In recent years Georgia has become a popular destination for remote workers. The country attracts freelancers with liberal immigration laws allowing expats to stay for up to a year on a tourist visa, as well as with its cuisine and picturesque landscapes.
UPDATE. Around mid-Autumn 2020, the epidemiological situation in Georgia changed dramatically. The country has seen a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.
Georgia has entered a strict lockdown mode. Restaurants and cafes are closed, as well as all stores, except grocery stores, pharmacies and newsstands. Fitness centers and swimming pools, sports and cultural activities are prohibited. Curfew has been imposed: it is forbidden to leave the house after 21:00. International transportation is prohibited, in eight major cities work of public transport is suspended. The Editorial Board of Freelancevisa.info recommends refraining from obtaining a visa to Georgia until further notice.
Currently (October 2020) the country is closed for tourism, and the dates of opening the international borders are unknown. However, a program called “Remotely from Georgia” allows freelancers to enter the country. It is important to comply with a number of conditions: you must confirm your intention to stay in Georgia for at least six months, undergo a quarantine and confirm that you have a relatively high income.
Main reasons to move to Georgia for a long time
Positive epidemiological situation
Georgia is one of the countries that successfully coped with COVID-19. It has a status of a safe country, and that has become the basis for creating programs for foreigners to enter Georgia.
Beautiful nature and delicious food
Georgia is called “The Pearl of Caucasus” due to its beautiful nature and diverse natural landscape (mountains and sea). And the hospitality of Georgians and the abundance of their cuisine will be remembered by you as well as the surrounding beauty.
Relaxed taxation
Georgia does not withhold taxes from an income received from sources outside the country. The country also has a pleasant tax regime for private entrepreneurs – only 1% of the turnover per year, provided that annual revenue does not exceed 500,000 GEL (about $133,000 USD). At the same time, it should be taken into account that VAT (18%) is mandatory after overcoming the threshold of GEL 100,000 (about $33,000 USD).
Low prices
The cost of rent, utilities and entertainment in Georgia is much lower than in many European countries.
How can a freelancer get permission to enter Georgia?
At present the entry is possible for foreigners matching the following criteria:
- Confirmed average monthly income of $2,000 USD;
- Ability to work remotely from Georgia;
- You need to undergo a mandatory 8-day quarantine and make a PCR test (all at personal expense). Approximate cost of 1 day of quarantine is GEL 60 (for the whole quarantine period GEL 560 or approximately USD 182). The cost of the coronavirus test is GEL 251 (approximately $81 USD).
How to apply for Georgian freelance visa?
In order to become a participant of the program it is necessary to fill in the online application form available at the following link .
You should attach scans of the following documents to the questionnaire:
- Your valid passport;
- Medical insurance with a validity period of at least 6 months;
- Work contracts concluded within the last 12 months;
- Documents confirming solvency (bank statements, rent agreements, salary certificates or any other documents confirming stable income during the last year).
By sending the documents and the form, the applicant agrees to pass the obligatory 8-day quarantine.
All applications are considered within 10 working days after submission. After that the foreigner receives a consent or refusal to enter Georgia by email.
