This guide contains essential information for UK citizens moving to or residing in Georgia. Read how the British Embassy can help Tbilisi.
This information is for guidance only. You should obtain detailed information from the Georgian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) shall not be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may appear in this information.
Support for British nationals abroad: A guide explains how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you get into trouble.
Read general information about moving or retiring abroad.
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Before you go
For up-to-date information on immigration requirements, local laws and customs, security and emergencies, see our Georgia Travel Advice.
If you are planning to commission surrogacy arrangements in Georgia, see the surrogacy section of our Georgia Travel Advice
Coronavirus
Follow the advice of the Georgian government and your local authority. You should also read the travel advice for Georgia.
As of June 15, 2022, foreign nationals will no longer be required to present proof of vaccination or a negative test result to enter Georgia.
Visa and Residence
Find out about the entry requirements for Georgia in our travel advice.
British nationals can visit Georgia for up to 365 days without a visa. However, if you are moving to Georgia for work, business or study reasons, you must apply for the appropriate visa and then a residence permit. You can apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit from the Public Service Development Agency of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia through Public Service Hall.
If you as a visitor have exceeded the 365-day limit or have overstayed your relevant visa, you will be subject to a fine upon departure from Georgia.
For more information on visas, contact the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For information on sponsorship of visas for family members and dependents, please contact the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Embassy of Georgia in the UK or call the Ministry hotline (032) 2 945 000.
Passports and Travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport in Georgia.
Check Georgia Travel Advice for passport validity requirements.
Your UK passport should be valid for the intended length of your intended stay in Georgia. An additional period of validity beyond this is not required. Read more information about the entry and residence requirements of the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Healthcare in Georgia
There is no mutual health care agreement between Georgia and the United Kingdom.
You cannot register for the national healthcare system in Georgia, whether you are visiting or residing in Georgia. You must therefore ensure that you have private health insurance.
Here is a list of medical facilities in Georgia.
UK travel insurance providers generally do not cover your healthcare costs if you live abroad.
medicine
If you are taking any prescription medication you should ensure you have a supply or are able to obtain it in Georgia. Certain medicines may not be available in Georgia (including major brands that are readily available in the UK) and you may not be allowed to bring them into the country. Before traveling to Georgia, you should consult your GP to learn about alternative medications.
Read the instructions if you need to travel with medication.
Working in Georgia
If you are planning to move to Georgia and work there, you may need a visa. Applications for a work permit are made through the Service Development Agency. See also the Regulation on the Approval of Procedures for Examination and Decision on Issuance of Georgian Residence Permits.
To apply for a job you may be required to produce a UK police certificate.
To obtain a work permit for business or employment in Georgia, you may be required to provide:
- a copy of the travel document
- a copy of the document proving legal residence in Georgia (immigrant visa D1/D2)
- a document proving employment or business activity
- a certificate of professional activity
Read more information from the Georgian authorities on obtaining a work permit.
Information on labor and employment policies in Georgia can be found at the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Welfare of Georgia.
Read the guidelines on the recognition of educational and professional qualifications
Study in Georgia
If you are planning to study in Georgia, you must complete all visa requirements before your trip.
Contact the relevant higher education provider in Georgia to find out what fees you will have to pay and for detailed information on the study programs selected.
Read the guide to obtaining a visa
Read the guide to obtaining a residence permit
Tax
The UK has a double tax treaty with Georgia, so you don’t have to pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the responsible tax office your questions about double taxation relief.
You should seek professional advice on paying taxes in Georgia. Find an English speaking attorney in Georgia.
Read the guide to:
If you are in Georgia for more than 183 days and are in paid employment, you are automatically subject to income tax. For information on Georgia taxes, visit the Revenue Service of Georgia website.
Advantages
Check what UK benefits you can get abroad and how to get them.
Many income-related benefits such as pension credit and housing benefit cannot be paid if you are abroad for more than 4 weeks.
pensions
Read the State Pension Guidelines if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and are claiming or awaiting your UK State Pension.
If you retire in Georgia you can claim your UK State Pension or the new UK State Pension. For more information please contact the International Pension Centre.
If you are a man over 65 or a woman over 60 and have lived in Georgia for more than 10 years on the basis of a residence permit, you are entitled to a pension in Georgia. You must prove that you are not receiving a UK pension.
Life Certificates for UK State Pensions
If you receive a ‘certificate of life’ from the UK Pension Service you must reply as soon as possible. If you don’t do this, your payments may be suspended.
money and banking
British citizens can open a bank account at any Georgian bank by providing photo ID.
The currency in Georgia is the Georgian Lari, but you can open a multi-currency account (GBP, USD, EUR).
accommodation and property purchase
See Buying property abroad.
Georgian legislation allows foreign nationals to buy real estate and land, with the exception of agricultural land.
Driving in Georgia
Read the guide on what you need to do to legally drive in Georgia.
Read our advice on driving abroad.
If you are asked for a letter to authenticate, certify or validate your UK driving license you should contact the DVLA.
Read the guide to travel by road in Georgia.
If you wish to take your vehicle with you, see the section entitled “Taking Vehicle Out of the UK”.
Driver’s license rules in Georgia if you live there
A valid UK driver’s license allows you to drive in Georgia for up to a year from your last entry into the country. In addition, you either need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or you need to apply for a Georgian driving license. This is a straightforward process through an application to the Ministry of the Interior service point. Holders of a valid UK driving license are not required to take a driving test as part of the application.
Disabled drivers
If you hold a UK Blue Badge and live in Georgia, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Choose
You may have the opportunity to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
births
If your child is born in Georgia, you should register the birth with the local authorities. If you wish, you can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.
If your child is a British citizen, you do not need to declare the birth to the British authorities in order to apply for a British passport.
deaths
If a British citizen dies in Georgia read our advice on:
marriage and civil partnership
Find out how to get married or enter into a civil partnership abroad
You can register your marriage in Georgia at any branch of the Service Development Agency or the Public Service Hall.
Georgia does not recognize same-sex marriages and only heterosexual couples can legally marry. A civil partnership is not recognized by law.
pets
You can bring pets to Georgia as long as they are healthy, vaccinated and have a veterinary certificate or pet passport.
Detailed information on transporting pets to Georgia can be found on the IRS website.
Please also note the information on taking pets abroad from the UK or returning pets from abroad to the UK.
emergencies
Dial 112 for the police, ambulance or fire department, or to report a missing child
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted in Georgia, read the information for rape and sexual assault victims.
You can also find English speaking lawyers in Georgia.
If you have been the victim of a crime, arrested or affected by a crisis, contact the British Embassy in Tbilisi.
Read the Guidelines on International Child Abduction by a Parent if your child is at risk of such child abduction.
Return to UK
Read the UK Permanent Return Guidance for information on taking family members with you, taxes and access to services.
Disclaimer
This information is intended as a general guide and is based on information provided to the Embassy by the relevant local authorities. They can be changed at any time and without prior notice. The FCDO and the British Embassy shall not be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may appear in this information. UK nationals who would like further information should contact the appropriate local authority.
