation Agency — Passenger traffic by region, country and airline, 2025 (Georgian) · 2025 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Time-zone offset from US Eastern / Pacific

Georgia is on Georgia Standard Time (UTC+4) all year, with no daylight saving. It is 8 hours ahead of US Eastern and 11 ahead of Pacific during US daylight time (Mar-Nov), and 9 and 12 hours ahead in winter.

Source: timeanddate.com — Time Zones in Georgia · 2026 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Language test required for residency or citizenship

No language test for residence permits was found in the Aliens Law; citizenship requires Georgian and the basics of Georgian history and law (naturalisation and marriage routes; see 1007, 1009).

Source: Legislative Herald of Georgia (matsne.gov.ge) — Organic Law of Georgia on Georgian Citizenship – consolidated version of 25 Jun 2026 (Georgian) · 2026 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Remote work permitted under each visa

US citizens may enter, live, work or study in Georgia without a visa for up to 365 days (US State Department).

Source: US Department of State — Georgia International Travel Information (last updated 28 May 2025) · 2025 · checked 17 Oct 2026

Setting options — urban / suburban / rural / coastal / mountain

Varied setting: 69,700 km² from the Black Sea coast to high mountains (Shkhara, 5,068 m). Capital Tbilisi (1.25 million); Batumi on the coast (187,000). Abkhazia and South Ossetia are under Russian occupation (do not travel; see 13002).

Source: National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) — Statistical Yearbook of Georgia 2025 (PDF) – general information and population in cities · 2025 · checked 16 Oct 2026

Bureaucracy and admin ease

Bureaucracy: World Bank 2025 government-effectiveness score 59.5/100 (Italy 71.3) and regulatory quality 66.2 (Italy 65.8). Effectiveness is below 2015 (61.4).

Source: World Bank — Worldwide Governance Indicators – government effectiveness and regulatory quality (API) · 2025 · checked 16 Oct 2026

155 verified facts from 115 sources; last checked 18 Oct 2026. Facts marked "No reliable source yet" are shown on purpose, rather than filled with guesses.

Would Georgia fit your life — or your portfolio?

Answer about 10 short questions and see where Georgia ranks for you, every figure sourced. Or see how Georgia rates on the MPH Score — stability, opportunity and risk, scored against 26 other markets.

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The information on this page is published by Mission Point Holdings LLC for informational and intelligence purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, tax, legal, or immigration advice. Figures are taken from official and published sources on the dates shown and change often; the monthly budget is an MPH calculation based on stated assumptions, not a quote. Residency and visa rules, tax treatment and costs vary by person and change frequently; confirm all requirements with qualified local legal and tax counsel before moving or committing capital. Mission Point Holdings LLC has no financial relationship with any provider named on this page.