Georgia Remotely from Georgia

The "Remotely from Georgia" program was launched by the Georgian government in July 2020. It is designed to attract foreign remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads to live and work in Georgia for an extended period. The initiative was a response to the global shift towards remote working due to the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to boost the country's economy by welcoming international talent. Eligibility for the program includes: 1. Being a citizen of one of the 95 countries listed by the Georgian government. 2. Proof of employment with a minimum monthly income threshold, ensuring participants can support themselves financially while in Georgia. 3. The ability to stay in Georgia for a minimum of 180 days. 4. Valid travel insurance for the duration of the stay. Applicants must also follow Georgian laws and regulations concerning COVID-19, such as health and safety guidelines. Successful applicants are granted the right to reside in Georgia and can benefit from the country's business-friendly environment, its rich culture, and relatively low cost of living. The program offers an opportunity for digital nomads to explore a new destination while maintaining their professional activities.

Who can be eligible for the Georgia Remotely from Georgia programm for digital nomads?

• Remote Workers: Individuals employed by companies and organizations outside of Georgia who can perform their job duties remotely, generally this includes freelancers, contractors, and telecommuters.
• Business Owners: Entrepreneurs who own businesses registered outside of Georgia and can manage their business remotely.
• Startups: Founders and team members of startup companies who can operate digitally without being tied to a specific location and whose businesses are based outside of Georgia.
• Freelancers: Independent professionals offering services to clients globally and are not tied to a specific location for their work.

Please note that applicants to the program typically must prove their ability to support themselves financially without taking local jobs from Georgians. This may include providing proof of income or bank statements as part of the application process. There might also be other criteria set by the Georgian government at the time of application, such as visa requirements, health insurance coverage, and a clean criminal record.

Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Georgia

• Affordable Cost of Living: Georgia is known for its relatively low cost of living when compared to many Western countries, which means that digital nomads can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without spending a lot of money.
• Favorable Visa Policies: Georgia offers a one-year visa-free regime for citizens of many countries and an easy process for applying for longer stays, which is appealing to digital nomads looking for a hassle-free legal framework.
• Growing Tech Community: The tech community in Georgia is flourishing, providing digital nomads with networking opportunities, co-working spaces, and tech events.
• High-Speed Internet: In the big cities and increasingly in smaller towns, Georgia offers high-speed internet, which is crucial for remote work.
• Cultural Experiences: Georgia boasts a rich history, diverse culture, and unique traditions, which can be inspiring for those seeking new experiences alongside their work.
• Beautiful Landscapes: From its bustling cities to the serene countryside, breathtaking mountains, and Black Sea coastline, Georgia offers varied environments for nomads to explore and enjoy during downtime.
• Friendly Locals: Georgians are known for their hospitality, which can make settling into a new country much easier for digital nomads.
• Comfortable Climate: The climate in Georgia is diverse, but generally, it offers warm summers and relatively mild winters, especially in areas away from the mountains, which is conducive to year-round comfort.
• Safety: Georgia is often ranked as one of the safer countries to live in, making it an attractive destination for those traveling and working alone.
• Ease of Access: The geographical location of Georgia serves as a gateway between Europe and Asia, providing digital nomads the convenience to travel to other nearby countries easily.
• Cuisine: Georgian cuisine is varied and flavorful, with a wide range of dishes that are often organic and locally sourced, making dining a true pleasure.
• Time Zone Advantages: For those working with clients in European and Asian time zones, Georgia's time zone is convenient, helping maintain reasonable working hours.
• Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Finally, the low cost of starting a business, coupled with local growth opportunities, may serve as an incentive for digital nomads considering entrepreneurial ventures.

How much does the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

The visa application fee is 220 EUR. Visa fee is non-refundable.

Processing time for the Digital Nomad Visa in Georgia - Remotely from Georgia

The processing time for the "Remotely from Georgia" program can vary based on the current workload of the Georgian government, the completeness and accuracy of your application, and a variety of other factors. Generally, after submitting all necessary documents, you might expect a response within a standard time frame established by the Georgian administration. For the most accurate and current information on processing times, you should contact the relevant Georgian authorities or visit the official website designated for the "Remotely from Georgia" program. Additionally, keep an eye out for any recent updates or news releases from the Georgian government that might affect processing times.

How long can I stay in Georgia as a Digital Nomad?

Visa on Remotely from Georgia is valid for 360 days.

Paying taxes as a Digital Nomad in Georgia

Digital nomads in Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state) often opt for the status of "individual entrepreneur" with "Small Business Status," provided they qualify under Georgian law. This status is commonly sought after by freelancers and remote workers due to its tax advantages.

• Income Tax: With the Small Business Status, individual entrepreneurs typically pay 1% income tax on turnover up to 500,000 GEL per year. If the turnover exceeds this amount, the tax rate increases to 3% for the excess.
• Value-Added Tax (VAT): If your services are provided to Georgian companies or individuals, you may need to charge VAT if your turnover exceeds 100,000 GEL in any consecutive 12-month period. As of the cutoff knowledge, the standard VAT rate in Georgia is 18%.
• Personal Income Tax: For other kinds of income not covered under the Small Business Status (for instance, rental income, dividend income, etc.), you might be subject to the standard personal income tax rate, which is normally 20%.
• Dividend Tax: If you’re an individual entrepreneur and you decide to distribute profits as dividends, there is a 5% tax on dividends.

It's important to be aware that tax laws can vary depending on your specific circumstance and the nature of your work. Additionally, Georgia has double taxation treaties with many countries, which may affect the amount of tax you need to pay. It is advisable to consult with a tax professional or legal advisor to understand your tax obligations fully.

Is it possible to apply the Digital Nomad Visa in Georgia for themselves as well as for dependents?

Sure, the "Remotely from Georgia" program is tailored for remote workers, freelancers, and business owners who wish to live in Georgia (the country in the Caucasus region, not the U.S. State) while continuing to work for a foreign employer or their own business registered abroad. The program was designed by the Georgian government to attract foreign nationals during the COVID-19 pandemic to stimulate the local economy. As for the application for dependents, typically, remote work visa programs allow applicants to include their dependents in their application. Dependents would usually include the applicant's spouse, children, and sometimes other family members who rely on the applicant for support. Here is an overview of the application process:

• Review the Eligibility Criteria: Confirm you meet the program's requirements, usually including having a valid passport, proof of employment or ownership of a company, monthly income threshold, and valid travel insurance.
• Prepare the Required Documents: Prepare all necessary documentation, such as proof of income, work contracts, business licenses, and proof of health insurance coverage.
• Include Dependents in the Application: If the program allows, include your dependents in your application. You will likely need to provide documentation for each dependent, such as passports and proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificates).
• Submit the Application: Follow the specific procedures to submit your application, which may be online or through a consulate/embassy.
• Wait for Approval: After submission, there will be a processing period during which your application is reviewed. If necessary, the authorities may request additional documents or clarification.
• Receive Visa/Residence Permit: If approved, you will obtain either a visa or a residence permit allowing you and your dependents to legally reside in Georgia.

Note that the specific requirements and processes may change, so it's essential to check the most current information from official Georgian government resources or contact their consulate before making any arrangements.