Georgia

Employment taxes

• Income tax: Flat 20% on personal income.
• Pension contributions: Employees contribute 2%, employers add 2%, and the government chips in 2% (for citizens and residents).

Leave policy

• Vacation leave: 24 working days per year (plus 15 unpaid if needed).
• Public holidays: 17 national holidays.
• Sick leave: Up to 40 consecutive days, or 60 days within 6 months, fully paid by your employer at 100% of your salary.
• Maternity leave: 126 calendar days of paid leave. Social Security covers 100% of your average salary from the last 3 months, capped at GEL 2,000 (€640 / $740) for the entire period (subject to change).
• Paternity leave: No official law, but parents can share maternity leave if they choose.
• Parental leave: At least 12 weeks unpaid, available anytime until your child turns 5 years old.

Employment termination

Employers must give 30 days’ written notice for most terminations and pay at least one month’s severance.

Hiring and contracts

• Contracts must be in Georgian or English. They must be in writing and signed by both parties.
• Contracts can be fixed-term or indefinite, but fixed-term contracts cannot exceed 6 months unless justified.

Payroll and salary payments

• Salaries are paid monthly in Georgian Lari (GEL).
• National minimum wage: Technically 20 GEL/month (€6.40 / $7.40), but don’t panic, it has not been updated since 1990. Actually, the average salary in Tbilisi: around GEL 2,200/month (€704 / $814).

Benefits

• Mandatory: Paid vacation, sick leave, and contributions to the pension fund.
• Optional: Health insurance, meal allowances, flexible work arrangements, and bonuses are common in international companies and startups.

Monthly living cost (Tbilisi Edition)

• Rent: 1-bedroom apartment in the center – GEL 1,080-1,620 ($400-600 /€375-560).
• Utilities: GEL 135-215 ($50-80 /€47-75).
• Groceries: GEL 540–810 ($200–300 /€187–280).
• Co-working space: GEL 270–405 ($100–150 /€94–140).
• Transportation: GEL 40 ($15 /€14).
• Total budget: Around GEL 2,700-3,240 ($1,000-1,200 / €940-1,130) for a comfortable lifestyle.

How to get a local ID number

Every employee or freelancer needs a Personal Identification Number (PIN).

• Apply at the Public Service Hall in Tbilisi or other cities.
• Bring your passport and employment/residency documents.
• For remote workers staying under the visa-free regime, you can still get a PIN for tax and banking purposes.

Social security registration

• Georgia doesn’t have a traditional social security system like the EU.
• The only mandatory contribution is to the pension scheme (2% employee, 2% employer, 2% state) for residents and citizens.

Banking

Opening a bank account is easy once you have your PIN. Popular banks:

• TBC Bank
• Bank of Georgia
• Liberty Bank

All offer internet banking and English-speaking support.

Housing and rental process

• Most rentals are furnished apartments, and lease terms are flexible (6-12 months standard).
• You’ll usually pay 1 month’s rent as a deposit.
• Tenant rights are minimal compared to EU standards, contracts are key, so get everything in writing.

Healthcare system

• Public healthcare is basic. Many expats choose private health insurance for better coverage.
• Tbilisi has several excellent private clinics and English-speaking doctors.

Driving and public transport

• Public transport is cheap and reliable: metro, buses, and minibuses (marshrutkas).
• Taxi apps like Bolt and Yandex are everywhere and inexpensive.
• You can drive with your foreign license for up to 1 year.

Emergency and important contacts

• Police: 112
• Ambulance: 112
• Fire: 112

Work permit and visa requirements

• EU & many other countries: Stay up to 1 year visa-free.
• After that, you can apply for a residence permit if employed or self-employed.

Business culture and work norms

• Work culture is relationship-driven. Networking is very important.
• Punctuality is appreciated but not as strict as in Western Europe.
• Hierarchies exist, but younger companies and startups are much more flexible.