Tbilisi, Georgia

Visa Requirements

• Tourist Visa
  Georgia offers a visa-free regime for citizens of over 90 countries, including most of the EU, the US, Canada, and Australia. Visitors can stay in Georgia for up to 365 days without requiring a visa.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA)
  Citizens of certain countries who do not benefit from the visa-free regime can obtain a Visa on Arrival for up to 30 days.
• Digital Nomad Visa
  Georgia has introduced the “Remotely from Georgia” program, which allows digital nomads and remote workers to live and work in Georgia for up to 1 year. Applicants must show proof of employment and meet a minimum monthly income requirement of around $2,000.

For visa information, visit the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Cost of Living

• Accommodation
  The cost of accommodation in Tbilisi is quite affordable.
• Budget: Dorms or shared apartments range from $11–22 per night.
• Mid-range: Private rooms or apartments range from $43–87 per night.
• Luxury: Upscale hotels or high-end apartments in central areas cost between $108–217 per night.
• Food
  Tbilisi offers a wide variety of dining options at affordable prices, from traditional Georgian cuisine to international dishes.
• Street food: You can enjoy meals at local kiosks or small eateries for around $3.50 – $8.00.
• Mid-range restaurants: A three-course meal for two costs around $22–44.
• Fine dining: Upscale restaurants may charge $54–108 per person.
• Transportation
  Tbilisi has an efficient and affordable public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, and the metro. A single trip costs around $0.50 – $1.00. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Bolt are also common, with fares starting at around $1.00–$3.00.

Healthcare
Healthcare in Tbilisi is of good quality and is significantly cheaper than in Western Europe or the US. Basic consultations cost around $11–22, while more specialized treatments may vary in price. Private health insurance is available for expatriates.

Climate & Weather

• Summer (June to August): Hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (75°F – 95°F).
• Winter (December to February): Cold, with temperatures averaging around 0°C to 5°C (32°F – 41°F). It rarely snows in the city, but the Caucasus Mountains offer excellent opportunities for winter sports.
• Rainy Season (March to May, September to November): Mild and wet, with occasional rainfall, especially during spring and autumn months.

Landscape

Tbilisi offers a stunning mix of natural beauty and urban charm. The city is nestled in the valley of the Kura River, surrounded by rolling hills and mountainous landscapes. Popular natural spots include Mtatsminda Hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, and Tbilisi National Park, offering hiking trails and wildlife. The city’s riverside parks and green spaces make it a pleasant place to walk and relax.

Things to Do

• Heritage Sites
  • Narikala Fortress: A historic hilltop fortress offering breathtaking views of Tbilisi.
  • Sameba Cathedral: One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, located in the heart of Tbilisi.
  • Tbilisi Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site with cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and historic churches.
• Adventure Activities
  • Hiking in the Caucasus Mountains: Explore the nearby mountain ranges and valleys for outdoor adventures.
  • Sulfur Baths: Relax in the famous sulfur baths of Abanotubani, known for their healing properties.
• Nightlife
  Tbilisi boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with a wide variety of bars, clubs, and music venues. Areas like Vake and Rustaveli Avenue are great places to explore for lively bars and cafes.
• Wellness Retreats
  The city is home to several wellness centers and spas, many of which feature traditional Georgian sauna treatments and massage services.
• Shopping
  Tbilisi has a unique shopping scene with a mix of local crafts, antique markets, and modern stores. Visit Dry Bridge Market for antiques, and the Tbilisi Mall for international brands.

Lifestyle

Tbilisi offers a laid-back lifestyle while still offering all the modern amenities. The city has a good blend of traditional Georgian culture and modernity, with locals enjoying a slower pace of life while still embracing new technologies. The city is very walkable, and most locals rely on public transport to get around.

Tbilisi is a multicultural city with a growing expatriate community, particularly from Europe and Russia. The city is welcoming to foreigners, and many locals speak English, especially in areas frequented by tourists and expats. Cultural events, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and theater performances, are common throughout the year.

Other Important Locations in Georgia

• Batumi: A coastal city located on the Black Sea, known for its beaches, modern architecture, and nightlife.
• Kazbegi: Located in the Caucasus Mountains, Kazbegi is famous for its stunning landscapes and Gergeti Trinity Church.
• Uplistsikhe: An ancient rock-hewn town with caves, temples, and a fascinating archaeological site.

Rental Accommodations

• Budget: Dorms or shared apartments cost between $10 – $22 per night.
• Mid-range: Private rooms or apartments range from $30 – $65 per night.
• Luxury: Upscale hotels or high-end apartments cost between $85 – $160 per night.

Co-Working Facilities and Costs

Tbilisi offers a growing number of co-working spaces, including Fabrika and Impact Hub Tbilisi. Monthly membership typically costs between $105 – $260, depending on the space and the services provided.

Connectivity

• WiFi: WiFi is widely available in Tbilisi, with good speeds in hotels, cafes, and coworking spaces. The city also offers free public WiFi zones in certain areas.
• SIM: Magti, Beeline, and Geocell are the top SIM card providers, offering affordable prepaid plans. SIM cards are easy to obtain at the airport or retail stores.

Volunteering Opportunities

There are several volunteer opportunities in Tbilisi, especially in areas like education, environmental conservation, and social work. Organizations like Volunteer Georgia and Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN) provide avenues for both locals and expatriates to get involved in community work.

Local Employment Options

• Teaching English or Russian.
• Tourism roles in guiding or hospitality.
• Freelance work in digital industries.

Real Estate Investment Options

Tbilisi has a growing real estate market, especially in the tourism and luxury housing sectors. Due to its relatively low property prices compared to other capitals in Europe, Tbilisi offers attractive investment opportunities for those interested in residential or short-term rental properties. The city center and areas like Vake and Saburtalo are especially popular for real estate investments.

Start-Up Ecosystem

Tbilisi is emerging as a start-up hub, with support for tech ventures and entrepreneurial ecosystems growing rapidly. The Georgian government is particularly supportive of tech start-ups, offering low taxes, business incentives, and access to EU funding for research and innovation. Several incubators

and accelerators are available for start-ups, including StartUp Georgia and Tbilisi Hub.

Business Setup Process for Expats

1. Choose a Business Structure: You can establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a branch office.
2. Register Your Company: Register your business with the National Agency of Public Registry. The process is simple and can be done online.
3. Get a Tax Identification Number: Required for all businesses in Georgia.
4. Open a Business Bank Account: You will need a local Georgian bank account for your company.
5. Register for VAT: If your business turnover exceeds GEL 100,000, you must register for VAT.
6. Obtain Business Licenses: Some industries (like tourism or hospitality) may require specific licenses.
7. Comply with Tax Regulations: Georgia offers competitive tax rates, with a flat corporate tax rate of 15%.

Business Opportunities in Tbilisi

• Tech Startups: With Georgia’s growing tech infrastructure, there are emerging opportunities in software development, blockchain, and fintech.
• Tourism and Hospitality: The city’s rich history and proximity to nature make tourism an attractive industry. Opportunities exist in hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.
• Agriculture and Food Processing: As a key agricultural producer, there are business opportunities in food processing, organic farming, and exporting Georgian wine.
• E-commerce: As internet penetration rises, there are increasing opportunities in e-commerce, especially for local artisan goods.
• Real Estate: With Tbilisi’s rapid growth, there are many opportunities in real estate development, property management, and short-term rentals.