Georgia Digital Nomad Visa and 1% Tax Strategy
2026 Guide
By Visahub – Your Expert Partner in Tbilisi
As of April 2026, Georgia has solidified its position as the undisputed capital for digital nomads in the EMEA region. While other countries like Portugal and Spain have increased their income requirements and bureaucratic hurdles, Georgia has taken a different path: Professionalization.
The days of simply “turning up and working” are evolving into a more structured, but still highly rewarding, legal framework.
For the serious remote worker, freelancer, or international business owner.
Georgia offers a unique “triple-threat” advantage: a 365-day visa-free stay, a world-leading 1% tax regime, and a high quality of life for a fraction of the cost of Western Europe.
I. The Visa Framework: 365 Days of Freedom
Georgia is famous for having the most liberal visa policy in the world. However, in 2026, the border officials have become more sophisticated.
1. The 365-Day Entry Stamp – Georgia Digital Nomad Visa
Citizens of 95+ jurisdictions (including the EU, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and the GCC) can enter Georgia and stay for one full year without any prior application.
- The “Visa Run” in 2026: While still legally possible to cross into Turkey or Armenia for an hour and return for another year, the Georgian government now monitors frequent “visa-runners.” If you plan to stay more than 2 years, it is highly recommended to transition to a Work Residence Permit.
- Entrance Documentation: While most are admitted with just a passport, 2026 regulations suggest carrying proof of health insurance and a bank statement showing at least $2,000 USD monthly income.
2. D1 Immigration Visas for Non-Exempt Nationals
If you are from a country that requires a visa (such as India, Pakistan, or parts of South America), the process has changed. As of March 1, 2026, the D1 visa is strictly tied to the State Employment Support Agency. You must have your “Right to Work” confirmed before the visa is issued.
II. The 1% Tax Strategy: The Small Business Status
This is the core of the “Georgia Nomad Dream.” By registering as an Individual Entrepreneur (IE) and obtaining Small Business Status, you pay only 1% tax on your turnover.
1. Step-by-Step Registration (The 2026 Workflow)
The start point of process for Georgia Digital Nomad Visa takes place at the Public Service Hall (The “Mushroom Building”) in Tbilisi or Batumi.
- Passport Translation: You need a notarized Georgian translation.
- Legal Address: You cannot register a business at a hotel. You need a verified legal address. (Visahub provides these for nomads to ensure compliance).
- Local Phone Number: Essential for receiving the Revenue Service (RS.GE) SMS codes.
- The Registration Fee: Standard is 20 GEL (~$7), or 50 GEL (~$18) for same-day “Express” processing.
2. Activating the 1% Status
Registration as an IE does NOT automatically give you 1% tax. You must manually apply for Small Business Status via the RS.GE portal.
- The Rule: The 1% rate begins on the 1st day of the month following your application. If you apply on May 20th, your 1% status starts June 1st.
- The Threshold: 1% tax applies up to 500,000 GEL (~$185,000 USD) per year. If you exceed this, you pay 3% on the excess.
3. Critical Compliance for 2026
Many nomads fail because they forget the “boring” parts. To keep your 1% status and the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa:
This Step is crucial for the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa
- Monthly Declarations: You must file your income by the 15th of every month.
- Bookkeeping: You must maintain a “Journal of Expenses and Income,” though in practice, the RS.GE digital ledger handles most of this.
III. The 2026 “Right to Work” Law: What You Must Know
A major update hit on March 1, 2026. The Law on Labor Migration now requires foreigners to have a formal “Right to Work.”
- Self-Employed Registration: Even if you work for yourself (IE), you must register your activity with the State Employment Support Agency.
- The Fines: Failure to register can result in a 2,000 GEL fine ($740 USD).
- The “Nomad Exemption”: There is a nuance here—if you have NO local Georgian clients and work 100% for foreign companies, your registration is simplified, but it is still required. Visahub handles this specific agency filing to protect our clients from automated fines.
IV. Residency Permits: Securing Your Future
A residence permit (TRC) gives you a Georgian ID card, easier banking, and a path to permanent residency.
1. The Work Residence Permit (IE Path)
This is the most common path for nomads.
- Income Threshold: In 2026, the Revenue Service checks that your IE has a turnover of at least 50,000 GEL per year ($18,500 USD).
Document Bundle: You need your IE extract, bank statements for 6 months, and a local health insurance policy.
2. The Real Estate Residence Permit (The $150k Rule)
As of March 2026, the threshold for property-based residency increased.
- The Value: You must own property worth $150,000 USD (verified by an official appraiser).
- The Benefit: This grants a 1-year renewable permit without needing to show business turnover.
V. Living in Tbilisi: Neighborhoods and Costs (2026)
Tbilisi has evolved into a sophisticated tech hub. Here is where nomads are living in 2026:
1. Top Neighborhoods
- Vake: The “Premium” choice. High-end cafes, gyms, and the beautiful Vake Park. Most expensive but most prestigious.
- Vera: The “Bohemian” choice. Narrow streets, hidden wine bars, and the famous Fabrika nearby. Perfect for creatives.
- Saburtalo: The “Practical” choice. Great metro access, modern apartments, and lower prices than Vake.
- Marjanishvili: The “Alternative” choice. Home to many coworking spaces and a younger, international crowd.
2. 2026 Monthly Budget (Single Person)
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
| Modern 1-BR Apartment | $550 – $750 |
| Utilities (Fiber, Gas, Water) | $100 – $140 |
| Coworking Space (Hot Desk) | $150 – $200 |
| Dining Out (Monthly) | $400 – $600 |
| Transport & Leisure | $200 |
| Total Comfortable Monthly Spend | $1,400 – $1,990 |
VI. Banking in Georgia: The 2026 Landscape
Georgia’s banks (TBC and Bank of Georgia) are among the most technologically advanced in the world.
- Account Opening: Non-residents can still open accounts, but compliance is stricter in 2026. You will be asked for Source of Wealth documents and employment contracts.
- The IE Account: It is vital to open a Business Account for your 1% tax turnover to keep it separate from your personal spending. This makes your annual audit 100% stress-free.
- Crypto: Georgia remains a regional hub for crypto. You can legally withdraw crypto to your bank account, but be prepared to show the “Proof of Origin” for the funds.
VII. Checklist: Your Move to Georgia (2026 Edition)
- Verify Visa-Free Status: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
- Contact Visahub: 2 weeks before arrival to prepare your legal address and passport translation.
- Enter Georgia: Get your 1-year entry stamp.
- Visit Public Service Hall: Register your IE with our team.
- Apply for 1% Status: We activate this on your RS.GE portal.
- Agency Registration: We file your “Right to Work” with the Employment Agency.
- Open Bank Accounts: We guide you to the branches that are most “Nomad Friendly” in 2026.
Conclusion: The Time is Now
Georgia is no longer a “secret,” but it remains a sanctuary for those who value freedom, low taxes, and a high-quality lifestyle. With the new 2026 regulations, the “barrier to entry” has been raised slightly, which is actually good news for you—it means the market is becoming more professional and stable. It’s time to consider getting the Georgia Nomad Visa.
Don’t navigate the 2026 bureaucracy alone. Trust the experts who live and work here.