In 2025, Georgia hosts a good population of remote workers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and retirees who have relocated from higher-cost regions in Western Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. This article examines the realities of expat life in Georgia, focusing on the economic, legal, and social conditions that shape daily experiences for foreign residents.

Cost of Living and Housing

One of the primary reasons expats continue to settle in Georgia is the relatively low cost of living compared to most European cities. In Tbilisi, monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in central districts typically ranges from $400 to $700, while outer parts cost between $250 and $450. Batumi offers comparable pricing, though waterfront properties command higher rates during the summer months.

Grocery expenses for a single person average around $150 to $200 per month, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices than Western-style supermarkets. Public transportation remains affordable, with metro fares in Tbilisi priced at approximately $0.20 per ride.

However, rental prices have increased noticeably since 2023, particularly in districts popular with digital nomads such as Vake, Saburtalo, and Vera. This reflects growing demand from international residents and has raised affordability concerns among both expats and locals.

Employment and Work

Georgia's appeal to remote workers stems from streamlined regulations for freelancers and entrepreneurs. The "Remotely from Georgia" visa program allows employees and freelancers to reside in the country for up to one year without old work permits, provided they earn income from foreign sources.

Foreign nationals can register as individual entrepreneurs within days, often online, and benefit from a flat tax rate of 1% on annual turnover up to approximately $130,000. This structure has attracted consultants, software developers, designers, and content creators who operate internationally while based in Georgia.

Several international companies with distributed teams have employees working from Tbilisi, taking advantage of the time zone that overlaps with both European and Asian business hours. Coworking spaces such as Impact Hub Tbilisi and Terminal provide reliable internet, meeting rooms, and networking opportunities.

Community and Lifestyle

The expat community in Georgia has grown massively, particularly in Tbilisi and Batumi. Online platforms and social media groups facilitate connections among foreign residents, organising language exchanges, cultural events, and professional networking sessions.

Batumi has developed a smaller but active remote work community, with cafés and shared workspaces catering to international visitors. Expats frequently report that Georgia offers a balance between affordability and quality of life, with access to restaurants and outdoor areas.

Cultural Adjustment and Local Interaction

Language presents one of the more noticeable challenges for expats. Georgian uses a unique alphabet and grammatical structure, making fluency difficult to achieve quickly. English is widely spoken in Tbilisi's central districts and among younger Georgians, but remains less common in rural regions.

Georgian hospitality is frequently mentioned as a positive aspect of daily life. Many foreign residents find locals willing to assist with practical matters. Learning basic Georgian phrases improves interactions in local markets and government offices where English may not be available.

Along with that, Georgians seem to value personal relationships in professional contexts, and building trust often takes precedence over transactional efficiency.

Georgia offers several visa options for expats, including tourist visas that permit stays of up to one year for citizens of many countries. Residence permits are available for those starting businesses or making property investments.

Tax residency rules state that individuals spending more than 183 days per year in Georgia become tax residents, though income earned from foreign sources by remote workers may not be subject to Georgian taxation depending on specific circumstances.

Banking has become more accessible for foreigners, with several Georgian banks offering accounts to non-residents. However, expats usually maintain accounts in their home countries for certain financial activities.

Living Challenges

Despite its advantages, Georgia presents challenges. Internet connectivity in Tbilisi and Batumi generally meets the needs of remote workers, though rural areas may have inconsistent service.

Healthcare has improved, but remains uneven. Tbilisi offers private clinics with English-speaking staff and modern equipment, though costs can be high without insurance. Many foreign residents purchase international health insurance.

Also, the rental market's short-term agreements create uncertainty for expats planning extended stays, as landlords increasingly favour arrangements that allow for frequent price adjustments.

Expat life in Georgia in 2025 reflects a balance as Georgia continues to attract remote workers through low living costs, simplified business registration, and easy visa policies. Growing expat communities provide social networks, while Georgia's location offers advantages for those working across multiple time zones. The expanding digital framework suggests it may continue developing as a stable option for long-term relocation in the South Caucasus region.