Georgia has positioned itself as an appealing destination for globally mobile individuals, offering a unique route to tax residency designed specifically for High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs). This program allows qualified applicants to obtain Georgian tax residency without meeting the usual physical presence requirement, making it an attractive option for investors, entrepreneurs, and affluent expatriates.
General Rule for Obtaining Georgian Tax Residency
Under the Georgian Tax Code, an individual is considered a tax resident for the current tax year if they are physically present in Georgia for at least 183 days during any continuous 12-month period ending in that year. Residency applies equally to Georgian citizens, foreign nationals, and stateless persons.
Certain periods of presence are excluded from the calculation, including time spent in Georgia:
- In a diplomatic or consular capacity (and for accompanying family members),
- As an employee of an international organization under an international treaty,
- While transiting from one foreign country to another,
- For medical treatment or vacation.
The Exception: High-Net-Worth Individual Tax Residency
Georgia’s tax legislation provides an alternative pathway for individuals who may not meet the 183-day presence rule. A High-Net-Worth Individual is defined as someone whose verified property exceeds 3 million GEL (around 1.1 million USD), or whose annual income over each of the last three years exceeds 200,000 GEL (around 75,000 USD). Such individuals may be granted Georgian tax residency based on economic ties, even without prolonged physical presence, in accordance with rules set by the Minister of Finance.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Georgian tax residency under the HNWI program, applicants must:
- Meet the wealth or income threshold, either 3 million GEL in global assets or 200,000 GEL in annual income for the past three years.
- Own property in Georgia worth at least USD 500,000.
- Hold a valid Georgian residence permit/citizenship, or have received at least 25,000 GEL (around 10,000 USD) in Georgian-source income in the tax year before applying.
These conditions ensure that HNWIs have both substantial wealth and a meaningful economic connection to Georgia.
Application Process for HNWI Tax Residency
Applications are submitted to the Revenue Service, either in person, through an authorized representative, or electronically. All supporting documents must be provided, including proof of wealth or income, property valuation reports, and evidence of Georgian-source income if applicable.
If the Revenue Service determines that the application and supporting documents fully meet the legal requirements, it must, within seven working days, forward the case to the Minister of Finance of Georgia with a proposal to grant Georgian tax residency.
Residency is granted on an annual basis. Renewal requires submitting updated documents each year, demonstrating continued compliance with the program’s requirements.
Advantages of HNWI Tax Residency in Georgia
The HNWI tax residency route offers both mobility and tax efficiency:
- Residency without the 183-day presence requirement.
- Access to Georgia’s competitive tax system, which generally exempts foreign-source income from taxation.
- No wealth tax, inheritance tax, or gift tax.
- Favorable flat personal income tax rates on Georgian-source income.
- Opportunity to build stronger ties to Georgia for personal, business, or investment purposes.
The High-Net-Worth Individual tax residency program is a powerful tool for affluent investors and professionals who wish to enjoy the benefits of Georgian tax residency without committing to long-term physical presence. By combining significant wealth thresholds with property ownership and economic engagement in Georgia, the program ensures that beneficiaries are genuinely connected to the country while enjoying one of the most flexible residency regimes in the region.
About Andersen Georgia
At Andersen Georgia, we assist individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses in navigating Georgia’s residency rules and optimizing their legal and tax position. Our services include assessing eligibility, preparing and submitting residency applications, and ensuring ongoing compliance with all legislative requirements.
Note: This article is based on Georgian legislation and publicly available information as of August 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Individuals and businesses should seek professional guidance tailored to their specific circumstances before making any decisions based on the information herein.