Why Georgia for Indians

Georgia sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and over the last few years it has become one of the most accessible places in the region for Indian entrepreneurs, remote workers, and investors. The cost of living is moderate, the climate is varied, the people are famously hospitable, and Tbilisi has a fast-growing community of foreign founders. For Indians specifically, the appeal is sharpened by a few hard advantages: a company can be registered in roughly a day, the tax system is genuinely simple, and a sole trader can qualify for a 1% turnover regime.

But there is one thing every Indian traveller has to settle first, and it is the single most important point on this page: the entry rules. Unlike citizens of many countries who can simply land in Georgia and stay for up to 365 days visa-free, Indian passport holders are an exception. Getting this right before you book a flight is the difference between a smooth arrival and being turned away at the airport.

Do you need a visa? e-Visa vs the third-country-visa exemption

This is where India is the exception. Most nationalities enjoy Georgia’s generous 365-day visa-free regime. Indian passport holders do not get this automatically. As a general rule, an Indian citizen needs a visa or e-visa to enter Georgia — unless they hold a valid (unexpired) visa or residence permit from certain third countries. If you qualify under that exemption, you can usually enter visa-free for up to 90 days.

The third-country exemption commonly covers holders of a valid visa or residence permit from the United States, the United Kingdom, the Schengen area, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the GCC states, Israel, or Ireland. The exact qualifying-country list and conditions can change, so always confirm the current list officially before you rely on it.

Use the decision matrix below as a starting point. As of 2026 — visa rules change frequently; confirm on the official portal geoconsul.gov.ge or evisa.gov.ge before travelling.

What travel documents you hold (Indian passport)	Likely entry route
A valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Schengen, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, a GCC state, Israel, or Ireland	Visa-free entry for up to 90 days (confirm the current qualifying list)
Indian passport only, no qualifying third-country visa/permit	Apply for a Georgian e-visa before travelling
Unsure whether your third-country document still qualifies or is still valid	Treat it as “e-visa needed” and verify officially before booking
Planning to stay long-term, work, or run a business on the ground	Enter on the appropriate route, then look at a residence permit (see below)

The e-Visa route

If you do not qualify for the exemption, you apply for a Georgian e-visa online at evisa.gov.ge. The e-visa is generally issued as a multiple-entry document with a limited overall validity and a maximum stay per visit, and there is a verification step in the process. The precise validity, the maximum number of days per stay, the fee, and the documents required can all vary, so check the exact terms and the current process on evisa.gov.ge before you apply. Print or save your approved e-visa to show on arrival.

New for 2026: mandatory travel insurance

From 1 January 2026, all travellers entering Georgia must hold travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 GEL, valid for the full duration of their stay. This applies regardless of whether you arrive visa-free or on an e-visa, so arrange compliant cover before you fly and keep proof handy at the border.

Setting up a business (IE/LLC, ~1-day registration)

Once you are in the country, Georgia is one of the fastest places in the region to formalise a business. You can register a company in Georgia in about a day at the public registry, with minimal paperwork and no large minimum capital requirement. Most foreigners choose between two structures: an individual entrepreneur (IE) for solo founders and freelancers, or a limited liability company (LLC) where you want a separate legal entity, partners, or limited liability.

If you are a one-person operation — consulting, software, design, trading — the IE is often the simplest path, and many sole traders register as an individual entrepreneur on the 1% tax. For ventures with co-founders, outside investment, or higher liability exposure, the LLC is the more robust choice. Georgia’s noted opportunity sectors include IT, tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, which is one reason so many Indian founders look here first.

IT & remote-work angle

For Indian software developers, designers, marketers, and other remote professionals, Georgia is an attractive base. The combination of a one-day company setup, the IE 1% regime on qualifying turnover, reliable internet in the main cities, and a low cost of living makes it practical to invoice international clients from a simple, well-understood structure. Many remote workers operate as an IE, bill clients abroad, and keep their compliance footprint small. If your work involves being formally employed by a Georgian entity rather than invoicing as a contractor, check when you need a Georgian work permit so you stay on the right side of the rules.

Banking & KYC for Indian nationals

Once you are present and have your business in order, you will want a local bank account. Georgian banks apply standard know-your-customer (KYC) checks to everyone, and Indian nationals are treated like other foreigners: expect to provide your passport, proof of address or ties to Georgia, and an explanation of your source of funds and business activity. Approval is not automatic and can depend on your profile, so it pays to prepare your documents well. Our dedicated guide explains how to get approved for a Georgian bank account as a foreigner, including what banks typically ask for and how to present your case.

Taxes & the 1% regime

The headline attraction for many Indians is the small-business tax regime. Once you are registered, the same rules that apply to other residents apply to you: a qualifying individual entrepreneur can pay just 1% on turnover under the small-business status, and there is an even lower micro-business status for very small turnover. For the thresholds, eligibility conditions, and what counts as qualifying activity, see our breakdown of Georgia’s 1% small-business and 0% micro-business regimes. As always, your personal tax position may also depend on where you are tax-resident, so plan this alongside your home-country obligations.

Residence permit for longer stays

Visa-free or e-visa entry covers short and medium stays, but if you intend to live in Georgia, build a business on the ground, or stay beyond what your entry route allows, a residence permit is the proper long-term solution. Common routes include work-based, business/investment-based, and other categories. Because the entry rules for Indians are stricter than for most nationalities, planning your residence path early — ideally before your initial stay runs out — avoids gaps and last-minute visa runs. We can help you map the right route to your situation.

Frequently asked questions

Can Indian citizens enter Georgia visa-free?

Not automatically. As of 2026, Indian passport holders generally need a visa or e-visa. The main exception is holders of a valid visa or residence permit from certain third countries (such as the US, UK, Schengen, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the GCC, Israel, or Ireland), who may enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Visa rules change frequently — confirm on geoconsul.gov.ge or evisa.gov.ge before travelling.

How do I get a Georgian e-visa?

You apply online at evisa.gov.ge. The e-visa is commonly multiple-entry with a limited validity and a maximum stay per visit, and a verification step applies. Check the exact validity, stay limits, fees, and required documents on the official portal before applying.

Do I need travel insurance to enter in 2026?

Yes. From 1 January 2026, all entrants must hold travel medical insurance of at least 30,000 GEL covering the full duration of their stay, whether they arrive visa-free or on an e-visa.

How quickly can an Indian set up a company in Georgia?

Company registration is fast — typically about a day at the public registry. Once registered, you can apply for the 1% small-business regime if you qualify, and then open a bank account subject to standard KYC checks.

Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Visa and entry rules for Indian citizens change frequently and can differ by case. Always verify the current requirements officially on geoconsul.gov.ge or evisa.gov.ge before booking travel, and consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.