Moving to Georgia (the country) can be an amazing adventure, but it’s not without challenges. Many expats have made common mistakes during their relocation—some costly, others just frustrating. This 2025 guide breaks down the biggest mistakes to avoid, based on real-life experiences from people who’ve made the move.

🚫 1. Assuming You Don’t Need Any Paperwork

Just because Georgia offers 365-day visa-free stays for many nationalities doesn’t mean you’re free from bureaucracy.

• ✅ You may still need a residence permit if you want to open a business or buy property.
• 📑 Always check if your plans require legal registration or a Tax ID (NIF).

🚫 2. Not Securing Accommodation in Advance

Many newcomers arrive in Tbilisi expecting to find housing quickly—and then spend weeks in overpriced Airbnb rentals.

• 🔍 Research neighborhoods in advance (e.g. Vake, Saburtalo, Old Tbilisi).
• 📱 Use local platforms like MyHome.ge or SS.ge to browse real listings.
• 💬 Don’t hesitate to join expat Facebook groups to ask for leads.

🚫 3. Not Learning Basic Georgian or Russian

While some locals in big cities speak English, relying on it exclusively can lead to frustration.

• 📚 Learn key phrases in Georgian (or Russian, especially with older people).
• 🎧 Use apps like Duolingo or attend local language exchange events.

🚫 4. Overlooking Health Insurance

Georgia’s healthcare is affordable, but private care is recommended—and foreign residents need proper insurance for residency applications.

• 🏥 Get a private health insurance policy before or right after arriving.
• 💡 Some local providers offer expat packages (GPI, Aldagi, etc.).

🚫 5. Choosing the Wrong City or Region

Georgia has a wide range of climates and lifestyles. Tbilisi isn’t for everyone.

• 🏖️ Batumi offers a coastal vibe, but is very humid in summer.
• 🏞️ Kutaisi is cheaper, but has fewer amenities.
• ❄️ Mountain villages are charming—but cold and isolated in winter.

🚫 6. Not Understanding the Banking & Tax System

Opening a bank account is easy—but managing taxes, especially if you’re earning abroad, can be confusing.

• 🏦 Bank of Georgia and TBC are expat-friendly options.
• 📋 Hire a local accountant to help if you're staying long-term or working remotely.

🚫 7. Ignoring the Weather & Air Quality

Tbilisi summers can hit 40°C, and winters are cold and dry. In certain areas, air pollution is also a problem.

• 🌬️ If you have respiratory issues, check air quality reports regularly.
• ☔ Batumi is beautiful—but it rains often.

💡 Final Tips from Expats Who’ve Been There

• 🎒 Don’t try to ship everything—buy most things locally.
• 📆 Visit for a few weeks first before committing long-term.
• 🔗 Join expat networks online and offline—don’t isolate yourself.
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✅ Final Thoughts

Georgia is one of the most welcoming and flexible countries for expats, but small mistakes can turn into major frustrations. Learn from those who’ve gone before you—plan well, stay flexible, and you’ll enjoy a smooth and fulfilling transition to life in Georgia.

 

🎥 Want to hear directly from expats who’ve made these mistakes?

Watch this helpful YouTube video full of lessons learned and insider tips from foreigners living in Georgia.