Georgia, like many countries, was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a result, it has joined other countries in offering a digital nomad visa to help boost its economy. The digital nomad visa allows people to work remotely in a foreign country while enjoying its beautiful landscape, culture, and lifestyle.
In 2020, Georgia introduced its digital nomad visa called "Remotely from Georgia," providing a unique opportunity for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to visit Georgia for a more extended period. The visa allows foreigners and their families to stay in Georgia for at least six months up to one year, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads seeking a change of scenery and a new cultural experience.
Georgia's digital nomad visa is particularly attractive as it allows citizens from 95 countries to enter Georgia visa-free and stay for up to one year. This makes the process of applying for the digital nomad visa straightforward and hassle-free, as visitors do not need to apply for an ordinary visa to enter the country. Additionally, Georgia's low cost of living and friendly business environment makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads looking to save on expenses and start their own business.
Georgia's remote work program also provides digital nomads with access to co-working spaces, networking opportunities, and cultural events to ensure that they have an immersive experience during their stay. With a stunning landscape that features everything from snow-capped mountains to black sand beaches, digital nomads in Georgia can also take advantage of the country's natural beauty by enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and water sports.
Georgia's digital nomad visa is an exciting opportunity for remote workers looking for a change of pace and scenery while continuing to work remotely. The program offers a unique chance to experience a new culture, meet new people, and explore one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world while pursuing their career goals.
Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Georgia:
Simple visa application process: The Georgia digital nomad visa application process is straightforward and can be completed online via the Georgia Nomad Visa website. The visa processing time is usually within ten business days.
No application fees: There are no fees associated with applying for a Georgia digital nomad visa.
Visa-free country: Georgia allows citizens of 95 countries to enter and stay for up to 365 days without requiring a visa. It is the only country offering this opportunity among those that offer digital nomad visas.
Tax system: As a digital nomad in Georgia, you are not required to pay any taxes until your 183rd day of stay. After that, the income tax is around 20%. Georgia also has an individual entrepreneur scheme that enables digital nomads and freelancers to pay only 1% of their first $155,000 of income, making it an ideal destination for such professionals.
Availability of bank accounts: Unlike other countries where you must be a resident to open a bank account, Georgia allows you to open a bank account upon arrival. This feature makes living in the country much more convenient for digital nomads.
Affordable living costs: The cost of living in Georgia is $698, which is 1.34 times less expensive than the global average. The cost of living varies depending on the city.
Beautiful scenery: Georgia offers stunning mountain scenery, black sea beaches, and ancient sanctuaries, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads seeking adventure and relaxation.
The Georgia digital nomad visa is available to individuals who are remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to settle in the country for at least six months up to one year. Eligible applicants must meet certain requirements, such as having health insurance coverage, proof of income, and a criminal background check.
There are 95 countries that meet the eligibility criteria to apply for a Georgia Digital Nomad visa, including:
To complete your Georgia Digital Nomad visa application, you will need to provide the following documents:
Make sure to have all the necessary documents ready before starting the application process to avoid delays.
To apply for a digital nomad visa in Georgia, you need to follow these steps:
Gather the required documents:
You will need a valid passport, a proof of business or employment, medical insurance, and proof of funds. Make sure you have all the documents before starting your application.
Fill out the application form:
Go to the official website for Georgia's digital nomad visa, and fill out the application form with your personal information, travel dates, and upload the required documents.
Submit the application:
After completing the application, submit it online. You will receive an email confirmation of your application submission.
Wait for approval:
The processing time for a Georgia digital nomad visa is approximately ten business days. You will receive an email with the result of your application.
Get your visa:
If your application is approved, you will receive a digital nomad visa that allows you to stay in Georgia for up to one year.
It's important to note that if you're not from one of the 95 visa-free countries, you will need to obtain a visa to enter Georgia before applying for the digital nomad visa.
The Georgia digital nomad visa is free of charge. There are no fees for submitting an application or processing the visa. However, you will need to have enough funds to cover your living expenses during your stay in Georgia.
The processing time for a digital nomad visa in Georgia is relatively quick, with applications being processed within ten working days. This means that if you have all the required documents and apply in a timely manner, you can expect to receive your visa decision within two weeks. The Georgia digital nomad visa application process is entirely online, which further simplifies the process and reduces the processing time.
It is essential to ensure that all the required documents are submitted accurately and on time, as this could delay the processing time. In some cases, additional information or documents may be requested, which could further delay the processing time.
Once your digital nomad visa is approved, you can enter Georgia and work as a digital nomad for up to one year. It is essential to note that you must comply with all Georgian laws and regulations during your stay, including tax obligations and visa renewal requirements.
The Georgia digital nomad visa allows you to stay in the country for up to one year. This period is long enough for most digital nomads who tend to stay for a few months in each country. If you plan to stay longer in Georgia, you can consider registering your business as an Individual Entrepreneur. This registration allows you to become a permanent resident in Georgia, and you won't need to apply for a new visa each year. The Individual Entrepreneur Scheme is designed for small business owners, freelancers, and self-employed people. The process is simple, and you can complete it within a few days. Once you are registered, you can work as much as you want and pay only 1% of your first $155,000 of income. Becoming a permanent resident in Georgia can also give you more opportunities to invest in the country and enjoy all the benefits of living there.
As a digital nomad in Georgia, it is important to understand the tax system. While you are not obligated to pay taxes until your 183rd day of stay, you may become a tax resident if you stay longer. As a tax resident, you will be subject to a personal income tax of approximately 20%.
However, there is an option for digital nomads to register for the Individual Entrepreneur scheme, which offers a tax rate of only 1% on a maximum of $155,000. This can be a significant advantage for digital nomads looking to reduce their tax burden.
Georgia has five types of taxes, including corporate profit tax, value-added tax, excise tax, personal income tax, property tax, and import tax. Non-residents who earn income from Georgia may also be subject to these taxes. The general sales tax rate is 4%, while the state income tax ranges from 1% to 5.75%, depending on the income level. It is recommended that digital nomads seek professional tax advice to ensure compliance with the tax laws in Georgia.
Citizens of 95 countries who work remotely or are self-employed are eligible for a Georgia Digital Nomad Visa.
The required documents include a valid passport, proof of business or employment, medical insurance, and proof of funds.
The processing time for a Georgia Digital Nomad Visa application is ten working days.
The Georgia Digital Nomad Visa is valid for one year.
Digital nomads are not obligated to pay taxes in Georgia until their 183rd day of stay. If they stay for more than 183 days, they are considered tax residents, and the income tax rate is approximately 20%. However, digital nomads can register for the Individual Entrepreneur scheme, which taxes only 1% on a maximum of $155,000.
Georgia has five kinds of taxes: corporate profit tax, value-added tax, excise tax, personal income tax, property tax, and import tax. The general sales tax rate is 4%, and the state income range varies from 1% to 5.75%.