Georgia is entering a new phase of tighter immigration regulation, while at the same time attracting growing interest from fintech and crypto players looking for a more workable base, according to Nomos Georgia Law Firm’s Founding Partner Lika Tsintsabadze.
“First, from March 1, 2026, Georgia’s law on foreign nationals is changing,” Tsintsabadze says. “One of the key themes is the introduction of updated regulations around new types of residence permits, and the eligibility rules are also being adjusted. For many people living and doing business in Georgia, this will likely create some ‘noise’ in the first few months of implementation, simply because everyone will need time to understand what the new requirements mean in practice. This includes not only individuals, but also entrepreneurs and companies that rely on foreign talent or foreign owners.”
The bigger question, according to Tsintsabadze, at least in the beginning, will be how the new rules are applied in real life. “At the moment, there is still uncertainty around the practical side, and we are waiting for additional guidance and more detailed notes that usually follow after such amendments enter into force,” she says. “Once those clarifications are issued, we will have a much clearer picture of what will be required, how documentation will be reviewed, and what the real timelines and expectations will look like.”
“In terms of direction, the intention behind these changes is not to create an entirely new system, but rather to strengthen and formalize the rules that already exist,” Tsintsabadze adds. “For example, the amendments set out more defined fees and fines, including consequences for foreign nationals who overstay in Georgia. In that sense, the overall framework is becoming stricter. Many foreigners who have been operating in a flexible environment over the past years will now need to be more careful and ensure they fully align with the updated requirements, whether they are here for work, business, or long-term personal reasons.”
In addition, “there are also some changes expected in the Tax Code, although these are not considered major reforms at this stage,” Tsintsabadze points out. “Some legal teams, along with business organizations, are already working closely with these updates and tracking what they may mean for taxpayers and companies.”
“At the same time, it is worth noting that real estate remains one of the most active business sectors, particularly in Tbilisi and Batumi, and continued investment activity in those markets is an important signal of overall confidence,” Tsintsabadze emphasizes.
“We are also seeing growing interest in Georgia from international figures in the fintech and crypto space,” Tsintsabadze adds. “In particular, as some jurisdictions have become harder to access or operate in due to the implementation of the MiCA, Georgia has started to stand out as a more practical option for virtual asset businesses – VASP license. The interest is clearly there, and it continues to grow,” she concludes.
