“Remotely Work from Georgia” is a rather smart program Georgia (the country), started back in August to attract high-spenders amid the pandemic.
By the beginning of November, more than 800 freelancers, remote workers, entrepreneurs and even full-time employees had already been approved out of 1,200 applicants.
Foreign nationals from Russia (29%), US (18%), Belarus (5%), Japan (5%) and Ukraine (4%) are already running their business, remotely working or just enjoying life from this strategically located country.
Those ready to start a new life in Georgia will need to fill out an application, submit proof of travel insurance, bring a certificate of employment and provide the government with their personal information.
More than a visa, it’s a smart way around the travel ban
Considering how the coronavirus has brought the economic activity to near-standstill as countries had to impose travel bans and other tight restrictions, a growing number of governments have had to find innovative ways to get the foreign spending back.
In view of Georgia’s tourism industry being forcibly stopped by the pandemic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the launching of the “Remotely Work from Georgia” program back in August.
But, hold on, more than a visa for digital nomads, this is a scheme to bring back long-term visitors from 95 countries who were already allowed to live in the country without a visa.
The project looks to help the country bounce back from the evident economic damage and compensate the losses in the tourism sector.
How does someone apply?
The application process is actually quite simple.
Digital nomads, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and full-time employees who make their income abroad, including foreign nationals from the hardest-hit countries such as the U.S, Spain and Brazil can apply for this working “visa.”
Applicants must,
- Fill up a mandatory application form available at the Government of Georgia’s official website.
- Upload all the required documents such as bank statements, contracts, paycheck details, etc.)
- Provide proof of 6-months travel insurance.
Is there a catch?
Of course! – There is always a catch. When applying for any visa for digital nomads or remote workers, applicants should not forget to always read the small print.
In this particular case, the program is applicable to remote workers who could already visit the country visa free and stay in the territory for up to one year before the pandemic.
Also, candidates must be able to demonstrate they have made a minimum monthly salary of USD $2,000 over the past 6 months, so those can prove they have the financial capacity to pay taxes while living and working in Georgia.
Accepted remote workers must be ready to cover the costs of a PCR test and 8-day mandatory quarantine at a local approved hotel.
Why should a remote worker apply for this program?
For starters, Georgia is one of the Euro-Asian countries with the lowest cost of living in the region. Its privileged position allows remote workers to easily move back and forth between Asia and Europe.
It also has a convenient 20% personal income tax, 0% to 15% corporate profit tax and only up to 1% on property tax. (Source)
The 95 accepted countries
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- British Virgin Islands
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Falkland Islands
- Faroe Islands
- Finland
- France
- French Polynesia
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Greenland
- Holy See
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- Netherlands Antilles
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Panama
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uzbekistan
(Source)
Remember that even if this program is being informally called a “Visa for Digital Nomads”, applicants are not actually applying for a visa but for an invitation to be part of a program.
This may be actually good news because according to the approval rate, it seems easy to get accepted.