Starting from March 1, 2026, foreigners will need a work permit and a D1 visa or residence permit for any paid activity (freelance, sole proprietor, LLC). This article explains how to register as an individual entrepreneur or a limited liability company in Georgia, how to rent office space, hire staff, and handle taxes.
Doing business in Georgia has its specifics. The domestic market is small, and reaching local customers can be a challenge. Still, it’s completely achievable if you understand the details in advance.
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Documents Required to Register a Business in Georgia
The list of documents depends on the form you choose — an individual entrepreneur (sole proprietor) or a limited liability company (LLC).
For Individual Entrepreneurs (Sole Proprietors)
If you plan to work as a freelancer, consultant, or small business owner, registering as an individual entrepreneur is the easiest option. You’ll need:
valid passport;
special labour permit;
Georgian address (can be a rented apartment or office);
receipt for state fee payment: standard registration — ₾25 (~$9.5), fast registration (same day) — ₾75 (~$27.5), statement in English — additional ₾25 (optional);
Georgian mobile number and email address.
Registration takes place at the House of Justice, the process usually takes one business day. After that, you receive a registration number and can start operating immediately.
For Limited Liability Companies (LLC)
If you’re opening a company with partners or plan to scale, an LLC is the better choice.
LCs offer more flexibility in management compared to sole proprietorships. You can define ownership shares, appoint multiple directors, and attract investments. There are also tax advantages: for example, if profits are not distributed, they are not subject to tax. On the other hand, bookkeeping is more complex, costs are higher, and VAT applies if your turnover exceeds 100,000 ₾ per year.
Since 2026, Georgia has introduced a flat personal income tax rate of 5.19%, which will gradually decrease to 4.99% by 2027. This reform makes the tax system even more predictable and business‑friendly, but it also requires companies to keep their reporting strictly aligned with the new rules.
The state registration fee for an LLC is 100 ₾ ($36.50) for standard processing and 200 ₾ ($73) for expedited registration. The process takes between one and three business days, depending on the chosen option.
Required documents include:
valid passport with a Georgian entry stamp;
special labour permit;
founders’ Agreement and Articles of Association (in Georgian, notarized translation required);
registration application form;
company name in Georgian and English;
director’s consent to appointment (can be the same person as the founder);
property owner’s consent to use the address as the legal address;
payment receipt for the state registration fee (₾100–200, depending on urgency);
Georgian phone number and email address.
Registration is handled at the House of Justice — in Tbilisi, Rustavi, or another major city. After registration, the company must submit an informational card to the tax authorities and open a bank account. Only after completing these steps can the business operate officially.
Remote Registration: Is It Possible?
Formally, you can register a sole proprietorship or an LLC by proxy. In practice, this does not always work smoothly. Since 2022, the rejection rate for remote registration has increased, and the most reliable option is to come to Georgia in person.
On-site registration usually takes only a couple of hours. The key is to have all documents ready and arrive at the House of Justice early (offices operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with queues forming around lunchtime).
Checking the Uniqueness of Your Business Name
LLCs must register a company name. It must be unique and written in Georgian or Latin characters. You can check availability on the website of the National Agency of Public Registry and even reserve it in advance. For sole proprietors, a separate business name is not required — the business is registered under your personal name.
Finding a Legal Address
Both LLCs and individual entrepreneurs need a legal address to register. Any real address where you can receive mail works, most often a rental property with the owner’s written consent. You must secure this before submitting your application, as the registration will not be accepted without it.
Some services in major cities offer legal addresses for a fee. This is risky: the owner can withdraw consent at any time, which may cause your registration to be invalid. The safest approach is to arrange directly with the landlord and document the agreement in writing.
Preparing Founding Documents
Individual entrepreneurs do not need a charter or founders’ agreement — registration is based solely on the application form. LLCs, however, require these documents.
The founders’ agreement and company charter must be in Georgian. If your original documents are in another language, you’ll need a notarized translation. These documents outline key details: company name, structure, roles and responsibilities of participants, and rules for management.
Founding documents are not just formalities. They define who makes decisions, how participants can exit, transfer shares, and appoint directors. There are no standard templates, though basic forms are available online. For complex structures, it’s best to consult a lawyer — otherwise, you may need a court procedure to make changes in the future.
Opening a Bank Account in Georgia
After registering your business, the next step is opening a bank account. Both LLCs and individual entrepreneurs need a local account to operate legally, pay taxes, and receive or send funds. In Georgia, most banks in Tbilisi and Rustavi welcome foreign entrepreneurs, and the process is usually straightforward.
To open an account, you typically need:
company registration certificate and identification number;
founders’ and directors’ passports;
special labour permit;
company charter (for LLCs);
proof of address in Georgia;
personal tax number of the director or owner.
Bank requirements may vary, and some banks may request additional documents or interviews. For international entrepreneurs, it’s often easier to start with banks that have experience working with foreign clients.
In most banks, accounts are not opened immediately. First, you submit an application, and the bank makes a decision in 3–5 days, or in some cases 10–14 days. Once approved, you visit the branch to sign the agreement. Some banks offer premium services — for example, Bank of Georgia Solo provides a personal manager, a multi-currency account, and faster service for businesses with stable turnover.
Opening fees usually range from 0 to 50 ₾, and monthly maintenance costs 10–25 ₾. Some banks may require payment of the annual maintenance fee upfront.
If you plan to accept card payments, the bank may provide a terminal immediately, but often they wait to see whether your business generates sufficient turnover first.
Major Banks in Georgia
Here’s an overview of the main banks serving businesses in Georgia:
TBC Bank. One of the largest and most technologically advanced banks. Offers a convenient online dashboard, mobile app, and fast delivery of business terminals. Service fees start at 110 ₾ (~$40) per year; card issuance is charged separately. Approval for foreigners depends on branch workload and documentation.
Bank of Georgia. The second largest bank with good infrastructure. Opening costs 50 ₾ (~$18); monthly service fee is 10 ₾ (~$4). Decision can take up to two weeks.
Credo Bank. Formerly a microfinance institution, now actively serves entrepreneurs. Advantages: high acceptance for foreigners, fast account opening. Limitations: fewer features, no multi-currency cards, higher fees. Often a reliable option when other banks refuse.
Liberty Bank. Less popular among entrepreneurs but suitable for simple operations. Account opening takes 1–3 days, monthly fees from 25 ₾ (~$9). May require additional KYC verification, but accounts are usually approved if documents are in order.
Employment Law in Georgia
Employment in Georgia is regulated by the Labor Code. The law is relatively flexible and friendly to both employers and employees, but it still requires clear documentation and tax compliance. Foreigners can no longer work without a work permit, even if they have a residence permit. Employers must apply for permits through the Ministry of Labor.
Employment contracts
All employees must have a written employment contract that specifies job duties, working hours, salary, and termination terms. Contracts can be permanent or fixed-term. Remote and hybrid work are legally recognized and widely used, especially in IT and consulting.
Employer obligations:
employers must ensure safe and fair working conditions;
termination without notice is allowed only on legal grounds;
severance pay depends on the reason for termination;
salaries are usually paid monthly in lari (GEL).
Payroll taxes
A flat rate of 5.19% has been in effect since 2026, which will decrease to 4.99% by 2027. Pension contributions remain mandatory for residents.Salary reports must be submitted monthly through the taxpayer’s personal account.
Hiring staff
Under Georgian law, employers must first publish a job opening on the official platform worknet.gov.ge. In practice, many companies skip this step, but it remains a formally mandatory requirement. Most employers find local employees through job portals such as HR.ge, Jobs.ge, and LinkedIn. Georgian professionals often speak English, especially in business and tech. For manual or service jobs, local Facebook groups and Telegram channels are more effective.
Office and Commercial Rentals in Georgia
After hiring your team, you’ll also need to find a suitable workspace. Finding the right space for your business in Georgia is not complicated, but it’s important to understand how the local rental market works. Most entrepreneurs rent offices, retail spaces, or small warehouses in Tbilisi or Rustavi, where infrastructure and business services are concentrated. In 2026, control over the use of a rented address as a legal entity was tightened — now a notarized consent of the owner is required.
Where to Search
The most popular platforms for commercial and residential listings include:
ss.ge and myhome.ge — the largest classified websites with verified agents and owners;
Facebook Marketplace and local groups — useful for short-term rentals or direct deals;
real estate agencies — for foreigners, using a trusted agent helps avoid language barriers and legal risks.
When searching, check whether the property is officially registered and if the landlord can provide proof of ownership — this document is required for company registration and banking.
Signing a Lease
A standard commercial lease agreement in Georgia is written in Georgian. If you are a foreigner, request a bilingual version and verify it with a notary.
Key points to include:
term of lease (usually 6–12 months for small offices, 2–3 years for larger spaces);
monthly rent and payment method (in GEL or USD);
deposit (normally 1–2 months);
utility payments and maintenance responsibilities;
the landlord’s written consent to use the property as a legal address for registration.
If you rent through an agent, make sure the agent is officially registered and that the landlord is aware of the lease terms. Avoid paying deposits before signing a written agreement.
What to pay attention to:
electricity and internet — check the quality and provider before signing;
building condition — some low-cost offices need renovation, which is not always covered by the landlord;
tax receipts — if you need accounting proof of rent expenses, ask the landlord to issue a fiscal invoice;
termination terms — ensure you can end the lease early with notice, especially if your business is new or seasonal.
Rental prices in Tbilisi vary widely: from ₾25–40 per m² in central districts like Vake and Saburtalo, to ₾10–15 per m² in Rustavi or industrial zones.
Tax benefits and special regimes
Tax reporting in Georgia is simple and transparent. Most small businesses use the Revenue Service portal — an online system for submitting reports and paying taxes. You can handle everything yourself or hire a local accountant for ₾200–400 per month.
Beyond standard taxation, Georgia offers several favorable regimes that can significantly reduce your tax burden:
Small Business Status (1% tax). Individual Entrepreneurs with an annual turnover of up to ₾500,000 can apply for small business status and pay only 1% of revenue. The main condition is that you must issue invoices and keep simple monthly records. Once the limit is exceeded, the rate increases to 3%.
Virtual Zone Company (0% tax on IT services provided to foreign clients). IT companies providing software development or other tech services to foreign clients can register as a Virtual Zone Entity. This status grants a 0% corporate income tax and no VAT on exported digital services. The regime is ideal for software developers, web studios, and IT outsourcing firms.
Individual Entrepreneur (Micro Business). If your annual turnover is below ₾30,000 and you have no hired employees, you can register as a micro business and pay 0% income tax. The only requirement is to keep basic records of your income.
Free Industrial Zone (FIZ). This regime suits companies involved in production or international trade.
Free Industrial Zones (FIZ) in Georgia
Georgia operates four FIZ — special economic areas designed to attract international companies through tax exemptions, simplified regulation, and flexible trade policies. These zones are especially popular among manufacturing, logistics, IT, and crypto-related businesses that work with foreign clients.
Main FIZ Locations:
Tbilisi Free Zone (TFZ) — focused on IT, fintech, and light industry. Located within the capital, it offers modern infrastructure, high-speed internet, and convenient access to government offices and financial services.
Kutaisi Free Industrial Zone (KFIZ) — one of the oldest zones, ideal for logistics and light production. Lower operational costs and proximity to Georgia’s main transport corridor.
Hualing Kutaisi Free Industrial Zone (Hualing FIZ) — a newer zone developed by the Chinese Hualing Group. It provides large industrial spaces, warehouses, and housing for employees. Suited for manufacturing, trading, and warehousing with strong Chinese investment support.
Poti Free Industrial Zone (PFIZ) — located near Georgia’s largest seaport, making it perfect for import/export businesses, shipping, and logistics hubs.
Companies registered in an FIZ benefit from:
0% Corporate Income Tax,
0% VAT on international trade,
0% Property Tax,
0% Import Duty on goods entering the zone.
The only mandatory fee is a 1% FIZ license charge on revenue, which replaces standard income taxation. However, if the company sells goods or services within Georgia, local taxes apply for those domestic transactions.
Registration and Operation
To establish a company in an FIZ, registration is handled directly through the zone’s administration, not the Public Registry. The process takes about 1–2 business days and requires:
a valid passport,
a local address within the zone,
a brief business plan or description,
a lease or virtual office agreement.
Many FIZs allow remote registration and virtual office services, making them suitable for IT, crypto, and consulting businesses without a physical presence.
Doing business in Georgia is easier than in most countries in the region — the registration process is simple, taxes are transparent, and the government actively supports entrepreneurs.
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