For years, Georgia was one of the simplest countries in the world for digital nomads. Fly in, stay for up to 365 days visa-free, register as an IE, pay 1% tax. Done.

That changed on 1 March 2026. Georgia introduced a mandatory work permit system — and the most important thing to understand is this: visa-free entry no longer means the legal right to work. You can still enter Georgia without a visa. You can still live there. But if you are working, freelancing, or running a business from Georgian soil, you now need a separate permit.

This guide explains exactly what changed, what the "Remotely from Georgia" programme status is, who needs to do what, and whether Georgia is still worth it for digital nomads in 2026.

The "Remotely From Georgia" Programme — What Happened to It?

The "Remotely from Georgia" programme was launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to attract remote workers to the country. It allowed foreigners to apply for an extended stay specifically as remote workers.

By 2025, the programme had become largely obsolete. Georgia's 365-day visa-free entry — available to citizens of 95+ countries — made the formal digital nomad programme unnecessary for most people. The official government portal became unreliable, and the programme stopped being listed on the main government e-visa website.

In 2026, the programme is suspended and no longer a relevant entry route. Do not apply for it or rely on guides that reference it as a current option. The correct approach for digital nomads in 2026 is either the 365-day visa-free stay or a formal residence permit — depending on how long you plan to stay and whether you intend to work.

The Big Change: Visa-Free No Longer Means Right to Work

This is the core shift that most 2025 guides did not cover because it was not yet law. Under Georgia's previous system, arriving visa-free and working remotely for foreign clients was widely treated as a grey area — technically tourism, but in practice nobody enforced it.

The Law on Labour Migration amendments, effective 1 March 2026, formally ended that grey area. Georgia now distinguishes between:

• The right to be in the country (covered by visa-free entry or a residence permit)
• The right to work or conduct business in the country (now requires a separate Labour Activity Permit)

These are now two separate legal statuses. Holding a valid visa-free stay does not give you the right to work. You need both.

Your Legal Options as a Digital Nomad in Georgia in 2026

Here are the four realistic routes for digital nomads depending on their situation:

Option 1: Visa-Free Stay (Under 183 Days)

Citizens of 95+ countries can enter Georgia and stay for up to 365 days without a visa. If you plan a short visit — attending a conference, trying out Tbilisi for a couple of months — this is still the simplest route. From March 2026, if you are working during that stay, you are technically in scope of the work permit requirement.

Option 2: Visa-Free + IE Registration + Work Permit (The Main Route)

This is the route most digital nomads who want to live in Georgia and pay 1% tax should follow:

1. Enter Georgia visa-free (or on a D1 visa if your nationality requires one).
2. Register as an Individual Entrepreneur and apply for Small Business Status to access the 1% tax rate. Full details: How to Register as an Individual Entrepreneur in Georgia.
3. Apply for the Right to Labour Activity permit at labourmigration.moh.gov.ge. Processing takes up to 30 days. Cost: up to GEL 500 (approx. USD 185).
4. Apply for a Labour Residence Permit to formalise your right to remain in Georgia long-term.

Option 3: IT Specialist Residence Permit

Georgia introduced a dedicated IT Specialist Residence Permit as part of the 2026 reforms, available to IT professionals and software developers with at least 2 years of experience and annual income of at least USD 25,000. If you qualify, this is the most stable long-term status for tech workers.

Option 4: Investment Residence Permit

The minimum investment threshold increased from USD 100,000 to USD 150,000 from 1 March 2026. Property investment at this level qualifies for a temporary residence permit and exempts you from the work permit requirement — making this an attractive route for those with capital to invest.

Is Georgia Still Worth It for Digital Nomads in 2026?

The honest answer is yes — but with more planning than before. The changes add administrative steps, not fundamental barriers.

Georgia has not become a difficult country for digital nomads. It has become a more structured one. The work permit is a straightforward administrative process. The total added cost is modest. The 1% tax rate, the low cost of living, and the quality of life in Tbilisi are all unchanged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Visa to Enter Georgia as a Digital Nomad?

Citizens of 95+ countries do not need a visa and can stay for up to 365 days. Check the official Georgian government list to confirm your nationality qualifies. If you are not from a visa-free country, you will need to apply for a D1 visa before working in Georgia.

Can I Still Just Enter Visa-Free and Work for Foreign Clients?

Legally, no — not without a work permit from March 2026. In practice, enforcement for fully remote workers with no local Georgian presence is still developing. However, the legal obligation exists, and non-compliance fines are significant. If you plan to stay more than a few weeks, getting compliant is worth doing.

Does the 1% Tax Still Apply?

Yes — completely unchanged. The 1% Small Business Status tax regime for Individual Entrepreneurs is still available for qualifying activities. The work permit reform is an immigration change, not a tax change.

How Long Does the Work Permit Take?

Up to 30 calendar days from the date of application at labourmigration.moh.gov.ge. Apply before you start working, not after.

What if I Only Stay for 2-3 Months?

For short stays under 183 days, the situation is less clear-cut. You will not trigger tax residency. Whether a work permit is required for a very short stay with no local business presence is a grey area that the authorities have not yet formally clarified. Speak to a Legal Vista adviser before committing to a specific strategy.

Has the Remotely From Georgia Programme Been Reinstated?

No. As of April 2026 the programme remains suspended and is no longer listed on official government portals. Do not rely on it as a legal basis for your stay or work.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Georgian immigration law is evolving — consult a qualified Georgian lawyer for advice specific to your situation.