Those looking to move to Tbilisi will certainly be asking how they can obtain Georgia's remote worker Visa. Indeed, as part of the country’s wider strategy to woo foreign investment and long-term visitors to Georgia, the country has launched an innovative program aimed at providing remote workers with the opportunity to live in the country for up to a year. There are countless reasons for remote workers to choose Georgia as their new home for a year -- with a growing international community, beautiful landscapes and reliable infrastructure, it is hard to think of a better place to choose in the region.

The “Remotely from Georgia” program, as it has been named by the Georgian government, offers a 1-year visa to holders of citizenship from 95 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and most EU nations. Those holding nationalities not listed in the 95-country list are not eligible for Georgia's remote worker visa. The visa is issued for 1 year following a simple online application process through which you are asked to supply all of your supporting documentation. The program is open to freelancers, full-time employees cleared to work remotely, and entrepreneurs who manage their own businesses. The application itself has no cost.

In comparison to other year-long visa programs in Europe and Asia, the process of obtaining Georgia's remote worker visa feels simple and relatively fair. Perhaps the biggest hurdle for most digital nomads and remote workers will be the strict 2000USD monthly salary requirement -- you will be required to submit payslips, bank statements and contracts attesting to your earnings. Remote Workers will also be required to submit proof of Health Insurance valid for at least 6 months from arrival in Georgia. Importantly, all approved applicants will be required to quarantine 8 days upon arrival in the country -- new arrivals will be asked to book from a list of approved hotels and then receive a PCR test 8 days later, all at the cost of the visa-holder.

Those seeking to obtain Georgia's remote worker visa through the “Remotely from Georgia” program should also pay close attention to the requirements specific to each type of applicant. Freelancers will be required to submit copies of contracts accrued over the past 12 months, full-time employees will be required to submit a letter from their employer confirming their status, and entrepreneurs will have to submit proof of company ownership and details of their position and duties.

Applying to the “Remotely from Georgia” program is fairly easy. You can do so by going online and filling out the form. You will be contacted within 8 days and receive a decision within 10 days. If approved, you will be asked to book a hotel stay from a list of approved venues for your 8-day quarantine (prices from 45USD approx) and then you can go ahead and book an approved flight to Georgia. You should note that only a handful of airlines and routes are permitted during the Covid emergency in Tbilisi, and you should check allowances here.

For remote workers who have experienced the tribulations of visa runs and recurring applications in the Schengen area, Thailand and Indonesia, this 1-year visa program will be perfect. It is likely to make Tbilisi a hugely popular destination for entrepreneurs and internationally-minded individuals. We are excited to see what “Remotely for Georgia” can do for the remote worker community in the region.

For more information about living in Tbilisi as a remote worker, check out our complete Tbilisi guide.