Company registration in Georgia isn’t just a paperwork task — it’s a strategic step into one of the most entrepreneur-friendly environments in Eastern Europe. This country has transformed itself into a modern business hub where forming a legal entity is refreshingly fast, low-cost, and impressively straightforward. While many jurisdictions bury startups in red tape or outdated bureaucracy, Georgia moves in the opposite direction: clear laws, digital procedures, low tax pressure, and no residency requirement for foreign founders.
In fact, many global entrepreneurs are starting to view Georgia not as a backup jurisdiction, but as a smart first choice. The system favors reinvestment over taxation, making it perfect for companies that want to scale. With access to free trade zones, double tax treaties, and a stable macroeconomic framework, it's no wonder Georgia consistently ranks among the top countries for ease of doing business.
And perhaps what sets it apart most? It’s not trying to be flashy — it’s just efficient. Whether you're launching a solo venture or expanding an international project, Georgia’s business setup process gives you space to build — not hurdles to overcome.
Georgia as an Investment Destination: Market Overview and Key Sectors
Georgia has steadily earned a reputation as one of the most business-friendly jurisdictions in the region. Its strategic location, economic liberalism, and investor-oriented policies have positioned the country as an increasingly attractive gateway for capital and entrepreneurial ventures alike. The combination of transparent regulations and a strong macroeconomic framework makes it an ideal location for establishing a company with both regional and international reach.
An Open Economy with Global Connectivity Georgia operates under a liberal economic model that prioritizes free trade, private enterprise, and capital mobility. With no currency control in place, foreign businesses benefit from seamless cross-border transactions and simplified financial operations. Over the past decade, the country has undergone significant structural reforms aimed at improving its business climate, and today it maintains one of the most accessible and stable economies in the Caucasus.
Strategic Location for Trade and TransportGeorgia benefits economically from its position between Europe and Asia. The country becomes a regional logistical powerhouse with modern seaports, airports, and trains. Georgia joins China's Belt and Road Initiative to integrate into global supply systems.
Georgia's broad free trade agreements set it distinct. Georgian companies have privileged access to the EU, China, Turkey, and most CIS countries, making them perfect for exporting.
Main Economic Sectors at a Glance
- Agriculture: Georgia is a recognized exporter of high-demand goods such as wine, hazelnuts, fresh fruit, and mineral water. Ongoing investments in agri-tech and supply chain optimization continue to boost productivity and competitiveness on the global market.
- Tourism: From ski resorts and health spas to UNESCO heritage sites, Georgia’s tourism industry is rapidly expanding. The sector fuels demand for infrastructure and hospitality services and has become a key pillar of GDP growth.
- Transport and Logistics: As a critical transit route between East and West, Georgia’s logistics sector enjoys continued support and modernization. Black Sea ports and rail systems provide direct trade corridors into Europe and Central Asia, attracting both regional operators and foreign logistics firms.
- Energy: Hydropower dominates Georgia’s energy landscape, with large-scale export capabilities to neighboring countries. The government also supports renewable energy initiatives, inviting investors into green infrastructure projects.
- IT and Digital Technologies: Georgia’s technology sector has seen remarkable growth. Government initiatives provide tax incentives and startup support, while educational programs focus on training professionals in cybersecurity, software development, and automation. Tech parks and IT clusters offer fertile ground for innovation and digital business development.
- GDP Growth: According to the World Bank, Georgia's GDP is expected to expand by 5.2% in 2024, continuing its trend of steady economic development.
- Business Formation: Over 979,000 legal entities were registered by the end of 2023, with 236,000 considered active. The country saw 76,000 new registrations that year alone, reflecting a vibrant business ecosystem.
- Economic Freedom: Georgia ranked 32nd out of 184 countries in the 2024 Index of Economic Freedom, confirming its status as a moderately free economy with strong liberal credentials.
- IMF Forecast: The International Monetary Fund projects 5.7% GDP growth in 2024, supported by rising real wages, employment, and domestic consumption.
- Business Environment: Georgia consistently ranks high in the World Bank’s "Doing Business" reports, particularly in areas such as starting a business, getting credit, and protecting minority investors.
Taken together, these metrics illustrate the country’s resilience and strong investment potential heading into the next decade. For companies looking to set up operations in a strategically located, regulation-light environment, Georgia presents a rare balance of opportunity, growth, and accessibility.
Legal Framework Governing Company Registration in Georgia
The procedure for setting up a company in Georgia is structured around a clearly defined legislative framework that prioritizes simplicity and legal protection for business owners. The main piece of legislation is the Law of Georgia on Entrepreneurs, which outlines the foundational principles for starting and managing a business within the country.
This law governs the entire lifecycle of a company — from its initial formation to eventual liquidation — and ensures that founders operate within a transparent legal environment. It establishes the rights and responsibilities of company founders, sets the standards for corporate governance, and describes the mechanisms by which companies can be dissolved. Furthermore, it defines the steps required to register a company with the state and provides a legal identity to registered entities.
Thanks to this legal foundation, Georgia offers entrepreneurs a reliable and streamlined process for business registration. The framework not only ensures legal clarity but also provides favorable conditions through reduced bureaucratic procedures and supportive tax policies, making the country a highly attractive destination for local and foreign investors alike.
Common Business Structures Available in Georgia
Entrepreneurs in Georgia can pick from a number of different legal arrangements based on how much power, responsibility, and funding they want.
A Sole Proprietor runs the business themselves and officially is not different from the company. This means the person is responsible for all bills and claims connected to the business, even if they own other things.
When two or more people work together to run a business, they form a general partnership. No matter which partner made the loan, all partners have the same amount of power and are responsible for the firm's debts.
Limited partners are idle owners in a Limited Partnership and are only responsible for the money they put in. General partners are fully responsible for the business and have management control. This form works for businesses that want to separate ownership and management.
The most common corporate structure in Georgia is an LLC. Company founders are solely financially accountable for their charter capital contributions, protecting them from business losses.
A Joint-Stock Company (JSC) divides ownership through shares. Shareholders are protected from personal liability, with exposure limited to the amount of capital invested. This form supports capital attraction through share issuance, whether privately or on the open market.
A Cooperative is an association of individuals or companies formed to pursue mutual business interests. Members pool resources and share both profits and responsibilities. Liability is limited to each member’s participation amount, making it suitable for agriculture, production, or community-driven initiatives.
Comparison Table of Legal Business Structures in Georgia
|
Legal Form |
Minimum Charter Capital |
Number of Participants |
Liability of Participants |
|
Sole Proprietorship |
Not required |
1 |
Full liability with personal assets |
|
General Partnership (GP) |
Not required |
2 or more |
Unlimited joint liability with all partners’ assets |
|
Limited Partnership (LP) |
Not specified |
2 or more |
General partners – full liability; limited partners – limited |
|
Limited Liability Company (LLC) |
Not specified |
1 or more |
Liability limited to capital contribution |
|
Joint-Stock Company (JSC) |
100,000 GEL (~37,000 USD) |
1 or more |
Liability limited to the value of shares owned |
|
Cooperative |
Not required |
5 or more |
Liability limited to capital contribution |
These business structure options offer flexibility based on the scale, purpose, and legal preferences of the founders. The choice of form should reflect the business’s operational model and desired level of liability protection.
Step-by-Step Process for Registering a Company in Georgia
Launching a legal entity in Georgia involves several clearly defined steps, each of which demands careful preparation and informed decision-making.
The first key task is to select the appropriate legal structure for your enterprise. This decision will shape several critical factors:
Liability of founders. Legal structures in Georgia define how much risk the founders assume. For instance, an LLC limits each member’s responsibility to the size of their investment, while a sole proprietor remains fully liable with their personal assets.
Managing things and giving reports. How hard it is to run a business and how much paperwork is needed depends on the type of business. A Joint Stock Company (JSC) needs stricter monitoring and regular financial reports, while a sole proprietorship may be able to run with less paperwork.
Access to investment. The ability to secure funding also depends on the company’s structure. A JSC can raise capital by issuing shares, whereas LLCs typically rely on member contributions or private loans.
Regulatory obligations. Certain entities like JSCs are subject to more detailed regulations and state supervision than LLCs or sole proprietors. This can affect the administrative burden placed on the company.
Dissolution process. Different company forms follow different procedures when closing operations. For example, JSCs require formal shareholder resolutions and structured winding-down steps, while sole proprietorships can be terminated more easily.
Understanding these nuances is essential for making an informed choice of legal form before initiating the registration process in Georgia.
When choosing a name, it is necessary to ensure compliance with legal standards and confirm the name’s originality. Key rules include:
Originality. The business name must be unique and not resemble any existing names in the national registry. Verifying this in advance via the official business registry helps avoid future legal issues or confusion. This check can be done online or through local authorities.
Legal appropriateness. The company name should not contain prohibited or offensive language. Additionally, if the name includes foreign words or acronyms, they must be contextually appropriate and clearly relevant to the business's activities.
The drafting and collection of required documents are among the most crucial steps in setting up a Georgian company. These typically include:
The company charter. This foundational document defines the business’s purpose, structure, responsibilities, and rights of its members. It covers key information like capital size, share distribution, shareholder rights (if applicable), procedures for calling meetings, and how decisions are made. The charter can be written in Georgian or a foreign language, provided it includes a notarized translation.
Founders' agreement. If the business has multiple partners, they may choose to sign an internal agreement outlining investment shares, profit distribution, exit conditions, and partner responsibilities. While not mandatory for all business forms, it can help avoid disputes and streamline management.
Incorporation decision. This document outlines the intent to form the company and includes details like the business name, founder list with capital contributions, appointment of company officers, share capital amount, and legal address. All founders must sign this before filing for registration.
Identity verification documents. Founders must submit copies of official identification (passports, residence permits if applicable), along with any documents that authorize them to act on behalf of the business.
Receipt for the state fee. Payment confirmation for the registration service must also be included with the submission.
Once all documents are prepared, an application must be submitted to Georgia’s Public Registry of Legal Entities.
The application package includes:
- A completed official registration form;
- All incorporation documents;
- Proof of identity for directors and founders;
- Evidence of state fee payment.
Thanks to Georgia’s streamlined “one-stop-shop” model, all documents can be submitted in one place, expediting the registration timeline. Once approved, the applicant receives a Certificate of Incorporation (in digital or paper format), confirming the company’s legal existence and enabling it to operate formally.
Timeframe for Registration
Under standard conditions, company registration in Georgia takes just one business day after submission of the complete documentation.
For urgent requests, same-day registration is available with an additional fee.
Altogether, depending on document readiness and business specifics, the full setup process typically ranges between two and five business days.
Georgia stands out for its fast and accessible company formation system, making it an attractive jurisdiction for entrepreneurs seeking quick market entry.
After incorporation, a few more steps are needed to launch full-scale operations. These include registration with tax authorities, opening a business bank account, and—if necessary—obtaining sector-specific licenses.
Contact our specialists
Banking Services During Company Registration in Georgia
Establishing a business in Georgia also requires setting up banking infrastructure, which is an essential part of financial operations. Once the company is officially registered, the next step is to open a corporate bank account with a local financial institution. This account is necessary for processing payments, maintaining accounting records, and interacting with tax authorities.
Top Banks in Georgia for Business Services
- TBC Bank – As one of Georgia’s leading financial institutions, TBC offers a comprehensive range of corporate banking services, including remote account management options tailored for non-residents.
- Bank of Georgia – Known for its efficient solutions for company formation and full-service support, this bank is a popular choice for international businesses operating in the region.
- Liberty Bank – Focused on serving small and medium-sized enterprises, Liberty provides flexible banking tools and services designed to meet varied financial needs.
These banks facilitate fast and straightforward account setup, often with remote onboarding options for foreign entrepreneurs.
How to Open a Corporate Bank Account
Document Preparation. To initiate the account opening process, the company must provide a set of corporate documents, including:
- The company’s charter and founding agreement (in case of multiple founders);
- Certificate of Incorporation;
- Resolution on director appointment (if applicable);
- Passports or ID cards of founders and executives.
Once the documents are collected, the founder or an authorized representative submits a formal application to the bank. Depending on the nature of the business, the bank may request additional information or documents.
The due diligence process typically takes between several business days to one week. During this period, the bank conducts background checks on the company, its directors, and beneficiaries, ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) laws and financial regulations.
Internet Banking Services
Nearly all major Georgian banks offer modern online banking platforms that allow companies to manage their accounts remotely. These platforms support both domestic and international payments, currency exchanges, and real-time liquidity control.
Key Benefits of Online Banking:
- Fast and secure payment processing;
- Real-time transaction tracking and account statements;
- Management of multi-currency accounts;
- Access to up-to-date exchange rates and seamless currency conversion tools.
Strategic Investment Zones in Georgia: Key Locations for International Expansion
Georgia continues to draw the attention of foreign investors through its well-developed network of industrial zones and free economic areas. These territories operate under specially designed legal and tax frameworks that significantly reduce operational costs and administrative hurdles for businesses. Each zone is tailored to support targeted sectors, such as manufacturing, IT, logistics, or high-tech development, offering favorable entry conditions for international companies.
Poti Free Zone: Gateway for Maritime and Export-Driven Enterprises
Situated on the eastern coast of the Black Sea, the Poti Free Zone is a premier destination for companies engaged in transportation, trade, and offshore logistics. Adjacent to Poti Port—Georgia’s main maritime terminal—this zone plays a pivotal role in connecting European and Asian markets.
Primary business sectors include:
- International logistics and freight forwarding
- Warehousing and export manufacturing
- Shipping companies and marine services
Poti’s logistical advantages and trade-focused infrastructure make it an ideal hub for enterprises aiming to establish a supply chain presence across Eurasia.
Kutaisi Free Zone: Industrial Growth and Manufacturing Potential
As Georgia’s second-largest city, Kutaisi is home to one of the country’s most dynamic free industrial zones. The region’s infrastructure supports a wide range of production sectors and is particularly attractive to businesses involved in automotive components, consumer electronics, and light industry.
Focus sectors in Kutaisi FIZ:
- Vehicle parts and assembly lines
- Textile and garment production
- Electronic devices and hardware components
In addition to its strategic location, Kutaisi offers access to affordable skilled labor and a network of transportation routes linking Georgia to European and Middle Eastern destinations.
Tbilisi Free Zone: Innovation at the Heart of the Capital
Located near Tbilisi’s major transportation arteries, this zone specializes in high-value and technology-driven industries. With simplified business regulations and proximity to government institutions and business services, it is ideally suited for companies focusing on modern production and IT development.
Common business activities:
- Software development and digital services
- Light manufacturing and product assembly
- Value-added processing and tech integration
Companies established here benefit from the region’s well-educated talent pool, reliable infrastructure, and direct access to international markets.
Hualing Free Industrial Zone: Multi-Sector Investment Platform
Created in 2015 in the western part of the country, the Hualing Free Industrial Zone near Kutaisi offers a versatile space for companies in trade, logistics, and industrial processing. Its location near both the Kutaisi International Airport and Poti Port gives it a unique logistical advantage.
Main areas of activity:
- Regional trade and distribution
- Light manufacturing and assembly
- Export-oriented operations
Hualing FIZ supports diverse businesses with cost-saving benefits, including tax incentives, streamlined customs procedures, and ready-to-use production facilities.
Tbilisi Technopark: Georgia’s Innovation and Startup Engine
The Tbilisi Technopark serves as a springboard for entrepreneurs and high-tech startups. Designed to nurture innovation, it provides access to coworking spaces, mentorship, funding, and technology labs. The park encourages the growth of early-stage companies in the software, AI, and advanced computing sectors.
Key sectors include:
- IT and software development
- Artificial intelligence and big data
- Technological research and startup incubation
Thanks to its ecosystem of accelerators and funding support, the Technopark is a preferred location for digital entrepreneurs registering a company in Georgia.
Corporate Tax Framework in Georgia
Georgia offers a business-oriented tax environment, distinguished by its modern and efficient profit taxation model. Unlike conventional systems where taxes apply as soon as profits are recorded, Georgia defers corporate income tax until those profits are actually distributed to shareholders. This means that reinvested earnings remain untaxed, encouraging growth and internal development.
The general corporate income tax (CIT) rate stands at 15%. However, this tax is only charged when profits are paid out as dividends or otherwise withdrawn from the company. As long as earnings stay within the business structure and are used for operational or investment purposes, they remain untaxed.
From 2023 onwards, institutions such as banks and licensed financial companies are subject to a higher CIT rate of 20%, reflecting the more rigorous compliance standards in that sector.
An additional advantage of Georgia’s taxation model is its territorial application. Local companies are taxed solely on income generated within the country. Revenue earned abroad is not considered taxable under domestic law, making Georgia particularly attractive to exporters and companies with international clients.
FIZ companies get additional exemptions. Companies that export products or services outside Georgia may be free from corporate earnings tax. This makes FIZs a crucial foundation for multinational enterprises.
Business Tax Rates Overview
|
Tax Type |
Rate |
Key Conditions |
|
Standard Corporate Income Tax |
15% |
Charged only upon profit distribution to shareholders |
|
CIT for Financial Institutions |
20% |
Applies to banks and microfinance entities from 2023 |
|
VAT (Value Added Tax) |
18% |
Levied on most goods and services |
|
Withholding Tax on Dividends |
5% |
Deducted when paying dividends to non-resident stakeholders |
|
CIT in Free Industrial Zones |
0% |
Available to companies exporting goods/services from Georgia |
Georgia’s corporate tax policy is designed for flexibility, transparency, and international competitiveness. Its deferral-based structure benefits firms that reinvest rather than extract capital, while sector-specific incentives and geographic exemptions further enhance the appeal for foreign entrepreneurs.
What Makes Georgia a Smart Choice for Business Founders
Georgia is where the red tape ends and the real work begins. Setting up a company here doesn’t feel like a legal marathon — it’s more like a direct flight. Foreigners can register a business without needing to jump through endless hoops or wait weeks for approvals. One or two days, and you're in.
What’s more, Georgia’s approach to regulation is refreshingly hands-off. You won’t find yourself boxed in by endless bureaucracy. The legal system is built for efficiency, not delay, giving business owners the breathing room to make fast, independent decisions.
The local economy isn’t just stable — it’s alive with opportunity. Years of reform have made Georgia not only investor-friendly but also genuinely business-ready. The government actively encourages new ventures, offering solid incentives without the usual complications.
Currency controls? Non-existent. You can open accounts in foreign currencies, wire funds in and out, and work with global clients without being slowed down by outdated restrictions. Add that to fast internet banking and seamless payment systems, and you've got a launchpad for global operations.
If you're after even more savings and perks, Georgia’s special economic zones — with zero corporate tax, fast-track customs, and low overhead — make a compelling case. It’s a model designed for scale.
Bottom line? Georgia doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel — it just makes it turn faster. For founders looking for agility, access, and real-world advantages, it’s a location that delivers without the noise.
Final Thoughts
Georgia doesn’t just look good on paper — it delivers where it matters. Starting and growing a business here feels less like fighting through red tape and more like being given a green light. What draws foreign investors in isn’t hype — it’s the real advantages: a legal system that doesn’t wobble, tax perks that make financial sense, and economic zones that are built with business in mind. It’s not just about launching a company; it’s about building something in a place that wants you to succeed.
But navigating even a friendly system takes time and know-how. That’s where we come in. From the first piece of paperwork to long-term legal strategy, our team handles the heavy lifting — tax structure, labor laws, and all the silent details that can trip up the unprepared. With us, you’re not just setting up shop; you’re planting something that’s built to last. We make sure your entry into Georgia’s market is smooth, quick, and smart — so you can focus on what actually grows a business: vision, effort, and direction.
Audit and Accounting support