George Digital Nomad Visa: A Comprehensive Guide
What is digital nomad visa?
“Digital nomads” represent a lifestyle trend that has gained prominence in the 21st century. With the advancement of information technology, an increasing number of professionals—such as IT workers, media personnel, language teachers, and freelancers—have broken free from traditional office settings. They now have the ability to work remotely from any location worldwide with internet access. This concept of remote work gained significant traction, especially before and during the pandemic.
Once liberated from office constraints, some remote workers choose to embrace a unique lifestyle: they carry their bags and travel to various destinations while continuing to work remotely. These individuals, known as “digital nomads,” experience a blend of exploring new cultures and working from different corners of the world.
To attract digital nomads and promote tourism and emerging industries, governments in at least 65 countries and regions worldwide have introduced specialized digital nomad visas. These visas typically have the following characteristics:
1. Applicants must be remote workers with stable monthly income and cannot be employed locally.
2. Digital nomad visas are essentially extended travel visas, often valid for one year and allowing residence for up to two to four years in the destination country without the option for permanent immigration.
However, in some Latin American and Southern European countries—such as Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, and Ecuador—digital nomads can eventually obtain local permanent residency or even naturalization after accumulating a certain length of stay.
For more information on digital nomad visa programs, explore the details in our “Global Digital Nomad Visas | An Incomplete Handbook” on this websites.
George Digital Nomad Visa: An Overview
Officially launched in 2020, the “Remotely from Georgia” program is the country’s answer to the global rise of the digital nomad. While Georgia’s incredibly generous standard visa policy already allows citizens from nearly 100 countries to stay for a full year visa-free, the digital nomad program offers a structured, official pathway for remote workers to establish a longer, legally recognized stay, often granting an official document of pre-approval for border crossing. Crucially, it targets the specific segment of the remote workforce who wish to make Georgia their temporary base for an extended period, providing clarity on legal work status and the ability to live and work remotely in the country for up to one year.
The “Remotely from Georgia” program is explicitly designed for individuals whose work is conducted entirely for a foreign entity or client. This includes a broad spectrum of remote professionals:
Remote Employees: Individuals who work full-time for a company registered outside of Georgia.
Freelancers/Contractors: Self-employed professionals who provide services to clients based outside the country.
Business Owners/Entrepreneurs: Individuals who run their own company or startup that is registered internationally and can be managed remotely.
The core eligibility hinges on two financial requirements, demonstrating the applicant’s ability to be financially self-sufficient during their stay without drawing income from the local Georgian economy:
Minimum Monthly Income: Applicants must prove a regular, stable income of at least $2,000 USD per month.
Or, Savings Requirement: Alternatively, they can demonstrate financial stability by showing a minimum of $24,000 USD in savings in their bank account.
Application Process:
Applying for the “Remotely from Georgia” visa is notably straightforward and is conducted entirely online, reflecting the government’s commitment to attracting international talent.
Required Documentation:
Applicants must gather and digitally submit several key documents:
Valid Passport: A copy of the bio-page, with the passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay.
Proof of Remote Work: This is the evidence of your employment status, such as a work contract from a foreign employer, recent freelance contracts, or a certificate of incorporation for your business.
Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, stock statements, or other official documentation verifying the minimum income or savings requirement is met.
Health Insurance: A certificate of comprehensive international health insurance that provides coverage for the entire duration of the planned stay in Georgia.
The Application and Timeline:
The entire process is free of charge and typically follows these simple steps:
1. Gather Documents: Collect and digitize all the necessary proofs listed above.
2. Complete the Online Application: Fill out the dedicated application form on the official government portal, uploading all supporting documents.
3. Wait for Approval: The processing time is remarkably fast, generally taking approximately 10 business days for a decision. Successful applicants receive a letter of invitation or pre-approval, which facilitates their entry and legal status upon arrival.
Exceptional Benefits for Digital Nomads:
Georgia’s appeal as a digital nomad hub goes far beyond the visa’s accessibility, being built on a foundation of unique advantages that make it an attractive base for up to a year.
1. The One-Year Stay and Renewability
The “Remotely from Georgia” program grants permission to live and work in the country for up to 365 days. For citizens of the 95+ countries already eligible for a year-long visa-free stay, the program provides a formal status. However, for those looking for a truly long-term base, the country offers a path to residency through other mechanisms, such as registering as an Individual Entrepreneur (IE).
2. Unmatched Tax Incentives
Georgia’s tax code is a primary draw for remote professionals:
Initial Tax Exemption: A digital nomad does not become a tax resident of Georgia until they have spent more than 183 days within a rolling 12-month period. For stays shorter than this, income earned from foreign sources is generally not taxed in Georgia.
The 1% Tax Rate: For those who choose to stay longer and register as an Individual Entrepreneur with “Small Business Status,” they can benefit from an incredibly low tax rate of just 1% on their gross turnover, provided their annual income remains under 500,000 Georgian Lari (approx. $180,000 USD). This competitive rate is a game-changer for entrepreneurs and high-earning freelancers seeking significant tax optimization.
3. Affordability and High Quality of Life
Georgia is an extremely cost-effective place to live. The cost of living is significantly lower than in most Western European or North American cities, allowing a comfortable lifestyle for a fraction of the price.
Cost of Living: Average monthly expenses, including rent, food, and transport, are often within the range of $800 to $1,500 USD depending on the city and lifestyle.
Connectivity: The internet infrastructure is robust, especially in the capital, Tbilisi, with high-speed fiber-optic and affordable mobile data readily available.
Safety: The country consistently ranks among the safest globally, providing a secure and welcoming environment for solo travelers and families alike.
4. Ease of Banking
Unlike many countries that require a temporary or permanent residence permit to open a bank account, non-residents in Georgia can typically open a local bank account upon arrival with minimal friction. This simplifies international finance and local transactions for a long-term visitor.
Visa Validity:
The official Georgian Digital Nomad Program, “Remotely from Georgia,” grants pre-approval for remote workers to stay in the country for up to one year (365 days).
The initial one-year permit is not renewable. Instead, if a person wishes to stay longer, they are advised to pursue a Temporary Residence Permit based on work (such as registering as an Individual Entrepreneur – IE) or another long-term category.
Useful links:
Georgia Residence Permit And Residence Card：https://migration.commission.ge/index.php?article_id=15&clang=1