How to Register a Company in Georgia (2026 Guide)
Georgia has become one of the simplest places in the region to start a business. Foreigners can own a company outright, registration at the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) usually takes a single working day, and the country's tax rules are unusually friendly to small businesses and exporters.
This guide walks through the whole process as it stands in 2026: which structure to pick, the documents you need, what registration costs, how to stay compliant afterwards, and how to do it all without flying to Tbilisi. Figures are current as of June 2026, always confirm fees and forms against the primary sources linked at the end.
Why entrepreneurs choose Georgia
Three things draw founders to Georgia. First, taxation works on a territorial basis, so resident individuals are generally taxed only on Georgian-source income. Second, an Individual Entrepreneur with Small Business status pays just 1% turnover tax on annual turnover up to 500,000 GEL. Third, IT companies that export their services can apply for Virtual Zone status and pay 0% corporate tax on that foreign income. We cover the details in the Georgia tax guide.
The practical side is just as light. A company can be 100% foreign-owned, there is no minimum share capital requirement for a standard LLC, and both the registration counter and the tax office are used to working with non-residents. Georgia also keeps the company register public and online, which makes due diligence and bank onboarding smoother. For many location-independent founders, the result is a compliant European-time-zone company with a genuinely low effective tax rate and very little paperwork.
Choose your structure: LLC or Individual Entrepreneur
Most foreign founders register one of two structures. The right choice depends on liability, who you invoice, and which tax regime you want.
Limited Liability Company (LLC, "შპს")
An LLC is a separate legal entity. Your personal assets are protected, you can take on partners and investors, and it is the structure banks and corporate clients expect. Profits are taxed under the Estonian-style model: 15% corporate tax applies only when profit is distributed, so reinvested earnings stay untaxed until they leave the company.
Individual Entrepreneur (IE)
An IE is a registered sole trader tied to you personally. It is the route to Small Business status and its 1% turnover tax, which makes it popular with freelancers, consultants, and solo founders. The trade-off is that there is no separation between you and the business for liability purposes, so a contract dispute or debt reaches your personal assets.
| Feature | LLC (შპს) | Individual Entrepreneur |
|---|---|---|
| Legal separation | Yes | No |
| Typical tax regime | 15% on distributed profit | 1% turnover (Small Business, up to 500,000 GEL) |
| Best for | Companies, partners, investors | Freelancers, consultants, solo founders |
| Minimum capital | None required | Not applicable |
| Raise investment | Yes, via shares | No |
Documents you need
- A valid passport (a notarized translation into Georgian may be required).
- A company name, checked for availability at registration.
- A registered legal address in Georgia.
- The company charter for an LLC, plus the list of directors and owners.
- For remote setup: a notarized and apostilled power of attorney for your local representative.
Keep both digital and paper copies. If your documents are issued abroad, budget a day or two for translation and notarization before you file.
Step by step: registering at the NAPR
- Check the name. Confirm the company name is free and reserve it.
- Prepare the charter. Draft the charter and owner/director details for an LLC.
- Submit at the House of Justice. File the application with the National Agency of Public Registry, in person or through a representative.
- Receive the extract. Standard registration is usually completed within one business day, with same-day service available for an expedited fee.
- Register for tax. Register with the Revenue Service and, if eligible, apply for Small Business or Virtual Zone status.
- Open a bank account. Set up a corporate account to start operating: see the Georgia banking guide.
Costs and timeline
Government registration fees are modest; the larger variable is whether you use a local service provider, translation, and notarization.
| Item | Typical range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| NAPR registration (standard) | ~100 GEL | 1 business day |
| NAPR registration (expedited) | ~200 GEL | Same day |
| Notarization & translation | Varies | 1-2 days |
| Bank account opening | Varies by bank | A few business days |
Registering remotely with a power of attorney
You do not have to be in Georgia to register a company. With a notarized and apostilled power of attorney, a local representative can reserve the name, file the application, and collect the extract on your behalf. Many founders complete the company and tax registration remotely and only travel later, if at all, to finalize banking, some banks still prefer an in-person visit for the account, while others can onboard remotely after extra checks.
Keeping your company compliant
Registration is the start, not the finish. A Georgian company files monthly tax reports with the Revenue Service, even in months with no activity, and pays any tax due by the standard monthly deadline. An LLC that distributes profit accounts for the 15% tax at distribution; an IE on Small Business status tracks turnover against the 500,000 GEL threshold. Most owners work with a local accountant (fees are low by European standards) to handle filings, payroll if you hire, and annual reporting. Build this into your budget from day one so compliance never becomes a surprise.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Picking the wrong structure for the tax goal. Small Business status (1%) is only available to an Individual Entrepreneur, not an LLC.
- Assuming all foreign income is automatically tax-free. Territorial taxation has conditions; confirm your specific case with the Revenue Service.
- Skipping monthly filings. Returns are due even with zero turnover, and penalties accrue quietly.
- Leaving banking to the last minute. Start the account process early, since due diligence for non-residents takes longer.
After registration: tax status and banking
Once the company exists, two decisions shape your costs. The first is your tax regime: Small Business status for an IE, Virtual Zone or International Company status for IT, or the standard 15%-on-distribution model for an LLC. The second is banking. Georgian banks open accounts for residents and non-residents, though non-residents face additional due diligence. Both topics are covered in the tax guide and the banking guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to register a company in Georgia?
An LLC is usually registered within one business day at the NAPR, and same-day service is available for an expedited fee.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Georgian company?
Yes. There is no requirement for a local shareholder or director; a foreigner can own and manage the company entirely.
Do I need to visit Georgia to register?
No. Registration can be completed remotely through a representative acting under a notarized and apostilled power of attorney.
What is the cheapest way to be taxed?
For eligible solo founders, an Individual Entrepreneur with Small Business status pays 1% on turnover up to 500,000 GEL. Confirm eligibility for your activity with the Revenue Service.
Does my company have to file taxes every month?
Yes. Georgian companies submit monthly returns to the Revenue Service even when there is no turnover, so it is worth arranging an accountant early.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal or tax advice, and is current as of June 2026. Rules, thresholds, and fees change. Verify the details for your situation with a qualified adviser and the primary sources below.
Primary sources: National Agency of Public Registry (napr.gov.ge), Revenue Service of Georgia (rs.ge).
Prefer a done-for-you setup? Our company registration service handles the whole process remotely, from name check to tax registration.
Wondering about the price? See our full breakdown of the cost to start and run a company in Georgia.
Planning a regulated crypto business? Companies that provide virtual asset services need VASP registration with the National Bank of Georgia first.
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