Georgia has become an increasingly attractive destination for digital nomads due to its low cost of living, favorable tax regime, and stunning natural landscapes. The country introduced its Digital Nomad Visa, commonly referred to as the Remotely from Georgia program, in 2020 to attract remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs from around the world. This visa allows individuals to live and work in Georgia for up to one year, offering a simple and cost-effective solution for remote professionals seeking a long-term stay in a beautiful country.
Key Features of the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa
One of the main reasons Georgia’s Digital Nomad Visa has gained popularity is due to its ease of application and financial advantages. Here are the key features:
- Visa-Free Entry: Citizens from 95 countries can already stay in Georgia for up to 365 days without a visa. However, the Digital Nomad Visa offers added benefits, particularly for those looking to stay longer and benefit from local residency.
- No Application Fee: One of the most appealing aspects is that there are no fees for applying for the visa, making it one of the most accessible digital nomad visas in the world.
- Tax Advantages: If you stay less than 183 days in Georgia, you are not liable to pay local taxes. However, if you stay beyond this period, you become a tax resident and are subject to a 20% income tax. That said, Georgia offers an Individual Entrepreneur Scheme, where those earning less than $155,000 annually can pay as little as 1% in taxes on their turnover.
- Stay Duration: The visa allows you to live and work in Georgia for up to 12 months, with the option to extend your stay depending on personal circumstances.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay.
- Proof of Income: You need to demonstrate a minimum monthly income of $2,000 or have $24,000 in savings. This ensures you can support yourself while living in Georgia.
- Remote Work Status: You must be working remotely, either as a freelancer, employee, or entrepreneur, for clients or companies based outside of Georgia. Proof of employment or business activity is required.
- Health Insurance: You must provide proof of valid health insurance that covers the entirety of your stay in Georgia.
These requirements are relatively minimal, making the visa accessible to a wide range of remote workers and freelancers.
Application Process
The application process for the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa is entirely online, and can be completed in just a few steps:
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather all the necessary documents, including a valid passport, proof of remote work, financial statements, and health insurance.
- Submit Online Application: You can apply for the visa via the Remotely from Georgia portal. The application form is straightforward and can be completed in about 10 minutes.
- Processing Time: Once your application is submitted, you can expect approval within 10 business days, allowing you to plan your move to Georgia quickly.
- Approval and Residency: After approval, you can stay in Georgia for up to one year, and you have the option to open a local bank account upon arrival, even without residency.
Benefits of Living in Georgia as a Digital Nomad
- Affordable Cost of Living: Georgia is known for its low cost of living compared to other European countries. Monthly living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation, can range from $700 to $1,000, depending on your lifestyle and the city you choose to live in.
- Vibrant Digital Nomad Community: Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, and the coastal city of Batumi are popular digital nomad hubs. Both cities offer excellent coworking spaces, reliable internet (with speeds averaging 30Mbps), and vibrant social scenes.
- Tax Benefits: Georgia’s territorial tax system ensures that foreign-sourced income is not taxed, making it highly attractive for remote workers who earn abroad. Additionally, the Individual Entrepreneur Scheme offers significant tax reductions for freelancers and entrepreneurs.
- Scenic Beauty and Outdoor Activities: From the Caucasus Mountains to the Black Sea, Georgia provides stunning landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts. You can balance work with leisure activities such as hiking, skiing, and beach visits.
- No Residency Required for Banking: Unlike other countries, Georgia allows you to open a bank account upon arrival, even without being a legal resident. This makes managing your finances locally much easier.
Tax Considerations
For digital nomads planning to stay in Georgia long-term, understanding the tax implications is crucial. If you remain in Georgia for fewer than 183 days, you are not considered a tax resident and are exempt from paying local income tax. However, if you stay beyond this period, you become a tax resident and are subject to an income tax of 20%. Despite this, the Individual Entrepreneur Scheme offers an attractive alternative, with a 1% tax on the first $155,000 of income, making Georgia highly favorable for entrepreneurs and freelancers.
Best Places to Live in Georgia
- Tbilisi: The capital city offers a dynamic blend of modern infrastructure and rich history. It is the main hub for digital nomads, with plenty of coworking spaces and excellent internet connectivity.
- Batumi: Located on the Black Sea coast, Batumi offers a relaxed beach lifestyle with modern amenities, making it a great option for those who want a mix of work and leisure.
- Kutaisi: Known for its historic landmarks and slower pace of life, Kutaisi is ideal for nomads seeking a more tranquil and affordable environment.
Conclusion
The Georgia Digital Nomad Visa provides a simple, cost-effective way for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to experience life in one of the most beautiful and affordable countries in Europe. With a straightforward application process, favorable tax conditions, and the ability to bring your family along, Georgia offers an ideal setup for digital nomads looking to stay in one place for up to a year. Whether you’re attracted by the low cost of living, breathtaking landscapes, or rich cultural experiences, Georgia is a top destination for remote professionals. For more information and to apply, visit the official Remotely from Georgia portal here.