FAQ

Foreign investors can establish a business in Georgia by registering a company (LLC or JSC), branch, or representative office. GAACC guides members through entity selection, registration with the National Agency of Public Registry, bank account opening, and sector-specific licensing.

Most procedures can be started remotely with a power of attorney. Contact GAACC for step-by-step support tailored to your sector and investment size.

Georgia offers a straightforward regulatory environment, electronic tax filing, and accessible accounting standards. Efficient management typically involves local bookkeeping, compliance with VAT and income tax rules, and clear payroll administration.

GAACC connects members with trusted local partners for legal, tax, and HR services and shares practical guides on doing business in Georgia.

Residence permits are issued based on grounds such as work, business activity, property ownership, or family reunification. Investors who register a company, employ staff, or make qualifying investments may apply for a temporary residence permit, renewable subject to continued eligibility.

Requirements include valid passport, application form, proof of income or business activity, and health insurance. GAACC can outline the current rules for your situation.

Georgia is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the region for residents, tourists, and business travellers. Crime rates are comparatively low, and major cities have active police presence.

As with any country, standard precautions apply. GAACC provides members with local contacts and practical advice for operating safely.

Georgia consistently ranks among the most economically free countries globally (Heritage Index, World Bank Doing Business historically). The government pursues low regulation, open trade, and minimal barriers to starting a business.

Foreign and domestic investors generally face the same rules, with few sector restrictions.

Georgia does not set a single national minimum investment for all sectors. Thresholds depend on the activity — for example, certain residence permits or special status programmes may require minimum capital or turnover.

Many small and medium investments start from a few thousand USD for company registration and initial operations. GAACC advises on sector-specific requirements.

Key rates include: corporate income tax 15% (distributed profits regime), personal income tax 20%, VAT 18%, and import duties varying by product. Free Industrial Zones offer preferential treatment for qualifying enterprises.

Tax rules are updated periodically — GAACC recommends professional tax advice for your structure.

Priority sectors include tourism and hospitality, agriculture and food processing, renewable energy, logistics and transit, IT and shared services, manufacturing, and real estate development.

The government actively promotes hydropower, wine, textiles, and export-oriented production. GAACC helps match investors to opportunities and partners.

Support includes the Invest in Georgia agency, tax incentives in free zones, simplified registration, investment guarantees under bilateral treaties, and infrastructure development in key corridors.

Special programmes exist for large projects in energy, tourism, and manufacturing. GAACC liaises with agencies on behalf of members.

Company registration can often be completed within 1–2 business days online. Opening a bank account, obtaining tax identification, and hiring staff follow clear published steps.

Complex licences (finance, pharma, etc.) take longer. GAACC provides checklists and introductions to expedite your setup.

Georgia has undertaken major judicial reforms aimed at independence, transparency, and faster dispute resolution. Courts handle commercial disputes, and arbitration is available through the Georgian International Arbitration Centre.

Investors should use written contracts and local legal counsel. GAACC can refer trusted law firms.

Investor rights are protected under Georgian law, the Constitution, bilateral investment treaties, and membership in international conventions. The Public Defender and business ombudsman mechanisms address grievances.

Written agreements, proper registration, and compliance are the best practical protection. GAACC advocates for fair treatment of international members.

Georgia has achieved significant progress in reducing petty corruption and simplifying public services through e-government. Transparency International and World Bank governance indicators reflect steady improvement over the past decade.

Most business interactions are routine and document-based. GAACC promotes ethical business practices among members.

Foreign individuals may purchase non-agricultural land and buildings freely in most cases. Agricultural land purchases by foreigners are restricted — typically requiring a Georgian entity or special permission.

Due diligence on title and zoning is essential. GAACC connects members with real estate and legal advisors.

Real estate prices vary by city and district — Tbilisi central areas command higher commercial and residential rates than regional cities such as Batumi or Kutaisi. Yields in tourism zones can be attractive.

GAACC does not provide valuations but can share market contacts and trends for members considering property investment.

Free Industrial Zones (e.g. Hualing, Kutaisi, Poti) offer benefits such as preferential tax treatment, simplified customs, and ready infrastructure for manufacturing and logistics.

Qualifying companies operate under zone-specific rules. GAACC helps investors understand which zone fits their supply chain.

Georgia publishes laws and regulations online, uses electronic tax and customs systems, and maintains public business registers. Government procurement is increasingly digitised.

International indices rate Georgia above many peers for ease of doing business and regulatory transparency.

Georgia has FTAs including with the EU (DCFTA), EFTA, China, Hong Kong, UK, and CIS partners, plus GSP access to markets such as the USA and Canada.

These agreements support export-oriented manufacturing and re-export strategies. GAACC briefs members on rules of origin basics.

Georgia's market is competitive in most sectors, with active SME participation and growing foreign brands. Certain utilities and natural monopolies (power transmission, gas distribution) are regulated by the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission.

Competition law prohibits anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominance.

Citizenship is granted under strict conditions — typically long-term residence, exceptional contribution to Georgia, or investment programmes when active. Ordinary investors usually hold residence permits rather than seeking immediate citizenship.

Dual citizenship rules apply. GAACC recommends immigration counsel for any citizenship pathway.

Georgia offers a young, increasingly multilingual workforce with strong uptake of university education in business, IT, and engineering. Wage levels are competitive compared to EU markets.

Skilled talent is available in Tbilisi and major cities. GAACC supports members with recruitment and HR partner introductions.

GAACC offers Corporate ($600/year), Non-Profit ($400/year), and Entrepreneur ($300/year) memberships. Each plan includes networking, publications access, and chamber advocacy.

View current plans at /membership.

Members gain access to member-only publications, networking events, trade missions, partner introductions, and advocacy on business issues affecting Georgia–Asia–Africa relations.

Register an account, choose a plan at Membership, and complete checkout. Our team will confirm your membership and send onboarding details.

Log in to your member dashboard before your expiry date and select your plan to renew. You will receive email reminders as your renewal date approaches.