Georgia’s year-long visa-free stay made it a nomad favourite, and it still applies. What changed in 2026 is the work side: a new permit system for paid activity. This page covers the position as of October 2026. Rules are new and guidance is still developing, so check with a Georgian lawyer or the official sources before relying on it.
Visa-Free Stay#
- Who: citizens of around 95 countries, including the US, UK, EU countries, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
- Stay: up to one year per entry. Leaving and returning starts a new year.
- Travel insurance: since January 2026, visitors must hold travel or health insurance covering at least GEL 30,000 for the length of their stay, and may be asked for it at the border.
The 2026 Work Permit System#
From 1 March 2026, most foreigners without permanent residence need a right to labour activity permit before doing paid work, freelance activity or business in Georgia.
- Employees of Georgian companies need a permit and a work residence permit.
- Individual entrepreneurs (IEs), the popular route for foreign freelancers, are covered too. Existing IEs had until 1 May 2026 before enforcement began.
- Remote work for foreign employers or clients: the law’s wording is broad, and whether it covers people working remotely in Georgia for clients abroad has not been clearly settled.
- Fines: GEL 2,000 for a first offence, doubling for repeat offences.
Residence Permits#
Longer-term residence is available through work, business (with investment), property ownership above set thresholds, study and family ties. Permanent residence takes several years.
Georgia's Visa Options Compared#
Georgia (country): Visa-free stay (365 days) not a nomad visa
- Stay
- Up to 1 year per entry
- Valid for
- Per entry
- Renewal
- Leave and re-enter
- Money required
- None at the border; travel insurance of GEL 30,000 required since January 2026
- Fee
- Free
- Who qualifies
- Citizens of about 95 countries, including the US, UK, EU, Canada and Australia.
- Tax
- 1% tax on turnover up to GEL 500,000 if you register as an individual entrepreneur with small-business status
- How to apply
- Nothing to apply for. Official site
Since March 2026 Georgia requires work permits for foreigners. Pure remote work for foreign clients sits in a grey area: check before you rely on it.
Georgia (country) for digital nomads · Rules checked October 2026. Confirm with the official source before applying.
Georgia Visa FAQs#
How long can I stay in Georgia without a visa?
Up to a year per entry for citizens of around 95 countries, including the US, UK, EU, Canada and Australia.
Do I need insurance to visit Georgia?
Yes. Since January 2026, visitors must have insurance covering at least GEL 30,000 for their stay.
Do I need a work permit to work remotely from Georgia?
Since March 2026, foreigners need a permit for paid activity in Georgia. Whether this covers remote work for foreign clients hasn’t been clearly settled; check current guidance.
Can foreigners still register as individual entrepreneurs in Georgia?
Yes, but individual entrepreneurs now also need a work permit.