Tbilisi: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia, with about 1.2 million people. The old town with sulphur baths, wooden balconies and Narikala fortress sits next to Soviet blocks and new towers. In recent years the city has become one of the main relocation hubs for IT specialists, entrepreneurs and remote workers from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Europe, with coworking spaces, cafés and newcomer communities.

Tbilisi suits remote workers and entrepreneurs who value low taxes for sole traders, a long visa-free stay and low costs. It suits less those seeking quiet, clean air in the centre and a predictable political climate.

Districts

• Vake - a prestigious green district with a park, cafés and good schools, the highest rents.
• Saburtalo - modern residential complexes, the metro and malls, popular with families and IT people.
• Vera and Sololaki - atmospheric old quarters near the centre, cafés and galleries.
• Old Town and Abanotubani - the tourist centre with baths and restaurants, noisy.
• Didube and Chugureti - the left bank with converted factories and creative spaces, lower rents.

Housing and prices

A one-bedroom flat in Vake costs $600-1,000 a month in 2026, and $450-750 in Saburtalo. Rents are usually quoted in dollars. Market food, cafés, taxis and summer utility bills are inexpensive, while winter heating bills are noticeably higher. The currency is the lari.

Taxes

Income tax is 20%. A sole trader with small business status pays 1% of turnover up to 500,000 lari a year, which makes Georgia popular with freelancers and IT specialists. Corporate tax is 15% only when profit is distributed, dividends are taxed at 5% and VAT is 18%. More on the page about taxes in Georgia.

Practicalities

• Entry. Citizens of Russia and more than 95 other countries can live in Georgia visa-free for up to 365 days. Since 2026 health insurance is mandatory at entry.
• Work. Since 2026 foreign self-employed people and sole traders need a work permit, best obtained right after registering as a sole trader.
• Transport. Two metro lines, buses and ride-hailing. The international airport is 17 kilometres from the centre.
• Language. Georgian; many people speak Russian, young people English.
• Climate. Summers are hot, often above 30 degrees; winters are mild, around zero and above.

Moving and legal status

Most newcomers live in Georgia visa-free and register as a sole trader at the Public Service Hall in a day. Residence permits are issued for work, through one's own company with turnover, through property purchase or for study and family. There is no separate digital nomad visa, nor is one needed: the one-year visa-free regime covers a remote worker's needs. More on the page about living and working remotely in Georgia.

Food, wine and trips

Georgian food and wine are an important part of life: khachapuri, khinkali, qvevri wines and feasts with toasts. At weekends people visit Kakheti's wineries, Mtskheta and Kazbegi in the mountains, and in winter the Gudauri ski resort two hours away. Batumi and the Black Sea are about five hours by train.

Buying property

Foreigners freely buy flats and houses in Georgia, with the deal registered in the public registry in a day or two; restrictions apply only to agricultural land. Since 1 March 2026 a home with an appraised value of at least $150,000 (previously $100,000) gives the right to a short-term residence permit. New builds in Tbilisi are often sold off-plan with instalments, so the developer is worth checking in advance.

Is Tbilisi worth considering for life

Pros: a year visa-free for Russian citizens, 1% tax for sole traders, inexpensive living, great food, mountains and sea nearby and a large newcomer community. Cons: noise and traffic, smog in the centre, political tension, and new insurance and work permit requirements. Tbilisi is a convenient base for remote work and a small business. Write in the chat and we will register your sole trader status and find a basis for residence.