Moving to Georgia: An Expat’s Guide to Housing, Healthcare, and Daily Life

What Nobody Tells You Before You Move to Georgia

Georgia remains one of the most accessible countries in the world for long-term stays — no visa required for most nationalities for up to a full year, low taxes, and a cost of living that still undercuts Western Europe and North America significantly. In 2026, the country has also matured as an expat destination. That means more infrastructure and more competition for good apartments, a private healthcare sector that has expanded considerably, and a Georgian Revenue Service that is paying closer attention to how remote workers structure their income. If you are planning a stay of one to six months, or longer, this guide covers the practical details that determine whether the move actually works.

Finding a Place to Live

The Georgian rental market operates on short notice and often informally. Landlords in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi regularly list apartments without contracts, or with contracts that are handwritten in Georgian. This has improved in recent years — platforms like MyHome.ge and SS.ge now dominate listings, and more landlords in central Tbilisi understand what international tenants expect — but it is still common to negotiate directly with an owner over WhatsApp and move in within 48 hours.

Most apartments are rented furnished. In Tbilisi, a one-bedroom apartment in a central district will typically cost between 1,200 GEL and 2,200 GEL per month in 2026. Two-bedroom options in the same areas run 1,800 GEL to 3,500 GEL. Prices in Batumi have risen sharply since 2022 due to demand from relocated Russians and Ukrainians, and central one-bedrooms now sit between 1,500 GEL and 2,800 GEL. Kutaisi remains the most affordable of the three cities — a decent one-bedroom costs 700 GEL to 1,300 GEL — and it has a growing expat population drawn by Kutaisi International Airport’s expanding route network.

Leases are typically month-to-month or for one year. If you sign a one-year contract, landlords usually offer a 10–15% discount. Always get the contract in writing. Have it translated if it is in Georgian. A Georgian lawyer can review a standard rental contract for around 150–300 GEL, and it is money well spent on a long stay.

Setting Up Utilities and Internet

Most furnished rentals in Georgia include gas, electricity, and water either in the rent price or billed at cost through the landlord. Clarify this before signing. When utilities are separate, expect to pay 80–180 GEL per month in winter for a one-bedroom (heating costs spike sharply — Georgia runs predominantly on gas heating, and January bills can surprise new arrivals). Summer months are considerably cheaper, typically 40–80 GEL total.

Internet is a genuine strength. Georgia has competitive fibre broadband, and speeds of 100–500 Mbps are standard in Tbilisi apartments. Providers like Magticom, Silknet, and MagNet cover most central areas. A monthly fibre plan runs 25–60 GEL. Installation typically takes two to five business days, and the connection quality is reliable enough for video calls and large file transfers throughout the day.

Mobile data is similarly solid. A SIM card from Magti, Beeline, or Geocell costs around 5–15 GEL and includes a data package. Unlimited data plans for 30 days run 30–50 GEL. You can buy a SIM at any operator shop with your passport — no local registration is required for foreign nationals.

Navigating the Georgian Healthcare System

Georgia has a two-tier health system. The public system exists and has improved since the Universal Healthcare Programme was introduced, but it is not the tier that most long-term expats rely on. State facilities are underfunded in rural areas, wait times are longer, and English-speaking staff are not guaranteed outside major hospitals in Tbilisi.

The private sector is a different story. Georgia’s private hospital network — Evex, Aversi, and GPC among the largest chains — has expanded significantly. Tbilisi’s private clinics are modern, often equipped to European standards, and substantially cheaper than equivalent care in Western countries. A GP consultation at a private clinic runs 40–80 GEL. A specialist visit is 60–150 GEL. Dental work is particularly affordable — a filling costs roughly 50–100 GEL, and a crown runs 200–400 GEL depending on the clinic and material.

Pharmacies are everywhere in Tbilisi and function as a first point of contact for minor issues. Many medications available only on prescription in Europe or North America are sold over the counter. The pharmacist culture is active — staff routinely advise on dosage and alternatives. Aversi and GPC operate the largest pharmacy chains and have English-language apps for ordering.

Health Insurance for Long-Term Stays

Georgia does not require proof of health insurance as a condition of entry for most visa-free nationalities. However, going six months or more without cover is a financial risk that is not worth taking. A single hospitalisation at a private Tbilisi hospital — say, an appendix operation or a broken bone requiring surgery — can cost 4,000–12,000 GEL without insurance.

The most practical options for expats in 2026 fall into two categories. International health insurance from providers like Cigna Global, Allianz Care, or SafetyWing covers you in Georgia and elsewhere. SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance — popular with remote workers for its flexibility — costs roughly 50–80 USD per month for adults under 40 and covers emergency hospitalisation, which covers most scenarios. Full international plans with comprehensive outpatient cover run 150–400 USD per month depending on age and level of cover.

The second option is a local Georgian insurer. Companies like Ardi Insurance and Aldagi offer annual plans designed for residents. A basic plan covering outpatient GP visits and hospitalisation costs 600–1,200 GEL per year. These plans work well if you are staying for the full year and want seamless, cashless access to Georgian private hospitals. The limitation is that they do not cover you if you travel outside Georgia frequently.

Registering Your Address and Legal Residency

Most nationalities can stay in Georgia visa-free for 365 days per calendar year. You do not need to register your address to live legally during this period. However, if you want to open a Georgian bank account, register a business, obtain a driver’s licence, or stay beyond 365 days, address registration becomes important.

Address registration is done at the Public Service Hall (commonly called PSH or Sakhalkho Sarchi) — these offices exist in all major cities and are well organised. Bring your passport, a copy of your rental contract, and ideally a statement or supporting letter from your landlord. The process is straightforward and usually completed in under an hour. The certificate issued is used for business registration and banking.

If you want to stay beyond a year, Georgia offers a residence permit route through investment (real estate purchase of at least 100,000 USD equivalent) or through employment with a Georgian company. Temporary residence for the purpose of running a business as an individual entrepreneur is also possible, though the process requires working with a local lawyer. In 2026, the Georgian Revenue Service has formalised several of these pathways more clearly following the growth of the remote worker population.

The 1% Small Business Tax Regime

This is the element of Georgian life that attracts freelancers and remote workers more than almost anything else. Georgia operates a small business tax regime that allows individual entrepreneurs to pay just 1% tax on annual turnover up to approximately 500,000 GEL (roughly 175,000 USD at mid-2026 exchange rates). There is no corporate income tax, no payroll tax if you are paying yourself, and no VAT obligation below the 100,000 GEL turnover threshold.

To access this regime, you register as an individual entrepreneur (IE) at the Public Service Hall. You will need your registered address first. The registration takes one day and costs around 20 GEL. You then apply for small business status through the Revenue Service portal — a straightforward online process. After approval, you file quarterly income declarations and pay 1% on your receipts.

Important caveats for 2026: the Revenue Service has clarified that the 1% regime applies to income genuinely earned from business activity in Georgia or from foreign-source income paid to your Georgian entity. Freelancers working for foreign clients invoicing through their Georgian IE are the standard use case, and it is widely practiced and legal. However, the Revenue Service has also issued updated guidance discouraging pure paper arrangements where no actual business activity exists. Consult a Georgian accountant or tax adviser before structuring your affairs — fees for initial consultation run 100–300 GEL.

Georgia also has a flat 20% personal income tax rate for those not using the small business regime — for example, employees of Georgian companies. The 1% regime is specifically for registered small business owners with qualifying income.

2026 Budget Reality: Monthly Cost of Living

The figures below reflect Tbilisi costs. Batumi runs slightly higher in summer; Kutaisi runs 20–30% lower across categories.

• Budget tier (1,800–2,500 GEL/month): A studio or room in a shared apartment in a secondary neighbourhood, cooking most meals at home, using public transport exclusively, basic phone plan, no gym. Achievable but requires active cost management.
• Mid-range tier (2,800–4,500 GEL/month): One-bedroom apartment in a central neighbourhood, mix of home cooking and eating out three to four times per week, occasional taxi use, gym membership (250–400 GEL/month at most chains), health insurance. This is where most working expats land comfortably.
• Comfortable tier (5,000–8,000 GEL/month): Two-bedroom apartment in a premium central building, regular dining out, private health cover, gym, occasional weekend travel within the Caucasus, car rental or private vehicle. This level approximates a mid-range Western lifestyle.

Specific recurring costs to budget for: a monthly public transport card in Tbilisi costs 30 GEL. A weekly shop for one person at a mid-range supermarket (Carrefour, Smart, Goodwill) runs 150–250 GEL. A sit-down meal for one at a mid-range Georgian restaurant — the kind with stone walls and a wood fire, where the smell of churchkhela and tkemali fills the room before the food even arrives — costs 25–60 GEL including a glass of local wine. Utilities in winter add 150–200 GEL on top of rent if not included.

Daily Life Logistics

Banking for foreigners has been one of the more significant friction points historically. TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia both now offer accounts to non-residents, though the documentation requirements vary by branch and change periodically. In 2026, having your address registration certificate and a clean transaction history significantly improves your chances. Some expats use Revolut or Wise as primary accounts and open a Georgian account once registered as an IE.

The Tbilisi metro runs two lines and covers most of the city’s main districts. As of 2026, the long-discussed third line expansion remains in the planning phase, though bus route improvements have added coverage in Saburtalo and Didi Dighomi. Marshrutkas — minibuses — fill the gaps across the city and connect Tbilisi to regional towns. The Georgian Railway Tbilisi–Batumi service runs four times daily in each direction, with the journey taking roughly five hours; the overnight sleeper is a practical option for weekend travel.

Grocery shopping is varied. Imported goods — decent coffee, specific cheeses, Northern European packaged products — cost close to European prices. Local produce is the opposite: a kilogram of tomatoes costs 2–5 GEL in season, fresh herbs are sold in bundles for under 1 GEL at local markets, and Georgian dairy products are inexpensive and high quality. The texture and richness of fresh matsoni — Georgia’s tangy, thick yoghurt — is one of those small daily pleasures that becomes part of the routine within a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to live in Georgia long-term?

Citizens of over 90 countries can stay in Georgia visa-free for up to 365 days per calendar year. This includes most EU, UK, US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders. No extension or registration is required during this period. After 365 days, you need to leave or obtain a residence permit through an eligible route such as business registration or property investment.

Can I actually open a bank account in Georgia as a foreigner?

Yes, but it requires preparation. TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia are the main options. You will generally need your passport, proof of address in Georgia (a rental contract helps), and sometimes proof of income or a registered business. Having an individual entrepreneur registration makes the process significantly smoother. Some branches are more accustomed to foreign applicants than others.

Is Georgia safe to live in as an expat?

Georgia ranks as one of the safer countries in the region. Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi have low rates of violent crime, and walking at night in central areas is generally comfortable. The main cautions are standard urban ones — pickpocketing in busy markets, traffic behaviour that takes adjustment, and some road safety concerns if you drive outside the cities. Political demonstrations occasionally affect central Tbilisi but are typically nonviolent.

How do I handle taxes if I am working remotely for a foreign employer?

If you are self-employed and invoice clients through a Georgian individual entrepreneur entity, the 1% small business tax regime applies to that income. If you remain on a foreign employer’s payroll as an employee, your tax obligations depend on your home country’s rules on tax residency. Georgia’s tax residency threshold is 183 days per year. Many expats working in this situation consult both a Georgian and a home-country tax adviser to ensure compliance on both sides.

What is the healthcare standard like for serious medical needs?

For routine care and moderate-complexity procedures, Tbilisi’s private hospitals are competent and significantly cheaper than Western alternatives. For highly specialised treatment — complex oncology, advanced cardiac surgery, rare conditions — most expats and Georgian residents with resources seek care in Turkey, Germany, or Israel. Travel insurance or international health cover that includes medical evacuation is worth having for this reason if you plan a stay longer than three months.

📷 Featured image by Karl Ostroski on Unsplash.