Residence & immigration · 2026
Georgia’s immigration rules changed on 1 September.
The spouse permit, student rules and procedural changes explained—with links to the legislation and the relevant residence guides.
Read the September changes →Independent local knowledge
Make Tbilisi
feel like yours.
Clear local guides, practical services and a welcoming international community—for people building a life in Georgia.
TBILISI41.7151° N
44.8271° E
44.8271° E
Built here.
Written for you.
Written for you.
NEW IN TOWN ✦ LIVING WELL ✦ DOING BUSINESS ✦ MAKING CONNECTIONS ✦ NEW IN TOWN ✦ LIVING WELL ✦ DOING BUSINESS ✦ MAKING CONNECTIONS ✦
September briefing · reviewed 19 September 2026
What matters for
life in Tbilisi.
Start with the immigration changes, see what is coming up, then catch up on the city’s transport plans.
Culture, coffee & sport
A calendar that moves with the city.
Upcoming dates, organiser links and practical details in one place. Expired listings leave the current selection automatically.
Explore upcoming events →Transport briefing · September 2026
Tram plans, metro renewal and Rustaveli works.
The September transport briefing separates the planned Didi Digomi–Didube tram from travel options available now.
Read the transport briefing →Tbilisi, decoded
What brings you
to Georgia?
Choose the question in front of you. Each path leads directly to useful guidance and accountable local support.
01 · MOVING & SETTLING
I’m building a life in Tbilisi
Housing, neighbourhoods, healthcare, personal banking, connectivity and first-month essentials.
Start here →02 · STARTING A BUSINESSI want to work or operate in Georgia
IE, LLC, virtual office, business banking, accounting, tax and right-to-work support.
Explore business services →03 · PLANNING RESIDENCEI need the right legal route
Compare work, family, real-estate, study, IT, investment and permanent residence.
Find your residence route →04 · ALREADY HEREI need a human answer
Speak with our Tbilisi team by WhatsApp, email, live chat or an arranged appointment.
Ask a local specialist →What’s on · Tbilisi
Make room for a good city week.
Source review: . Dates use Tbilisi time.
Check the organiser again before booking or travelling.
Open the full calendar →Culture · Music
Morricone — The Legend of Cinema
Griboedov Theatre, Tbilisi
A concert of film music associated with Ennio Morricone. The ticket seller lists an 8 pm start; children under six are not admitted.
Tickets from 120 GEL
Programme and tickets Source checkedCulture · Family
Tbilisi International Animation Festival
Tbilisi · check each screening venue
The festival’s FilmFreeway listing gives these 2026 dates. Check the final public programme for screening venues, ticketing, ages and language before attending.
Public admission details: check organiser
Organiser’s festival listing Source checkedFood · Culture
Tbilisi Coffee Festival
Expo Georgia · Pavilions 4–5
Two days of coffee tastings, roasters, equipment, workshops and competitions. The organiser publishes day and weekend passes.
10 GEL / one day · 15 GEL / two days
Official festival and tickets Source checkedSport · Family
Tbilisi Marathon
Republic Square · start and finish
The organiser lists the 2026 race day and Republic Square location. The exact start time was not published on the agenda when checked; confirm your race, start time and registration separately.
Registration and availability: check organiser
Official race agenda Source checkedNo upcoming events are currently listed.
We do not keep expired dates under “What’s on”. Browse city ideas, food and drink or send an event to the local desk.
No upcoming events match this category. Choose another filter.
Useful now
Completed expat guides
01Housing
Housing
Rent an apartment with better checks
Ownership, contracts, deposits, utilities and a clean handover.Read guide →02Health
Health
Navigate healthcare in Tbilisi
Emergency 112, clinics, insurance, pharmacies and medical records.Read guide →03Family
Family
Settle in Tbilisi with children
Schools, housing, healthcare, transport and a workable family routine.Read guide →04Tax
Tax
Understand Georgia’s 1% regime
Eligibility, thresholds, VAT and the monthly compliance reality.Read guide →05Residence
Residence
Compare Georgia residence routes
Work, family, real estate, study, IT and investment pathways.Read guide →06Documents
Documents
Prepare a residence file
Identity, lawful stay, route evidence, translation and authentication.Read guide →Local expertise
When a guide
isn’t enough.
Get practical support from English-speaking specialists who understand both Georgian systems and international expectations.
Tell us what you need ↗01↗02↗03↗04↗05↗06↗07↗08↗
Individual Entrepreneur & 1% Status
Georgia IE registration and Small Business Status support with a transparent local package.
LLC Registration in Georgia
Company formation for foreign founders, including documents and local coordination.
Virtual Office in Tbilisi or Batumi
Legal and mailing addresses with optional Georgian telephone assistance.
English-Speaking Accounting
Monthly bookkeeping, declarations, VAT and payroll support for IE and LLC clients.
Georgia Labour Permit / Right to Work
2026 screening and applications for employees, active directors and self-employed foreigners.
Georgia Residence Permits
Route selection for work, family, property, study, IT, investment and permanent residence.
Real-Estate Residence
Application support for qualifying non-agricultural property above the statutory value threshold.
Tax Residency in Georgia
The 183-day test, treaty overlap, certificates and the high-net-worth alternative.
Made in Tbilisi
Local knowledge.
A team you can reach.
Business, tax and residence guides are checked against Georgian authorities and legislation.
We explain our fees, official charges and likely extras before work begins.
We review your situation first, then explain the route, documents and realistic timing.
TBILISI EXPAT LLC · ID 405617603
Besiki Business Center, Besiki 4, 0108 Tbilisi, Georgia
From the city guide archive
Still worth exploring.
Visitor guides and everyday essentials—not current-event listings. Check venues directly before a visit.
YOU'RE
INVITED
INVITED
Find your people
A city is better
with company.
Meet newcomers, long-term residents and locals. Ask questions, share discoveries and make plans beyond the group chat.
Join the community →Tbilisi expat FAQ · 2026
Questions expats
actually ask.
Clear answers first, with detailed guides for decisions that need more context.
Is Tbilisi a good place for expats in 2026?+
Tbilisi offers an established international population, varied neighbourhoods, strong food and café culture, private healthcare and relatively simple access to many everyday services. The right fit still depends on budget, traffic tolerance, language expectations and long-term visa or residence plans.
What should I arrange before moving to Tbilisi?+
Check entry rules for your citizenship, keep health insurance and essential records, plan temporary accommodation, and avoid signing a long lease before testing the neighbourhood and commute. Our Living and Start Here sections organize the next decisions.
How do foreigners rent an apartment in Tbilisi?+
Search listings and agents, but verify the owner and property, use a clear written contract, document the apartment condition, identify every utility account and define deposit-return rules before payment.
How does healthcare work for expats in Tbilisi?+
Many international residents use private clinics and either pay directly or claim through insurance. Choose a routine clinic in advance, understand insurer pre-authorization rules, keep itemized records, and call 112 for a serious emergency.
Can a foreigner register a business in Georgia?+
Foreign citizens can generally establish an Individual Entrepreneur or LLC. Registration does not by itself settle tax status, banking, permission to work or residence; those questions require separate analysis.
How does Georgia’s 1% tax work for freelancers?+
The 1% rate is associated with qualifying Individual Entrepreneurs who obtain Small Business Status and earn income within the regime. Activity exclusions, source rules, the GEL 500,000 threshold, VAT and monthly filing must be checked separately.
Do foreigners need a labour permit in Georgia in 2026?+
Since 1 March 2026, many foreign employees and self-employed people performing activity in Georgia need a separate right-to-work authorization unless a specific exemption applies. Company or IE registration alone is not the authorization.
Which Georgian residence permit can I apply for?+
Common routes include work, family reunification, qualifying real estate, study, IT and investment. Permanent and other special routes also exist. Citizenship, lawful stay, evidence and timing determine the correct basis.
Can property ownership provide Georgian residence?+
A short-term residence route may apply to qualifying non-agricultural property with certified market value exceeding USD 150,000 equivalent in GEL. Purchase price alone does not establish the statutory value, and approval is not automatic.
How can I contact Tbilisi Expats?+
Message +995 555 600 077 on WhatsApp, email hello@tbilisiexpats.com, use live chat, or arrange an appointment at Besiki Business Center, Besiki 4, 0108 Tbilisi. Services are provided by TBILISI EXPAT LLC, ID 405617603.
Ready when you are