Georgia
A solid all-round choice. Ranked 46 of 55, strongest on affordability, softest on retiree visa.
- Healthcare 55
- Retiree visa 22
- Affordability 95
- Safety 76
- Climate 76
- Expat community not verified50
1 of 6 axes rest on data we could not verify yet; those score a neutral 50 and are marked "not verified".
- Retirement visaNoen.wikipedia.org
- Min incomeNot verified yet
- Monthly budgetMuch lower than the USnumbeo.com
- HealthcareFairexpatden.com
- SafetySafevitistravel.com
- Top citiesTbilisi, Batumi, Telavi
Good to know
- Low cost of livingVery affordable. Numbeo estimates a single person needs about 575 EUR per month in Tbilisi excluding rent (June 2026).numbeo.com
- Safe for retireesGeorgia ranked in the top third of the 2025 Global Peace Index, ahead of Greece, Italy and France. The murder rate is below the European average and attacks on tourists are exceptionally rare.vitistravel.com
- Comfortable climateTbilisi has hot, humid summers and moderately cold, mostly dry winters, with rainfall peaking in late spring and early summer. Coastal Batumi is wetter and more subtropical.en.wikipedia.org
Watch out for
- No dedicated retirement visaen.wikipedia.org
- Expat community data not verified yet
Visa & residency
No verified data yet
No verified data yet
No retirement visa and no income requirement for entry. Citizens of roughly 95 to 100 countries, including all EU states, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Japan, may stay visa-free for a full 365 days, one of the longest visa-free stays in the world.
Long stays are trivially easy thanks to the 1-year visa-free rule. For longer or permanent residence, retirees use a residence permit; a property-based short-term residence permit is available above a property value threshold.
Healthcare
Major private hospitals with international standards are concentrated in Tbilisi, Batumi and other large cities, but quality drops sharply in rural areas. The state Universal Health Coverage system offers foreigners little practical benefit.
Expats rely on private healthcare. Local Georgian insurance runs about 21 to 42 USD per month; international expat plans about 83 to 417 USD per month depending on age and coverage.
Cost of living
Very affordable. Numbeo estimates a single person needs about 575 EUR per month in Tbilisi excluding rent (June 2026).
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Tbilisi city centre is about 1,768 lari per month (roughly 579 EUR), June 2026.
Safety
Georgia ranked in the top third of the 2025 Global Peace Index, ahead of Greece, Italy and France. The murder rate is below the European average and attacks on tourists are exceptionally rare.
Climate
Tbilisi has hot, humid summers and moderately cold, mostly dry winters, with rainfall peaking in late spring and early summer. Coastal Batumi is wetter and more subtropical.
Community & language
No verified data yet
No verified data yet
Private hospitals in Tbilisi commonly have English-speaking staff, indicating an established international presence in the capital.
Georgian is the sole official language, a Kartvelian language unrelated to any other language family. Abkhaz is a regional language.
Taxes
Georgia uses a territorial tax system and does not tax residents on foreign-source income, so foreign pensions are generally not taxed in Georgia.
Georgia maintains double tax treaties with multiple countries. Resident individuals are not taxed on foreign-source income.
Moving & migration
Opening a bank account in Georgia is straightforward. Major banks such as TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia welcome foreign customers. You typically need only your passport to open an account. Some banks may also request proof of address or a Georgian tax ID number. Multi-currency accounts (GEL, USD, EUR, GBP) are widely available. Internet and mobile banking are well-developed.
Georgia does not have a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and you cannot register for the national healthcare system. Make sure you have appropriate private health insurance from Georgian or international providers. Major private hospitals in Tbilisi, Batumi and other large cities offer international standards, but quality drops in rural areas. Read guidance on health in Georgia and find English-speaking medical facilities from the FCDO list.
You can drive in Georgia using a valid UK driving licence for up to 12 months from your last entry. After this, you must either have an International Driving Permit (IDP) or apply for a Georgian driving licence at the Georgian Service Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. If you hold a valid UK driving licence, you do not need to sit a driving or theory test when applying for a Georgian licence. An English-speaking translator may be needed for the application process.
Personal household goods can be shipped to Georgia. A detailed inventory list, passport, and proof of residence are typically required. Customs duties may apply to certain items. Contact the Georgian Revenue Service (customs department) or the Embassy of Georgia in London for current regulations. Using an international moving company familiar with Georgian customs procedures is advisable.
Dogs and cats entering Georgia need a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and a veterinary health certificate. For UK pets, export health certificates (EHC) may be required. Read guidance from the Revenue Service of Georgia on bringing animals to Georgia. Follow the UK non-EU pet travel route with an Export Health Certificate from an official vet.
Step 1: British nationals can enter and stay in Georgia visa-free for up to 365 days. Step 2: For longer stays, apply for a residence permit at a Public Service Hall after arrival (property investment above a certain threshold, work, study, or family reunion grounds). Step 3: Register your address and obtain a residence card. Step 4: Short-term residence permits are typically valid for 1 year and renewable. Step 5: After 6 years of legal residence, apply for permanent residency. Georgia generally does not allow dual citizenship.
Popular retirement spots
Where retirees in Georgia tend to settle, and the honest reason why. Each note shows its source.
Tbilisi
Georgia's capital and largest city, home to more than 100 ethnic groups and about a third of the country's population.
Batumi
Seaside city on Georgia's Black Sea coast with a humid subtropical climate and a beach and resort area.
Telavi
Main city of the Kakheti wine region, set in the foothills at 500-800m with views of the Greater Caucasus.
Questions about retiring in Georgia
Answered from the verified data on this page. Every answer shows its source; anything we have not confirmed says so plainly rather than guessing.
- Does Georgia have a retirement visa?
No dedicated retirement visa. Other residence routes may apply; check the country page.
en.wikipedia.org- How much monthly income do I need to retire in Georgia?
As a guide: No retirement visa and no income requirement for entry. Citizens of roughly 95 to 100 countries, including all EU states, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Japan, may stay visa-free for a full 365 days, one of the longest visa-free stays in the world. Treat this as indicative and verify the current official figure before you rely on it.
en.wikipedia.org- Is healthcare good for expats in Georgia?
Healthcare quality is rated fair. Major private hospitals with international standards are concentrated in Tbilisi, Batumi and other large cities, but quality drops sharply in rural areas. The state Universal Health Coverage system offers foreigners little practical benefit. On cost: Expats rely on private healthcare. Local Georgian insurance runs about 21 to 42 USD per month; international expat plans about 83 to 417 USD per month depending on age and coverage.
expatden.com- How expensive is it to retire in Georgia?
Much lower than the US. A comfortable single-retiree budget is Very affordable. Numbeo estimates a single person needs about 575 EUR per month in Tbilisi excluding rent (June 2026).
numbeo.com- Is Georgia safe?
Safe. Georgia ranked in the top third of the 2025 Global Peace Index, ahead of Greece, Italy and France. The murder rate is below the European average and attacks on tourists are exceptionally rare.
vitistravel.com- What is the climate like in Georgia?
The climate is Humid subtropical (Koppen Cfa) with continental and semi-arid influences. Tbilisi has hot, humid summers and moderately cold, mostly dry winters, with rainfall peaking in late spring and early summer. Coastal Batumi is wetter and more subtropical.
en.wikipedia.org- Where do retirees live in Georgia?
Popular retirement spots include Tbilisi, Batumi and Telavi.
en.wikipedia.org
Compare Georgia with its closest rivals
The three countries whose RetireScore sits nearest.
