GEORGIA DIGITAL NOMAD VISA

Georgia Digital Nomad Visa

Photowind

Feb 25, 2023 • 6 min read

Georgia launched the "Remotely from Georgia" visa in 2020, providing a compelling option for individuals seeking an extended stay in the country, including remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs with their families.

The visa allows settling for a minimum of six months to a maximum of one year. With the benefit of visa-free access to ninety-five countries, Georgia is a prime location for digital nomads seeking to relocate for an extended period.

Advantages of Georgia Digital Nomad Visa

The Georgia Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the Remotely Engaged Individual Visa, is a special visa program that allows digital nomads to work remotely from Georgia for up to 1 year. Here are some of the advantages of the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa:

1. Ease of application: The application process for the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa is relatively simple and straightforward. The visa can be obtained online, and applicants are usually notified of their visa status within 10 business days.

2. Low cost: The visa fee for the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa is relatively low, making it an affordable option for digital nomads who want to work and live in Georgia.

3. Long duration: The Georgia Digital Nomad Visa allows digital nomads to stay in Georgia for up to 1 year, giving them ample time to explore the country and experience its culture.

4. No restrictions on work: With the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa, digital nomads are allowed to work for any employer, including foreign companies, as long as their work is performed remotely.

5. Tax benefits: Georgia has a flat income tax rate of 20%, which is lower than many other countries. This can result in significant tax savings for digital nomads who earn income while working remotely in Georgia.

Quality of life: Georgia offers a high quality of life at an affordable cost. It has a rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and a growing tech scene, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads.

Overall, the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa offers a great opportunity for digital nomads to live and work in a welcoming country with a low cost of living and many other benefits.

Georgia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

The Georgia Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the "Remotely from Georgia" program, is a new initiative launched by the government of Georgia to attract digital nomads to the country.

The visa allows remote workers to live and work in Georgia for up to 365 days. Here are the requirements for the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa:

1. Eligibility: You must be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Georgia, and you must be able to work remotely.

2. Health insurance: You must have health insurance coverage for the entire duration of your stay in Georgia. The insurance policy must cover medical expenses, emergency medical treatment, and repatriation.

3. Income: You must provide evidence of a steady income that meets the minimum income requirement for the program. Currently, the minimum income requirement is set at $2,000 per month.

4. Criminal record: You must not have a criminal record in your home country or in Georgia.

5. Accommodation: You must provide proof of accommodation for your stay in Georgia. This can be in the form of a rental agreement or a booking confirmation from a hotel or hostel.

6. Application fee: You must pay a non-refundable fee of $200 for the application processing.

7. COVID-19 requirements: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants must also provide a negative PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Georgia, and undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

These are the main requirements for the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa, but please note that the requirements may change, and you should always check the official website of the Georgian government for the most up-to-date information.

Here are the steps to apply for a Georgia digital nomad visa

1. Check if you are eligible: To qualify for a digital nomad visa in Georgia, you must be a remote worker who is employed by a foreign company, self-employed or a freelancer, have an income of at least $2,000 per month, and not intend to work for Georgian companies.

2. Gather the required documents: You will need to gather the following documents for your application:

Valid passport

Travel insurance covering the entire duration of your stay in Georgia

Proof of employment, such as a work contract or letter from your employer

Proof of income, such as bank statements or tax returns

A letter explaining the purpose of your trip and why you have chosen Georgia as your destination

3. Apply online: The Georgia digital nomad visa application is online. You can apply through the Georgian e-Visa portal. You will need to create an account and fill in the application form. You will also need to upload the required documents.

4. Pay the visa fee: The digital nomad visa fee is $200, payable online during the application process.

5. Wait for the visa to be issued: The processing time for the digital nomad visa is up to 10 business days. Once your visa is approved, you will receive an electronic visa via email. You can use this visa to enter Georgia.

6. Register with the authorities: Within 48 hours of arrival in Georgia, you must register with the Public Service Hall or a local police station to obtain a residence permit.

Note that the information provided can chaneg, so it's best to check with the relevant authorities for any updates or changes to the visa requirements and application process.

Tax

As a digital nomad in Georgia, you may be required to pay taxes on your income, depending on your specific circumstances. Here are some general guidelines to help you understand your tax obligations as a digital nomad in Georgia:

1. Tax residency: If you stay in Georgia for more than 183 days in a calendar year, you will be considered a tax resident of Georgia and will be required to pay taxes on your worldwide income.

2. Non-resident tax: If you stay in Georgia for less than 183 days in a calendar year, you will be considered a non-resident and will only be required to pay taxes on the income earned in Georgia.

3. Tax rates: Georgia has a flat tax rate of 20% for both residents and non-residents.

4. Tax filing: All taxpayers in Georgia, both residents and non-residents, are required to file an annual tax return by April 1st of the following year.

5. Tax deductions: As a digital nomad, you may be eligible for tax deductions for expenses related to your work, such as travel and equipment costs. Be sure to keep accurate records of your expenses and consult with a tax professional to determine which deductions you may be eligible for.

If you are a tax resident of another country, you may be subject to double taxation on your income earned in Georgia. However, Georgia has tax treaties with many countries to prevent double taxation.

Be sure to check if your country has a tax treaty with Georgia and consult with a tax professional to determine how to avoid double taxation.

It is important to note that tax laws and regulations can change, so it is always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or accountant who is familiar with the latest tax laws and regulations in Georgia to ensure that you are complying with all tax obligations.

Types of Tax in Georgia

In Georgia, there are several types of taxes that individuals and businesses may be required to pay. Here are some of the main types of taxes in Georgia:

1. Personal Income Tax: This tax is levied on individuals who earn income in Georgia. The tax rate is a flat 20% for both residents and non-residents.

2. Corporate Income Tax: This tax is levied on the profits of Georgian and foreign companies operating in Georgia. The tax rate is also a flat 20%.

3. Value Added Tax (VAT): This is a tax on the value added to goods and services at each stage of production and distribution. The standard VAT rate in Georgia is 18%.

4. Excise Tax: This is a tax on certain goods, such as alcohol, tobacco, and fuel. The rate of excise tax varies depending on the type of product.

5. Property Tax: This is a tax on real estate, including land and buildings. The tax rate varies depending on the value of the property.

6. Social Security Tax: This tax is paid by both employers and employees and funds the social security system in Georgia.

7. Import and Export Taxes: These taxes are levied on goods imported into or exported from Georgia. The rates vary depending on the type of product and the country of origin or destination.