Georgia
Tbilisi
Caucasus capital with one of the world's most generous visa policies — 1 year visa-free for 95+ countries
Family budget at a glance
The all-in range matches the FAQ answer for "How much does a family typically need per month here?" The other cards are single-line benchmarks — they don't add up to that total (school fees and other costs are separate).
All-in / month (family of 4)
~$2,200–$3,500 / month
3-bed family home
~$1,100 / month
Dinner for 2 (mid-range)
~$30
Nanny
~$5 / hr
Tbilisi is one of the easiest places in the world for English-speaking families to scout: most Western passports get a full year visa-free per entry, the cost of living is among the lowest in any European-tier capital, and the international school sector is small but established. Trade-offs: public services and infrastructure are uneven, the language (Georgian uses its own alphabet) is a real barrier outside expat circles, and air quality dips in winter.
Action checklist
Concrete steps to make this move happen, in order.
Click any step to jump to that section ↓
- 1Most Western, GCC, Israeli, and Japanese passports enter Georgia visa-free for up to 365 days per entry — confirm your passport is on the official MFA Georgia list before flying. Search 'Ministry of Foreign Affairs Georgia visa free' on Google
- 2Apply online for 'Remotely from Georgia' programme if you want a formal residence base ($2,000/month income required) — typically processed within 10 working days, no consulate visit needed
- 3If staying 6+ months, register for tax purposes at the Revenue Service of Georgia and apply for an Individual Number — Georgia has a flat 1% income tax for foreign-source income under specific conditions; consult a Georgian tax advisor before arrival
- 4Start your housing search 4–6 weeks before arrival — Vake, Saburtalo, and Mtatsminda are the main expat-family districts. 3-bed flats run ~$800–$1,500/month, well below Western European prices
- 5Apply to international schools 4–8 months before your start date — Tbilisi has a small but established international school sector concentrated in the western suburbs (Lisi Lake area) and central districts
- 6Open a Georgian bank account at TBC Bank or Bank of Georgia — both accept account opening with passport only and offer English-language online banking. Useful for paying rent in GEL and avoiding international transfer fees
- 7Get private health insurance from a Georgian provider (Aldagi, GPI Holding, or international IPMI) BEFORE arrival — public healthcare is uneven and most expat families use private clinics paid out of pocket or via insurance
- 8Find a private bilingual ბაღი (bagi — Georgian for kindergarten/daycare) early — most expat families use English-medium or bilingual private nurseries rather than the public Georgian-language system
Family fit
Great for
- Remote-working families wanting one of the world's easiest visa-free entries — most Western passports get a full year per entry with no paperwork or income threshold
- Tech professionals and freelancers attracted by Georgia's flat 1% income tax on foreign-source income (under specific conditions — consult a tax advisor before relying on this)
- Families on a moderate budget — daily life costs roughly half of Berlin or Lisbon: 3-bed flats from $800/month, family dinners ~$25, full-time childcare from $4/hr
- Adventurous families who value access to the Caucasus mountains, Black Sea coast, and historic cultural sites — Tbilisi sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia
Watch out for
- Georgia is NOT in the EU or Schengen — visa-free entry is generous but doesn't give you EU rights or simplify travel onwards in Europe. Plan for separate Schengen entry if you'll be making frequent EU trips
- Georgian language uses its own alphabet (Georgian script — not Latin or Cyrillic) and is unrelated to any European language. English is widely spoken in expat-friendly central districts but Georgian is the daily language of bureaucracy and most local life
- Public infrastructure and services are uneven — public healthcare is below Western European standards, public transport in central Tbilisi is okay but suburbs are reliant on cars and informal minibuses (marshrutka)
- Air quality dips significantly in winter (November–February) due to heating, traffic, and the geographic basin trapping pollution. Families with asthma should plan air purifiers at home and check daily AQI on apps like IQAir
Climate & seasons
Monthly normals (2001–2020) · MERRA-2 (NASA POWER)
Rainy-day counts are approximate (from monthly rainfall).
- HottestJul · 38.3°Cmean daily high
- CoolestJan · -7.3°Cmean daily low
- WettestMay · 58.3 mmmonth total
- DriestFeb · 17.1 mmmonth total
- Low
- -7.3°C
- Rain
- 17.7 mm
- Wet days
- ~1
- Low
- -6.6°C
- Rain
- 17.1 mm
- Wet days
- ~1
- Low
- -3.8°C
- Rain
- 27.9 mm
- Wet days
- ~2
- Low
- -0.6°C
- Rain
- 48.6 mm
- Wet days
- ~4
- Low
- 5.7°C
- Rain
- 58.3 mm
- Wet days
- ~5
- Low
- 11.2°C
- Rain
- 49.2 mm
- Wet days
- ~4
- Low
- 14.8°C
- Rain
- 27 mm
- Wet days
- ~2
- Low
- 15°C
- Rain
- 27 mm
- Wet days
- ~2
- Low
- 9.5°C
- Rain
- 25.2 mm
- Wet days
- ~2
- Low
- 3.6°C
- Rain
- 37.5 mm
- Wet days
- ~3
- Low
- -2.4°C
- Rain
- 24.6 mm
- Wet days
- ~2
- Low
- -5.4°C
- Rain
- 17.4 mm
- Wet days
- ~1
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Rain (total) | Rainy days (~) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13.3°C | -7.3°C | 17.7 mm | 1 |
| Feb | 17.8°C | -6.6°C | 17.1 mm | 1 |
| Mar | 22.1°C | -3.8°C | 27.9 mm | 2 |
| Apr | 27.5°C | -0.6°C | 48.6 mm | 4 |
| May | 31.3°C | 5.7°C | 58.3 mm | 5 |
| Jun | 35.4°C | 11.2°C | 49.2 mm | 4 |
| Jul | 38.3°C | 14.8°C | 27 mm | 2 |
| Aug | 37.9°C | 15°C | 27 mm | 2 |
| Sep | 33.7°C | 9.5°C | 25.2 mm | 2 |
| Oct | 28.9°C | 3.6°C | 37.5 mm | 3 |
| Nov | 21.5°C | -2.4°C | 24.6 mm | 2 |
| Dec | 15.1°C | -5.4°C | 17.4 mm | 1 |
Family notes
- Warmest month on average: Jul (mean daily high ~38°C); coolest: Jan (mean daily low ~-7°C).
- Most rainfall on average: May (~58 mm total); driest: Feb (~17 mm).
- Mean daily highs reach about 32°C or more in Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep — plan air-conditioning, shade, and limited midday outdoor time for babies and young children.
- Peak months can average above 35°C for daily highs — schedule playgrounds, walks, and errands for mornings or evenings when possible.
- Winter nights can dip near freezing (Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec) — reliable home heating and warm layers for school commutes matter for children.
These values are long-term monthly climatologies from NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis) for the nearest model grid cell to these coordinates — not a single city-centre weather station. Spatial resolution is about 50 km; coastal belts, hills, and dense urban cores can differ. Precipitation is corrected MERRA-2 rainfall; rainy-day counts are approximated from monthly totals.
Grid cell used: 41.691°, 44.834° (WGS84)
Visa options
Reviewed May 2026
Reviewed May 2026
Georgia (the country, not the US state) offers one of the most generous visa-free policies in the world: citizens of 95+ countries — including most Western nations, Israel, Japan, and the Gulf — can stay visa-free for up to 1 year per entry. Long-term residence routes include investment, work, and the Remotely from Georgia digital nomad programme.
Tap the ? next to a term for a quick definition.
Visa-free 1-year stay
Citizens of most Western countries enter Georgia visa-free for a full year per entry. No paperwork, no fees, no income threshold. This is the main route most expat families use to scout.
Remotely from Georgia (digital nomad programme)
For non-Georgian remote workers earning at least $2,000/month, with proof of foreign employment or freelance income.
Residence permit (work / investment / family)
For families wanting formal long-term residence beyond the visa-free 1-year cycle. Routes include work, investment, study, family, and short-term temporary residence.
Georgia 1-year visa-free entry — how it works
- Eligible nationalities (citizens of EU/EEA, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Israel, Japan, GCC, and 80+ others) can stay up to 365 days per entry — confirm your passport is on the official list at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia website before flying.
- Working remotely for a non-Georgian employer is generally tolerated under the 1-year rule but does not give you Georgian tax residency or formal work rights.
- Children need their own passport stamps — each family member is on their own 1-year clock.
- Practical use: many families spend the first 6–12 months on this visa-free entry while deciding whether to apply for a longer-term residence permit.
- The 1-year clock resets on each entry — leave to Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, or any country and re-enter for another full year. Border officers can occasionally ask follow-up questions on long-running rolling entries.
- Search 'Ministry of Foreign Affairs Georgia visa free' on Google for the current eligible-nationality list.
Remotely from Georgia — for remote workers earning $2,000+/month
- Income requirement: at least $2,000/month proven via 6 months of bank statements, plus a clean record from your home country.
- Apply online via the Government of Georgia's Remotely from Georgia portal — typically processed within 10 working days. No consulate visit required.
- Required documents: passport, proof of remote employment or freelance contracts, 6 months of bank statements, and travel health insurance.
- Spouses and dependent children can apply on the same online application — listed as accompanying family members.
- Once approved, you can enter and exit Georgia freely for the duration of the programme. Tax residency only kicks in after 183+ days physically in Georgia in a calendar year — Georgia has a flat 1% income tax for foreign-source income under specific conditions; consult a Georgian tax advisor.
- Search 'Remotely from Georgia application' on Google for the current portal.
Georgia residence permit — long-term routes
- Categories: work, investment ($100,000+ in real estate or business), family reunification, study, and short-term residence. Apply through PSDA (Public Service Development Agency) at Public Service Halls in Tbilisi or other major cities.
- Required documents: valid passport, proof of purpose (employment contract, investment proof, family ties), apostilled birth and marriage certificates if applicable, proof of accommodation, and clean criminal record.
- Processing time: typically 30 days for routine applications; 10 days for express processing (higher fee).
- Family permits: spouses and dependent children apply for linked permits — submit applications together at the same Public Service Hall to align timelines.
- After 6 years of continuous residence, permanent residence becomes available — naturalisation possible after 10 years.
- Search 'PSDA Georgia residence permit' on Google for the current document checklist by category.
The 1-year visa-free stay resets on each entry — you can leave to neighbouring Turkey or Armenia for a few hours and re-enter for another full year. This is widely used by long-staying expats but if you want stability, get a residence permit instead.
Visa-free stay & residence permit
Reviewed May 2026
Reviewed May 2026
- 1-year visa-free entry covers most needs for the first year — you don't need to register, declare, or pay anything to live in Georgia for 365 days per entry. Bring proof of accommodation and onward travel only if asked at the border (rarely required for eligible nationalities).
- For a longer stable base, apply for the 'Remotely from Georgia' digital nomad programme online ($2,000/month income required) or apply for a formal residence permit at PSDA (Public Service Development Agency — at any Public Service Hall in Tbilisi). Categories include work, investment, family, and study.
- Public Service Halls in Tbilisi are remarkably efficient — most residence-permit applications are processed within 30 days for routine processing or 10 days for express (higher fee). Bring all original documents plus apostilled translations.
- If staying more than 183 days in a calendar year, you become a Georgian tax resident — register for an Individual Number at the Revenue Service of Georgia. Georgia has a flat 1% income tax for foreign-source income under specific freelancer conditions — consult a Georgian tax advisor before relying on this.
- Family residence permits: spouses and dependent children apply for linked permits at the same Public Service Hall — submit applications together to align timelines.
The 1-year visa-free entry resets on each border crossing — many expat families simply leave to Turkey or Armenia for a few hours every year and re-enter for another full year. For stability, get a formal residence permit instead.
Banking
- TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia are the two largest Georgian banks. Both accept account opening for foreigners with just a passport — no residence permit needed (a rare privilege globally). English-language online banking and English-speaking branch staff in central Tbilisi.
- To open an account you typically need: valid passport and proof of Tbilisi address (rental contract or even a hotel booking is sometimes accepted). Both banks provide an internationally usable debit card same-day.
- Wise and Revolut work well for international transfers into Georgian accounts — most expat freelancers and remote workers use Wise to pay foreign clients into their TBC or Bank of Georgia account in GEL or USD.
- Georgia uses the Georgian lari (GEL), not the euro or dollar — monthly rents are quoted in either USD or GEL (most landlords now quote in USD given lari fluctuation). Confirm currency on every rental contract.
- Many Tbilisi cafes and restaurants now take card, but cash is still common in markets, taxis, and smaller establishments — keep some GEL on hand. ATMs are widespread in central Tbilisi.
TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia both open accounts for foreigners with just a passport — no Georgian residence permit required. Useful for paying rent in GEL (Georgian lari) and avoiding international transfer fees.
Housing
Tbilisi has some of the lowest housing costs of any capital city ranked as 'European tier' for amenities. Family-friendly areas cluster in Vake (upmarket central), Saburtalo (newer middle-class), and Mtatsminda (historic central with views).
Where to search
These are local rental platforms — this is where residents rent long-term housing (cheaper than Airbnb).
Search 'Tbilisi' or the neighbourhood name (e.g. 'Vake', 'Saburtalo', 'Mtatsminda') inside each platform to filter local listings.
Tip: arrive in Tbilisi with a short-stay Airbnb booked for the first 2–4 weeks — landlords show flats in person and asking-vs-paying prices differ by 10–20%, especially with a Georgian-speaking friend or relocation agent.
Typical monthly rents
- 1-bed apartment, Vake or Mtatsminda: ~$400–$700 / month
- 2-bed apartment, Vake or Saburtalo: ~$600–$1,000 / month
- 3-bed apartment, Vake or Krtsanisi: ~$900–$1,500 / month
- 4-bed family house, Lisi Lake area or premium Vake: ~$1,500–$2,800 / month
- Short-stay serviced apartment (first 2–4 weeks): ~$700–$1,500 / month
Best areas for families
What you need to rent
- Valid passport — most landlords accept passport only and don't require Georgian residency
- Cash or bank-transfer first-month rent plus deposit — typically 1 month deposit (sometimes 2)
- Most rental contracts are 1 year minimum but break clauses are common with 1–2 months' notice — confirm in writing before signing
- Many flats are rented furnished (kitchen, white goods, beds, sometimes linens included). Confirm in writing exactly what stays before paying the deposit
- Most landlords prefer cash payments or Bank of Georgia / TBC transfers — international transfer fees can be passed on to you, so a local bank account is highly recommended
Schools
Tbilisi has a small but established international school sector concentrated in the western suburbs (Lisi Lake area) and central districts. Choice is narrower than larger European capitals but the main IB and British schools are well-regarded.
Public system
Georgian state schools are free for residents but instruction is entirely in Georgian (using Georgian script, an alphabet unrelated to Latin or Cyrillic). Quality is improving but still below Western European averages. Realistic only for families with children who already speak Georgian or families planning a long-term stay who prioritise integration.
International options
Tbilisi's main international schools include IB Diploma programmes, British curriculum (IGCSE plus A-Level), American (AP), and a handful of European-tradition schools (French Lycée, German School). Most are concentrated in the western Lisi Lake area or central Vake. Annual fees run ~$5,000–$18,000/year — significantly below most European capitals. Apply 4–8 months in advance.
Language notes
Georgian state schools teach entirely in Georgian. International schools teach primarily in English. Georgian is a difficult language for non-speakers (Kartvelian language family, unrelated to any European language) — children typically need 18–24 months to reach academic fluency, so most expat families default to international schools.
Apply to international schools as soon as your move is confirmed — Tbilisi's IB and British schools have small year-group cohorts (often single-form entry) and waitlists for popular years can be long despite the smaller market.
Education options
IB curriculum international schools
The standard choice for English-speaking expat families. IB Diploma plus IB Primary Years Programme. Concentrated in central Tbilisi and the Lisi Lake western suburbs.
British curriculum international schools
British IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education — Cambridge's globally recognised secondary qualification) and A-Level pathway schools. A handful of well-regarded options in Tbilisi.
Georgian state schools
Free for all residents. Instruction entirely in Georgian. Realistic for families with children who already speak Georgian or long-stay families prioritising integration.
Childcare
Tbilisi has a mix of public Georgian-language baghi (kindergarten/daycare) and private bilingual or English-medium nurseries used by most expat families.
Daycare & nurseries
- ბაღი (bagi — Georgian for kindergarten/daycare; accepts children from age 1 to 6) is the standard early-childhood structure. Public bagi is heavily subsidised (typically free or very low cost) but instruction is entirely in Georgian — limited utility for English-speaking expat children
- Private bilingual bagi (English + Georgian or English + Russian) fees: roughly $300–$700/month. Used by most expat families. Concentrated in Vake, Saburtalo, and the western Lisi Lake area near international schools
- Many international schools have their own pre-K programmes (ages 2–5) that feed directly into the main school — useful for families wanting curriculum continuity
- Visit nurseries in person before committing — quality varies between private providers; ask about staff-to-child ratios, outdoor space, and language balance
Nanny & au pair
- Full-time nannies typically charge $4–$8/hr in Tbilisi — significantly below Western European rates. Many nannies in central districts speak some English, particularly those who have worked with expat families
- Live-in housekeeper-nanny arrangements are common, particularly in larger family homes in the Lisi Lake area — typically $500–$900/month plus room and board
- Many expat families combine a part-time nanny (afternoons) with a private bilingual bagi (mornings) — a typical setup costs $800–$1,200/month total
- Start your search 3–6 weeks before arrival — good candidates with English skills go quickly, particularly in Vake and the international-school neighbourhoods
Where to find childcare
- Hr.ge and Jobs.ge — Georgia's largest jobs platforms with active 'ძიძა' (dzidza — nanny) sections used for live-in and live-out childcare listings
- Search 'Tbilisi Expat Parents' or 'Mothers in Tbilisi' on Facebook — community groups with personal recommendations and nanny introductions
- International schools' parent networks (especially the IB and British schools) have extensive informal childcare-sharing arrangements — ask the school office during enrolment
- Word-of-mouth via your apartment building or expat-friendly cafe community — Tbilisi's expat scene is small and tightly connected; trusted referrals are common
Healthcare
Reviewed May 2026
Reviewed May 2026
- Georgia's public healthcare system is funded through a Universal Healthcare Programme but coverage is limited. Quality is uneven — central Tbilisi public hospitals handle major emergencies adequately but routine care, paediatrics, and specialist access are below Western European standards.
- Most expat families use private clinics paid out of pocket or through Georgian private insurance. Aldagi and GPI Holding are the two largest Georgian private health insurance providers — annual family policies run ~$800–$2,500/year for unlimited GP and most specialist visits.
- Private hospitals widely used by expat families: MediClubGeorgia, Aversi Clinic, Curatio. Most have English-speaking doctors at the senior level. Private GP visits cost ~$25–$60; specialist visits ~$50–$150.
- International private medical insurance (IPMI — International Private Medical Insurance) from a global provider is recommended for serious conditions, especially given the limited capacity for complex paediatric cases. Plan for medevac (medical evacuation — emergency transport to a higher-level hospital, typically Istanbul or Vienna) for major emergencies.
- Medikal Park Georgia and the Israeli-trained American Hospital Tbilisi are the two facilities most expat families turn to for serious cases that require Western-standard care without medevac — confirm coverage with your insurance before any major procedure.
Get private international health insurance (IPMI — International Private Medical Insurance) BEFORE arrival — public healthcare is uneven and most expat families default to private clinics for everything except major emergencies.
Optional insurance option
Some families prefer to have private international medical coverage for the first period abroad. SafetyWing is one option to check if you want a flexible plan while relocating.
Check SafetyWingAlways confirm that any insurance you choose matches your visa, residency, and healthcare needs.
Safety
- Violent crime is rare in family residential areas — Vake, Saburtalo, Mtatsminda, and the western Lisi Lake area are all low-risk neighbourhoods for everyday family life
- Pickpocketing is occasional in tourist-heavy areas (Old Tbilisi, Rustaveli Avenue) — keep bags secure but the city overall is much safer than many European capitals
- Tbilisi traffic is the primary daily hazard — driving culture is aggressive, pedestrian crossings are not always respected, and many roads lack pavements. Teach children road awareness early; consider hiring a driver if commuting from Lisi Lake suburbs to central schools
- Air quality dips significantly in winter (November–February) due to heating, traffic, and the geographic basin trapping pollution. Families with asthma or young children should invest in air purifiers and check daily AQI on apps like IQAir
- Family residential neighbourhoods (Vake, Saburtalo, Lisi Lake) are well-lit, active, and feel safe for evening walks. Tbilisi has had no major political instability affecting daily expat life since 2008, but check the UK FCDO and US State Department travel advisories before relocating given the regional context
FAQ
Is Tbilisi good for families?
Yes for adventurous families. Tbilisi has the easiest visa policy of almost any capital in the world (1 year visa-free for 95+ nationalities), very low cost of living, and a small but established international school sector. Trade-offs: uneven public healthcare, Georgian language barrier, and air quality dips in winter.
How much does a family typically need per month here?
Budget $2,200–$3,500/month for a family of four. Rent for a 3-bedroom in Vake or Saburtalo runs $900–$1,500/month. International school fees of $8,000–$18,000/year are the largest additional cost — but still significantly below most European capitals.
Is housing hard to find here?
Easy compared to Western Europe. Tbilisi's rental market is fluid — most flats are advertised on MyHome.ge or SS.ge and shown in person. Landlords typically accept just a passport and 1–2 months' deposit. Budget for a furnished short-stay rental for the first 2–4 weeks while you search.
Do children need international school here, or can local schools work?
International school is the standard for English-speaking families. Georgian state schools are free but teach entirely in Georgian (using Georgian script, unrelated to any European language). Tbilisi has IB and British curriculum options at $8,000–$18,000/year — well below Western European prices.
Is healthcare easy to access as a newcomer?
Patchy. Public healthcare is uneven and most expat families default to private clinics paid via Georgian private insurance (Aldagi or GPI Holding) at $800–$2,500/year for the family. International private medical insurance (IPMI) is recommended for serious conditions, with medevac coverage for major emergencies.
Do you need a car in Tbilisi?
Useful but not essential for central living. Tbilisi has metro and an extensive (chaotic) marshrutka minibus network. Most families in Vake, Saburtalo, and Mtatsminda live car-free and use taxis (Bolt is widely used and very cheap). A car becomes useful for the international-school commute from Lisi Lake or for weekend trips into the Caucasus.
How difficult is the paperwork and bureaucracy after moving?
Surprisingly easy. Public Service Halls process most residence-permit applications within 10–30 days; banks open accounts for foreigners with just a passport (rare globally); the 1-year visa-free entry covers most newcomers' first year. The hardest part is the Georgian-language daily bureaucracy outside expat services.
What usually surprises families after arrival?
How affordable daily life is — a family dinner at a mid-range restaurant runs ~$30 and a coffee is $2. How welcoming Georgians are — hospitality (supra culture) is genuine and central to local identity. And how dramatic the geography is — the Caucasus mountains, Black Sea coast, and Kakheti wine region are all weekend trips.
Considering Tbilisi alongside other cities?
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Other guides families considering Tbilisi often look at next.
Sources
Official government, institutional, and public sources.
Community
Expat groups and community forums. Use the search buttons below to find them.
Search 'Tbilisi Expats' on Facebook — large active community for housing, school, and settlement advice
Search: “Tbilisi Expats Facebook group”Search on GoogleSearch 'Mothers in Tbilisi' on Facebook — Tbilisi-based parent group with on-the-ground advice on schools, doctors, and childcare
Search: “Mothers in Tbilisi Facebook group”Search on Google
