Russian speakers in Tbilisi
Relocating to Georgia in 2026: housing, work, documents
Life in Tbilisi — through the eyes of those already here
Since 2022, Tbilisi has taken in tens of thousands of Russian speakers — predominantly IT professionals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. The city draws them with visa-free stays of up to a year for Russian citizens, low taxes for small businesses (1% of turnover for sole traders), and a well-developed coworking infrastructure. The local Russian-speaking community numbers in the tens of thousands, with active Telegram channels, Russian-language schools, and a robust services market.
Where fellow expats settle — and where it’s best to avoid
Where to live
- VeraA quiet, well-heeled neighbourhood in the centre: good infrastructure, a park, cafés, and many relocators. Ideal for families and remote workers.
- SaburtaloThe largest “Russian-speaking” district: shopping centres, Carrefour, a neighbourhood clinic, and metro access. Housing is cheaper than the centre with convenient logistics.
- VakePrestigious green neighbourhood with a park: upscale new builds, restaurants and international schools nearby. For those looking for above-average standards.
- Didi Digomi / Digomi 7Actively developing residential districts with accessible prices for new builds — convenient to buy into, but far from the centre with limited public transport.
Where it’s better not to live
- GldaniA high-crime peripheral district with ageing housing stock; infrastructure for expats is minimal.
- Isani (old neighborhoods)Part of the neighbourhood has dilapidated housing and poor sewage; highway noise and a lack of comfortable amenities make it a poor choice for long-term living.
Everything you need to know in Tbilisi
Need hands-on help → services
Housing and neighbourhoods
1-bedroom rental in the centre (Vera, Vake): 900–1,600 GEL/month; in Saburtalo — 700–1,100 GEL. 2-bedroom in the centre — 1,400–2,500 GEL. Search on Facebook Marketplace (group “Tbilisi Apartment Rentals” (Аренда квартир Тбилиси), Myhome.ge, and through Russian-speaking realtors on Telegram. Utilities (electricity, gas, water) — 80–200 GEL depending on the season; gas heating in winter is the main expense.
Where to rent and how much it costs →
Documents and status
Russian citizens can enter on a foreign passport without a visa and stay up to 365 days per year. A residence permit is issued through the House of Justice; grounds include an employment contract, business ownership, real estate worth approximately USD 100,000 or more, or proof of financial independence. Processing takes 30 days; the state fee starts from 210 GEL. Sole traders must obtain a Personal Number (individual TIN) — issued free of charge at the House of Justice on the day of application.
Steps to take →
Banking and money
The main banks are TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia: they open accounts for Russian citizens with a passport and a Georgian TIN (Personal Number), obtained at the House of Justice. Since tightened regulations in 2023, proof of income source and address is required. Transfers to Russia are made via Western Union, Unistream, and partner systems; Georgian bank cards have limited functionality in Russia. SWIFT transfers to Europe and the US are unrestricted.
How to open an account →
Work and business
The main occupations are IT, marketing, design, and finance — typically remote work for foreign employers. The local job market is limited and salaries are low (average ~2,000 GEL). A sole proprietorship (Individual Entrepreneur) with small-business status is taxed at 1% of turnover up to 500,000 GEL/year and can be registered in one day at the House of Justice. A work visa for a local employer requires a work permit arranged by the employer.
Where to look for work →
Healthcare
Public healthcare is covered by the Universal Health Coverage programme, but for foreigners without a residence permit only emergency care is free. Private clinics are the standard choice: a GP visit costs 40–80 GEL, a specialist 60–120 GEL. Recommended clinics: Evex, Aversi, GPC. Russian-speaking doctors are available at virtually all major private clinics; local health insurance (Aldagi, Imedi L) starts at 80 GEL/month.
Doctors and insurance →
Schools and children
Russian-language School No. 23 named after Pushkin (state-run, free) — the most popular choice among relocators. Private Russian-language schools (’Evrika’, ’Iberia’) — 400–800 GEL/month. International English-language schools (QSI, British Georgian Academy) — from 1,500 USD/month. Russian-language private kindergartens — 400–700 GEL/month.
How to enrol a child →
Transport and cars
Metro (2 lines) + buses + minibuses — unified Metromoney pass, fare 1 GEL. Taxis: Bolt and Yandex Go — a city ride costs 8–20 GEL. Car: parking is relatively easy outside the centre; Russian licences are recognised for up to 6 months of stay, after which you must convert to a Georgian licence by sitting an exam. Car hire — from 80 GEL/day.
Licenses and driving →
Transfers and parcels
Direct Tbilisi–Moscow flights have been unavailable since 2019 (with occasional resumptions). From Tbilisi to Russia, connections run via Yerevan, Baku, or Istanbul; direct charters are periodically restored — check aviasales.ru for updates. Parcels: CDEK operates from Georgia, delivery in 7–14 days. Money transfers — Unistream, Contact, cryptocurrency via P2P.
What to hand over and how →
Safety and SOS
Single emergency number — 112. Ambulance — 113. Police — 112. Russian Embassy in Tbilisi: +995 32 291-38-22 (consular section). Russian-speaking legal aid — numerous attorneys in the Telegram community “Georgia | Relocation” (Грузия | Переезд). House of Justice hotline — 1400.
If something has gone wrong →Flights from Tbilisi to Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the CIS
From Tbilisi to Moscow there are direct flights — from $144 one way. You can fly non-stop to Tashkent.
Tbilisi — Moscow: prices by month and which cities to connect through →
The lowest one-way prices found by buyers in recent days, for 26 October. Exact price and seat availability — in search: we compare hundreds of airlines and agencies, ticket purchased on the seller’s website.
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Weekends in Tbilisi and day trips
SVOY partners: book and pay on the partner’s website.
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Relocation, loneliness, paperwork anxiety, a child settling into a new school. You don’t have to handle this alone. SVOY therapists hold verified degrees, have been vetted by us, and have been through emigration themselves. You choose the time yourself, in your own time zone.
What you share in a session is seen only by your therapist. Insurance, prices, and helplines in Tbilisi →
Questions about life in Tbilisi
How long can a Russian citizen stay in Georgia without a visa?
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365 days a year visa-free on a foreign passport. After departure and re-entry the count resets, though border officers may ask about the purpose of your visit on frequent crossings.
How do you open an account at a Georgian bank with a Russian passport?
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Go to TBC or Bank of Georgia with your international passport. First, get a Personal Number at the House of Justice (free, same-day). Banks may ask for proof of income or address; rejections have become more common since 2023 — if declined, try a different branch or bank.
Is Tbilisi safe for Russian speakers in 2026?
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On the whole, yes: street crime is low, everyday anti-Russian sentiment exists but rarely escalates to open aggression. It is advisable to avoid provocative symbols and political discussions with strangers.
Which tax regime is most advantageous for a freelancer in Georgia?
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Small Business sole trader status: 1% tax on turnover up to 500,000 GEL/year, provided income comes from foreign clients. Registration takes one day at the House of Justice and costs around 20 GEL.
Are there Russian-speaking schools and kindergartens in Tbilisi?
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Yes: state school No. 23 named after Pushkin operates free of charge with instruction in Russian. Private Russian-language kindergartens and schools start from 400 GEL/month. It is best to enrol 2–3 months before your target date.
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What else you may need
Tasks that most often come next. Each is handled by a dedicated SVOY service.
Rent or buy housing
Rental and purchase Tbilisi: prices by neighbourhood, property due diligence, and end-to-end transaction support — SVOY HOME.
Go to websiteRegularize your status
Residence permits, visas and status renewals in Tbilisi, certificates and apostille — SVOY Legal.
Go to websiteChildbirth and citizenship for the child
Childbirth in Tbilisi: clinics, newborn documentation and citizenship — SVOY Baby.
Go to websiteHalal community
Nikah, halal services, and the Muslim community in Tbilisi — SVOY Halal.
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