Moving to another country is always a challenge. Especially when you're not coming as a tourist for a week, but as someone planning to build a life here. In 2026, Georgia remains one of the most popular destinations for relocators. But over the past few years, the country has changed significantly. We've broken down the main questions that concern those who are just planning a move: who will thrive here, how much housing costs, how to legalize your stay, where to educate your children, and how much money you actually need. No sugar-coating, but with love — as always.
Who Georgia Is Right For — and Who Might Struggle
Who thrives here:
- Remote workers and entrepreneurs. Georgia is a country for those who work in external markets. Taxes for sole proprietors start at 1%, and registration takes just 1–2 days. There's very little bureaucracy and a lot of business freedom.
- People who appreciate a mild climate. Sea, mountains, no severe frosts, and no sweltering heat — all of this makes Georgia comfortable for year-round living.
- Those seeking safety and a slower pace of life. Many note that in Georgia, "you can breathe freely." It's not just a saying — there really is a different vibe here, a different attitude toward life.
Housing in Georgia: Renting and Buying
Renting: How Much It Costs and What to Watch Out For
The rental market in Batumi and Tbilisi has changed noticeably in recent years. While in 2022 there was a boom and prices skyrocketed, the situation has now stabilized.
Rental prices in Batumi (2026):
Top tips when searching for housing:
Buying Property
If you decide to buy an apartment — don't rush. Many relocators from 2022 bought within the first month, swept up by emotion, and later regretted it. Don't make that mistake.
The first few months are for studying the market, understanding the neighborhoods, meeting different agencies, and comparing layouts and prices. Only then should you make a decision. GPI helps clients find exactly the right properties — liquid assets with solid legal histories and clear prospects.
The rental market in Batumi and Tbilisi has changed noticeably in recent years. While in 2022 there was a boom and prices skyrocketed, the situation has now stabilized.
Rental prices in Batumi (2026):
- Studio: from $300 per month
- 1-bedroom apartment (1+1): from $450 to $700 per month
- Prices may be higher during the peak season, and finding long-term rentals in summer is more difficult
Top tips when searching for housing:
- Never rent sight unseen. Don't pay deposits before you arrive. Rent a place for a few days via Airbnb or Booking, and then explore the neighborhoods on foot.
- Pay attention to heating. In winter, this is critical — either central heating or a gas boiler. Otherwise, you risk freezing in a damp apartment.
- Check for mold and wall condition. Many apartments are rented out without consideration for comfort. Mold is a common issue.
- Be prepared for construction outside your window. Wherever you rent, there's a high chance you'll see construction cranes. In Batumi and Tbilisi, they're building everywhere.
- Sign a one-year contract. Many landlords prefer 9-month contracts so they can raise prices in summer.
Buying Property
If you decide to buy an apartment — don't rush. Many relocators from 2022 bought within the first month, swept up by emotion, and later regretted it. Don't make that mistake.
The first few months are for studying the market, understanding the neighborhoods, meeting different agencies, and comparing layouts and prices. Only then should you make a decision. GPI helps clients find exactly the right properties — liquid assets with solid legal histories and clear prospects.
Legalization in Georgia: What's Changed in 2026
Georgia remains one of the easiest countries for legalization, but the rules have indeed become stricter.
What you need to know about entry and stay:
What's changed in labor migration (as of March 1, 2026):
How to obtain a residence permit (ВНЖ):
In practice, getting a residence permit in Georgia is not difficult — most of the GPI team has one. The key is not to overstay your allowed period and to handle everything on time. And don't believe the horror stories: "It's impossible to get a residence permit in Georgia" — that's simply not true.
Bank accounts:
Opening a bank account in Georgia takes 30 minutes with a passport from any country. In 2–3 days, you'll receive your card. It's one of the simplest banking processes in the world.
What you need to know about entry and stay:
- Visa-free regime for citizens of many countries — up to 365 days.
- As of January 1, 2026, health insurance is mandatory for entry.
- If you're just coming to "look around," you can live without a residence permit, but you need to be aware of the new rules.
What's changed in labor migration (as of March 1, 2026):
- Foreigners must obtain a work permit.
- The permit is issued for 1 year.
- After obtaining the permit, you need to apply for a D1 visa or a residence permit.
How to obtain a residence permit (ВНЖ):
- Through purchasing real estate worth $150,000 or more.
- Through opening a sole proprietorship (ИП) — after several months of operation, you can apply for a residence permit.
- Through employment — under an employment contract.
- Through education — by enrolling in a Georgian university.
- Through family reunification — if your spouse holds a residence permit or citizenship.
In practice, getting a residence permit in Georgia is not difficult — most of the GPI team has one. The key is not to overstay your allowed period and to handle everything on time. And don't believe the horror stories: "It's impossible to get a residence permit in Georgia" — that's simply not true.
Bank accounts:
Opening a bank account in Georgia takes 30 minutes with a passport from any country. In 2–3 days, you'll receive your card. It's one of the simplest banking processes in the world.
Life with Children in Georgia
Georgians genuinely love children — both their own and others'. This isn't just a stereotype; it's reality. Children are treated with warmth, never scolded, and people always try to help.
Kindergartens:
Schools:
After-school activities and clubs:
In Batumi, the choice is huge: swimming, dance, ballet, roller skating, chess, sports sections. And the best part — the city is small and compact. In Moscow, you might only have time for one activity a day; here, you can easily fit in three or four.
Kindergartens:
- Many private kindergartens with different languages of instruction: Russian, Georgian, English.
- Price: from 800 to 1,200 GEL per month (~$260–400) — a wide range in dollar terms.
- There are kindergartens where children gradually learn Georgian — this helps with adaptation.
Schools:
- There are private Georgian schools and international schools. At international schools, children receive a diploma that allows them to apply to universities in the US and Europe. Price: from 800 to 2,000 GEL per month.
- You can also send your child to a public Georgian school — but you should assess the language level and workload. There are schools with Russian-language sections, but since they are often in high demand even among locals, some classes may have no available spots.
After-school activities and clubs:
In Batumi, the choice is huge: swimming, dance, ballet, roller skating, chess, sports sections. And the best part — the city is small and compact. In Moscow, you might only have time for one activity a day; here, you can easily fit in three or four.
Money: How Much You Need to Live in Georgia
This is the question everyone asks. Opinions vary: some say it's cheap, others say it's expensive. It all depends on your lifestyle.
Minimum budget for a family with children:
Bottom line: For a comfortable life, a family of three needs at least $2,000–2,500 per month.
For a single person, $1,200–1,500 is sufficient.
If you're willing to live modestly, you can get by on $500–800. If you're used to dining out and taking taxis, expect higher costs.
Minimum budget for a family with children:
- Rent: ~$500–700 per month
- Kindergarten or school: ~$260–400 per month
- Groceries: ~$300–500 per month
- Health insurance: ~$200 per year
- Transport, gym, restaurants — optional
Bottom line: For a comfortable life, a family of three needs at least $2,000–2,500 per month.
For a single person, $1,200–1,500 is sufficient.
If you're willing to live modestly, you can get by on $500–800. If you're used to dining out and taking taxis, expect higher costs.
Georgia in 2022 and Georgia in 2026 are completely different countries when it comes to the number of foreigners, the level of service, and cultural life.
- Service has improved. It's still not Moscow-level, but it's moving in the right direction.
- Cultural life. Batumi used to go quiet in November and wake up in July. Now, jazz concerts, quizzes, and theater performances happen year-round.
- Gyms and active leisure. Every new residential complex has a fitness center. Occupancy is high — morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Multiculturalism. On the streets of Batumi, you hear not only Russian, but also Hebrew, Arabic, Turkish, and English. The city has become truly international.
Georgia is not a paradise and not a disaster. It's a country with a mild climate, affordable living, and straightforward legalization rules. It's ideal for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking a balance between freedom and comfort.
But remember: you are a guest here. Treat the country and its people with respect. And if you do things right — Georgia becomes a place you'll want to stay for a long time.
But remember: you are a guest here. Treat the country and its people with respect. And if you do things right — Georgia becomes a place you'll want to stay for a long time.