Relocation to Georgia Country
Not that Georgia—the country Georgia! This small nation at the crossroads of Europe and Asia couldn’t be more different from the U.S. state. But they do have one thing in common—you can enter both without a visa (more on that below)!
So why Georgia, of all places? This underrated country—which locals call Sakartvelo—is known for its natural beauty, warm hospitality, religious locals, and for being the birthplace of wine. Yes, you heard that right. UNESCO has listed the country’s 8,000-year-old wine-making process as a notable piece of cultural heritage.
Located at the eastern end of the Black Sea, Georgia is home to rocky beaches, sweeping forests, and the highest mountain range in Europe, making it a great destination for nature lovers. Even if the great outdoors isn’t your thing, Georgia also boasts a plethora of cultural offerings. Think awe-inspiring monasteries, mouth-watering fusion cuisine, and jaw-dropping architecture. Oh, and did we mention Georgia’s affordable cost of living?
Is the country of Georgia a good place to live?
Living in Georgia offers a unique experience for expatriates, with its low barriers of entry, affordable cost of living, and enticing tax incentives for business owners. Many foreigners, particularly from the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, have found their homes in the capital city of Tbilisi, drawn by its modern amenities such as:
- Efficient public transportation
- Diverse restaurants
- Vibrant bars
- Lively nightlife scenes
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the geopolitical situation—20% of Georgia remains occupied by Russia, a reminder of past conflicts, notably the invasion in 2008. We’ll delve deeper into both the advantages and disadvantages of living in this fascinating country further ahead.
Can Americans move to the country of Georgia?
Yes! Georgia is one of the easiest countries in Europe to immigrate to, and that’s because US citizens do not need a visa to live here. As a US citizen, you can catch a flight to Georgia without a visa or residence permit. You can then stay for up to one year, living, studying, or working remotely for any company based outside of Georgia.
That means no paperwork to worry about—just pack and go! It’s a rare opportunity that offers a hassle-free transition for Americans seeking a change of scenery.
Residency in Georgia (country)
As mentioned, US citizens are permitted to enter Georgia without a visa or residence permit and stay for up to a year. Surprisingly, there aren’t many additional requirements beyond being a U.S. citizen (or a citizen of one of the 90+ other qualifying countries).
After the initial one-year period, you can extend your stay for another year by border-hopping. Many opt to travel to neighboring countries like Azerbaijan or Armenia for a day before coming back to Georgia to fulfill this requirement.
Cost of living Georgia (country)
Before the Russian war in Ukraine, you’d be hard-pressed to find somewhere as inexpensive as Tbilisi—it used to rank as one of the least expensive cities in the entire world! However, one of the side effects of the conflict has been record highs for housing, food, and utilities.
To give you a sense of what your spending costs could look like in Georgia, here are some estimates we’ve found on Numbeo:
- Family of four’s estimated monthly costs – $2259.24 without rent
- Single person’s estimated monthly costs – $625.83 without rent
- One-bedroom apartment in the city center – $760.83
- One-bedroom apartment outside of the city center – $500.09
As you can see, Georgia still offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially for those earning income in USD or other foreign currencies. Many ex-pats living in Georgia have a foreign source of income, which means that while the prices may have increased, your money can still go far. However, these rising costs disproportionately affect locals earning their income within Georgia.
Moving to Tbilisi, Georgia
We mentioned most expats live in Tbilisi—and for good reason. This up-and-coming capital is the epitome of East meets West. Located on the banks of the Kura River, Tbilisi is flanked by beautiful mountains and ancient fortresses contrasted by modern parks and eye-catching glass buildings.
By day, wander through the chaotic cobblestone streets of Old Town with its wooden storefronts and relics from the Soviet era. By night, revel in its vibrant nightlife, from techno clubs to jazz bars. Locals are eager to showcase their city, whether it’s the rich heritage and cuisine—you might even snag an invite to a supra, or traditional Georgian feast—or more hip haunts like art cafes and wine bars. Both locals and tourists alike also enjoy Tbilisi’s historic sulfur bathhouses.
Health insurance in Georgia
Georgia’s universal healthcare system is state-funded, but it’s important to note that it’s not on par with other Western European countries. While you can receive healthcare throughout the entire country, you’ll generally find the best care in the capital, Tbilisi.
You as a US citizen are not entitled to the subsidized system though—that privilege is reserved for residents and citizens. Therefore, you’ll need to purchase a private health insurance plan to ensure comprehensive coverage for medical needs during your stay in Georgia.
Georgian Language
The unique Georgian language is one of the oldest in the world—it even has its own alphabet! Russian also remains widely spoken throughout Georgia, stemming from historical ties. English proficiency will vary, with younger generations more likely to speak it fluently due to exposure through education and media.
And although you can generally get by with English in major cities like Tbilisi, you’ll find it very helpful (and appreciated) to learn some basic Georgian phrases to navigate daily life with more ease.
Taxes in Georgia
Paying taxes in Georgia can be surprisingly advantageous, especially for small business owners. Residents who register a small business in the country may qualify for a remarkably low 1-3% tax rate on their personal income. To be eligible for this favorable rate, individuals must earn less than 500,000 lari per year (approximately $188,000 USD).
If you meet this threshold, you can enjoy a mere 1% income tax on your gross earnings! However, exceeding the 500,000 lari limit will result in a 3% tax rate. Maintaining small business status requires consistent income levels below the threshold. For those not eligible for the small business rate, your tax rate will be at a standard 20%.
Living in Georgia Country pros and cons
With a clearer perspective on what awaits you in Georgia, let’s distill all the previous points into a concise list highlighting the primary advantages and disadvantages of residing in this Eastern European gem. Depending on your individual priorities and considerations, if the benefits tip the scales in your favor, Georgia might just be the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Pros
- Safety – Georgia is known for its overall safety and low crime rates.
- Cost of Living – Despite recent increases, Georgia remains affordable for those with a foreign income, allowing luxuries like house cleaners and nannies at reasonable prices.
- Food – Enjoy delicious traditional cuisine, with plenty of options for plant-based diets in cities like Tbilisi.
- Diverse Landscapes – Explore diverse landscapes, from mountains to coastline, with opportunities for outdoor activities like skiing in Gudauri in the Caucasus Mountains.
Cons
- Air Quality – Tbilisi’s air quality can be a concern, especially during periods of high pollution.
- Language Barrier – Georgian language complexity and limited English proficiency in some areas can pose communication challenges.
- Lack of LGBTQ+ Friendliness – Societal attitudes may be conservative, leading to discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Geopolitical Location – Georgia’s proximity to Russia and historical conflicts may raise geopolitical concerns for some residents.
Relocating to Georgia
And voilà! Or should we say, აი შენ გაქვს! Feeling like a Georgia expert yet? Whether you’ve been convinced by its ancient landmarks, affordable cost of living, or scenic landscapes, Georgia offers a breathtaking, visa-free backdrop for your next year, or two, abroad.
Ready to take the leap and make Georgia your new home? I hope you didn’t think we’d leave you hanging after this article! For continued guidance on your abroad journey ahead, we’ve got you covered:
- Sign up for the next Move Abroad After 30 Masterclass to see if a move abroad is a possibility for you!
- Join our Facebook group for women age 30 and up who want to move abroad
- Grab your copy of our Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe as an America
