Digital Migration in Georgia: How Remote Work Is Reshaping the Labor Market and Urban Spaces

Remote work is no longer a temporary solution born of the pandemic — it has become a global economic norm. By 2024, the number of digital nomads worldwide surpassed 40 million, and an increasing number of them are choosing Georgia. This rising interest is driven by several factors: the possibility to stay in the country visa-free for up to 365 days, a simple registration process, low tax rates, and a relatively affordable cost of living. Together, these elements have made Tbilisi and Batumi two of the fastest-growing hubs for remote professionals.

During the pandemic, the “Remotely from Georgia” program helped streamline legal residence for foreign remote workers. Even after its suspension in 2024, Georgia retained digital nomad visa options with relatively modest requirements — a monthly income of at least $2,000 or savings of $24,000. On top of that, Georgia’s tax regime remains highly attractive: through individual entrepreneur status, foreign freelancers can pay only 1% in turnover tax on up to 500,000 GEL per year — a significant contrast to the 25–35% income tax brackets common in the West.

The profiles of those arriving are diverse but mostly from higher-income brackets. Many are professionals in tech, design, marketing, or consulting, with average annual incomes exceeding $120,000. These individuals tend to seek high-quality housing, stable infrastructure, and vibrant urban experiences. Neighborhoods in central Tbilisi and Batumi have adapted to their presence, seeing a surge in coworking spaces, social events, and internet-equipped cafés.

This shift is already visible in the housing market. Since 2022, rental prices in central districts of Tbilisi and Batumi have increased by 30–40%. In popular areas like Vake, Vera, and Saburtalo, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment now exceeds 1,200 GEL. Meanwhile, the average monthly salary in Georgia stands at around 2000 GEL, meaning rent alone can consume more than half of a local resident’s income.

Despite growing demand, the local system is not fully prepared to support the digital nomad economy. Foreigners face difficulties opening bank accounts, navigating tax processes, and accessing healthcare that meets Western standards. Legal regulation for remote work is largely absent from Georgia’s labor code, which creates confusion for both international workers and local companies seeking to hire them.

The influx of remote professionals is not only transforming the economy but also reshaping the physical and social dynamics of cities. It changes neighborhood demographics, alters demand in real estate, influences communication patterns, and redefines how urban space is used. On one hand, digital nomads stimulate local economies and introduce new business activity. On the other, their high spending power can drive up prices and place pressure on long-term residents’ access to housing.

Georgia has become a kind of laboratory where global trends intersect with local realities. There is still no clear framework to manage this relationship, but it is already evident that the wave of digital migration has brought not just foreign workers but also a new search for economic and social balance.