Everything expats need to know about living in Georgia: cost of living, housing, visas, healthcare, community.
Quick Answer
Georgia is increasingly popular among European and international expats. Cost of living is 40–60% lower than Western Europe, most nationalities enter visa-free for up to 365 days, a Batumi apartment rents from $400/month, and the international community is growing fast.
Why Expats Choose Georgia
Over the past few years, thousands of Europeans, North Americans, and Israelis have moved to Georgia, drawn by:
- Visa-free entry: Citizens of 90+ countries (including the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia) can stay up to 365 days without a visa
- Cost of living: Very low, especially compared to Western Europe and North America
- Remote-work-friendly: Fast internet, growing coworking scene, GMT+4 time zone
- Safety: Georgia consistently ranks among the safest countries in the region
- Quality of life: Excellent food, nature, culture, and legendary hospitality
Cost of Living in Batumi (2026)
Housing
| Type | Monthly rent |
|---|---|
| Furnished studio (city centre) | $350–$600 |
| Furnished 1-bedroom (centre) | $500–$900 |
| Furnished 2-bedroom (centre) | $700–$1,300 |
| Seafront studio | $600–$1,200 |
Estimated monthly budget
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Housing (1-bedroom) | $600–$900 |
| Groceries | $200–$400 |
| Transport | $50–$150 |
| Restaurants | $150–$300 |
| Leisure | $100–$200 |
| Total | $1,100–$1,950 |
A couple can live comfortably in Batumi on $2,000–$3,000/month.
Visas and Legal Stay
Visa-free nationals: Visa-free stay of up to 365 days. After 365 days, a short border run (typically to neighbouring Turkey) resets the count.
Property-linked residency: Buy a property worth $100,000+ (rising to $150,000+ from March 2026) and obtain an annually renewable residency permit.
Tax residency: Georgia has an attractive tax regime — a flat 20% rate on local employment income, with potential exemptions on foreign-sourced income.
International Community
The expat community in Batumi and Tbilisi has grown significantly. You'll find:
- Active Facebook groups ("Expats in Georgia", "Francophones en Géorgie", etc.)
- Monthly meetups in Tbilisi
- Foreign-language schools and the Alliance Française
- Restaurants and cafés run by expat owners from across Europe
Healthcare
Health insurance: Required for long stays. International insurers (Cigna, Allianz Care, April International) cover Georgia. Budget: $100–$300/month depending on age.
Quality of care: Tbilisi has modern clinics with English- and Russian-speaking doctors. Batumi's medical offering is more limited but sufficient for routine care.
How to Get Started
- Test first: Come for 2–4 weeks before committing. Book an Airbnb or hotel.
- Find an apartment: Budget 3–4 weeks. The best apartments go fast.
- Open a bank account: TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia both accept foreigners.
- Register your stay: Recommended for stays over 180 days.
- Network: Join local expat groups.
Considering a move to Georgia? Tell us about your plans — we also help expats find rentals.
Robert Ferdman
Founder & Lead Real Estate Consultant
10+ years experience in Georgian real estate. Based in Batumi. Personally guides every client through the buying process.
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