Visa-Free Stay in Georgia (1 Year)
365-day visa exemption · Georgian 1-year tourist entry · 365-day entry policy
Definition
Georgia's 1-year visa-free stay policy allows citizens from over 95 countries to enter, reside, and work in the country without a visa for up to 365 consecutive days. The allowance automatically resets upon crossing an international border and re-entering Georgia, offering significant flexibility for remote workers, foreign investors, and property buyers.
In detail
Overview of the 365-Day Policy
Georgia maintains one of the most liberal entry regimes globally. Pursuant to Georgian legislation (Decree No. 255/256 of the Government of Georgia), passport holders from designated countries—including EU member states, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and GCC nations—can enter Georgia without a pre-arranged visa and remain legally for up to 365 full days.
Work and Business Operations
Unlike typical tourist entry allowances in other jurisdictions, Georgia's visa-free policy explicitly grants foreign nationals the right to engage in professional activities, remote work, and business administration. Foreign citizens residing under this status can legally:
- Register commercial entities or register as Individual Entrepreneurs (IE).
- Open personal and business bank accounts with domestic financial institutions.
- Receive foreign and domestic income (subject to local tax regulations).
The Mechanics of Border Runs
Under current immigration administration, exiting Georgian territory through an official international border control point (air, sea, or land) and re-entering resets the 365-day visa-free counter. However, investors and long-term visitors must distinguish between immigration permissions and fiscal obligations:
- Immigration Allowance: Resets upon each documented entry into the country.
- Tax Residency: Automatically triggered if an individual spends 183 days or more in Georgia within any continuous 12-month period, irrespective of immigration status or border reset count.
Comparison with Formal Residence Permits
While the 1-year visa-free stay eliminates immediate administrative hurdles, living in Georgia without a formal permit has limitations. Non-resident visa-free visitors do not receive a Georgian state e-ID card, which can occasionally restrict access to certain long-term financial services or public utilities. Foreign buyers investing in real estate valued at 150,000 USD or higher frequently transition from visa-free status to a formal Short-Term Residence Permit to establish documented, long-term legal status.
Georgian context
Georgia's 1-year visa-free framework serves as a core driver for international real estate demand and digital nomad migration. Citizens of approximately 95 eligible countries enter with a simple entry stamp. Real estate buyers often live in Georgia under this entry allowance while identifying, purchasing, or renovating property. However, purchasing real estate does not automatically grant a residence permit unless the qualifying market value meets or exceeds the statutory threshold of 150,000 USD. Furthermore, property buyers should note that all new-build real estate purchases in Georgia incur an 18% Value Added Tax (VAT), which is always included in the developer's advertised price under Georgian market standards.
Real example
A investor from France purchases a residential apartment in Tbilisi for 120,000 USD. Because the purchase price is under the statutory 150,000 USD threshold required for a Short-Term Residence Permit, the investor cannot apply for real-estate-based residency. Instead, as an EU citizen, they reside in Tbilisi legally for 11 months under the 365-day visa-free allowance. Before the year expires, they take a weekend trip to Istanbul. Upon re-entering Tbilisi International Airport, Georgian border authorities issue a new entry stamp, granting a fresh 365-day visa-free stay.
Common mistakes
- ×Confusing the 365-day immigration entry allowance with tax residency (which activates after 183 days in a 12-month period).
- ×Assuming that purchasing any real estate under 150,000 USD grants an official Georgian residence card.
- ×Believing that border runs erase physical days spent in Georgia for tax residency calculations.
- ×Expecting developer sales prices for new builds to exclude VAT (in Georgia, 18% VAT is strictly included in advertised prices).
Frequently asked questions
Which countries qualify for Georgia's 1-year visa-free stay?
Citizens of approximately 95 countries qualify, including all European Union member states, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan, South Korea, and GCC countries. The complete list is maintained by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.
Can I work or open a business during a 1-year visa-free stay in Georgia?
Yes. Georgian immigration regulations permit visa-free visitors to conduct business, engage in remote work, and register as Individual Entrepreneurs or company founders without requiring a separate work permit.
Does a border run reset the 365-day entry timer in Georgia?
Yes. Crossing an international border and re-entering Georgia resets the 365-day immigration allowance. However, border officials retain discretionary entry authority, and border runs do not alter physical days counted toward the 183-day tax residency rule.
Do I need a residence permit to buy property in Georgia?
No. Foreign nationals can freely purchase and register real estate in Georgia using only a valid foreign passport. However, obtaining a formal Short-Term Residence Permit through property investment requires a minimum property value of 150,000 USD.
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