Moving Guide

1) Get a Georgian SIM card at the airport (Magti or Geocell, ~$9 for a month of unlimited data). 2) Check into your Airbnb. 3) Open a TBC Bank or Bank of Georgia account with your passport. 4) Join the Tbilisi Expats Facebook group and post an introduction - you'll get restaurant recommendations, housing leads, and event invites within hours. 5) Walk the Vera neighborhood to scout apartments for a longer-term lease. 6) Eat khinkali and drink natural wine.

Tbilisi can work for families - it's safe, affordable, and has international schools. The International School of Georgia (ISG) offers an IB curriculum. However, the city is less developed for families than, say, Portugal or Spain - fewer expat family amenities, limited English-language pediatric care, and a nightlife-heavy social culture in expat neighborhoods. Vake district (quieter, more residential) is the best neighborhood for families.

Citizens of 95+ countries (including USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia) can enter Georgia with just a valid passport - no visa, no entry form. You get 1 year visa-free. For stays beyond 1 year, apply for a 1-year residence permit before expiry. Proof of onward travel or accommodation is rarely requested at the border. Children need their own passport or must be listed in a parent's passport in some countries.

SIM cards are available at Tbilisi airport and in any city shop. Major carriers: Geocell (best coverage), MagtiCom (best data deals), Silknet. Bring your passport - SIM registration is required. SIM + starter data package: ~5 GEL ($2). Unlimited data plans: $5–$8/month. Most of Tbilisi has excellent 4G LTE coverage; rural mountain areas vary.

Georgia offers several residence permit types: 1-year renewable permits for Individual Entrepreneurs (SBS registered), property owners (purchase of 100,000+ USD property), and company directors. Apply at the Public Service Hall (PSH) in Tbilisi or any major city. Required: passport, application form, proof of qualification (business registration, property deed, etc.), photo. Processing: 10 working days. Fee: 210 GEL ($78). The permit grants 1-year stay, renewable indefinitely.

Georgia offers 1-year renewable residence permits for: Individual Entrepreneurs (SBS-registered), property owners (purchase of $100,000+ USD property), company directors, and spouses of Georgian citizens. Apply at the Public Service Hall (PSH) in Tbilisi. Required: passport, application form, proof of qualification, photo. Processing: 10 working days. Fee: 210 GEL ($78). The permit grants 1-year stay and is renewable indefinitely as long as qualifications are maintained.