Remotely From Georgia

1. Introduction

As part of the strategy to gradually open the country and to boost the tourism industry the Georgian Government has decided to allow foreign citizens to enter Georgia under a special regime. A new platform ” Remotely from Georgia” has been launched for foreign citizens wishing to work remotely in Georgia. The project is aimed at foreigners who are freelancers (self-employed); are employed and work remotely, or can run their own business from anywhere in the world. According to the developed project, the Government of Georgia will exceptionally allow the crossing of the border of citizens of all countries, who will have the right to live on the territory of Georgia for at least six months.

2. Requirements of Remotely From Georgia project

The status of a small business is granted by the tax authority, in particular the Revenue Service of Georgia, and if the application is approved, it issues a small business certificate within a reasonable time after receiving the application.
The status of a small business is granted to a person from the first day of the month following the month of the application for the status of a small business to the tax authority and the person is considered to have the status from that date.

The project Remotely from Georgia is applicable for all travelers (up to 95 country nationals and residents including United States, EU, Gulf countries, etc.) who could visit Georgia and can stay in the country for up to a year without visa. Relevantly, there will be no special visa category issued for travelers willing to remotely work from Georgia. Complete list of approved countries can be found here. According to the project, there are three categories: self-employed, those currently employed with distance work allowance from their employers, business owners and entrepreneurs, who will be able to fill out an application, indicate simple and clear personal information, where they must prove that they have financial ability and will be able to pay all taxes and cross the border during their stay in Georgia in order to obtain prior confirmation of a country border crossing. The participants in the project will undergo an 8-day mandatory quarantine, the costs of which will be reimbursed by foreign citizens themselves. Despite the project being informally called “Digital Nomad Visa” – it is just an entry permit and no visa is required and the visa issuance procedures are avoided.

These are the current requirements to be able to apply for the Remotely from Georgia project:

The application are reviewed within 10 working days and the communication takes place and the approval is sent via email. After approval you can enter Georgia through the ‘Remotely from Georgia’ Project.  Make sure you to check the list of government-approved flights before booking your tickets here. Getting on the flight and then into the country requires just a few temperature and paper checks

3. Taxes applicable to Remotely From Georgia project

Depending on your citizenship/residence, you may have to pay taxes in your country as well, but if you spend 183 days in Georgia in 12 months, you’ll have to register and pay taxes in Georgia according to Georgian tax legislation. Foreign individuals who become Georgian resident can apply for and obtain Small Business Certificate and pay only 1% income tax. Also, opening a bank account is also extremely easy in Georgia as you can walk into a bank with just your passport and open an account.

4. Conclusion

A growing number of foreign remote workers in Georgia are in fact likely to give a little boost to an economy that is very dependent on tourism and foreign investment. According to the statistics at the beginning of November, more than 1.200 applications were received, 800 of them have already been approved and 274 applicants have already entered Georgia.

Visiting Georgia within the Remotely From Georgia project could be greatest opportunity visitors can enjoy Caucasus mountain views or hiking in national parks and protected areas while searching for inspiration, celebrate success by sipping world’s famous Georgian wine made in clay pot and taste Georgian cuisine. This to live and work from World’s safest destination, which also turns out to be one of the most exciting places to visit.  According to Numbeo, Georgia is in fact the 4th safest country in the world.

If you have any questions regarding the above project please do not hesitate contact us.

Photo Credit: Government of Georgia; Ministry Of Economy And Sustainable Development of Georgia