How to Register a Company (LLC) in Georgia: Complete 2025 Step-by-Step Guide
- Tinatin Tolordava
- 4 days ago
- 13 min read
Table of contents
Why Set Up an LLC in Georgia?
Starting a business in Georgia isn’t just about location and leverage. Georgia offers a unique mix of simplicity, cost-efficiency, and access to regional markets, giving LLC founders real advantages from day one. Whether you're a local entrepreneur or an international investor, the legal framework is designed to make business registration fast and manageable. You don’t need a local partner. You don’t need to jump through excessive hoops. And you don’t need to wait long.
Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is preferred for most small and mid-sized businesses here. It gives you personal liability protection without the rigid structure of a corporation. You can run the business alone or with partners, define your internal rules, and adapt the setup as you grow.
Unlike many jurisdictions, Georgia keeps red tape to a minimum. You can register online, manage filings through a single state portal, and start operations quickly. Add to that some of the region’s lowest taxes and a straightforward banking process, and it’s clear why so many choose Georgia for company formation.
What Makes Georgia Business-Friendly?
Georgia’s not just open to business, it actively competes for it. The government has built a pro-entrepreneur environment with:
Low startup costs – You can form an LLC with minimal investment. Filing fees are predictable, and there are no hidden layers of bureaucracy.
Tax transparency: Georgia offers a flat corporate income tax rate and favorable terms for small businesses and international founders.
Efficient digital infrastructure – Most business services, including registration, reporting, and tax filings, are fully digital. No need to visit government offices.
Support for foreign-owned entities – Non-residents can own 100% of an LLC, open local bank accounts, and access the financial system without residency.
Minimal regulatory friction – There are few licensing barriers and no forced local employment quotas for small firms.
Georgia is a good choice for founders who want a stable legal system, a growing economy, and easy access to Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Ready to move forward? Let’s walk through each step of registering your LLC in Georgia for 2025.
Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a Bank Account
Step 1: Choose a Unique Business Name
Before you can register your company in Georgia, you need a business name that’s legally acceptable and commercially usable. This is more than a branding decision—it’s a legal requirement. Your name must be distinguishable from other entities registered with the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR).
What Makes a Name Distinct?
Your LLC name must not match or closely resemble any existing legal entity operating in Georgia. The difference must be clear, not just in punctuation, spacing, or generic terms. For example, “Black Sea Holdings LLC” and “Black-Sea Holdings LLC” would not be considered distinct.
Your name must also include the legal structure, typically, “LLC” or its Georgian equivalent, placed at the end of the name.
How to Check Name Availability
You can search for available names through the official portal of the National Agency of Public Registry at https://napr.gov.ge. The system allows free public access to check whether a proposed business name is already used. If the name is available, you can reserve it online. Name reservation is optional, but recommended if you need more time before filing.
Reserving the name gives you 30 days of exclusivity, preventing others from registering the same name while you prepare your documentation.
Restricted Words and Rules
Certain words are restricted or require prior approval from regulatory bodies. These include terms like:
“Bank”, “Insurance”, or “University” – which are regulated industries in Georgia.
Any names that suggest a public or governmental function.
Words that could mislead the public or imply unregistered activities.
Names must be written using Georgian or Latin characters. If you plan to operate internationally, you can register both versions.
Avoid placeholder names or anything vague. If the NAPR finds your name non-compliant, your registration will be delayed or rejected.
Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
Every LLC in Georgia is legally required to designate a registered agent. This isn’t just a formality; it’s a legal point of contact between your company and the Georgian state. Your registered agent receives official correspondence, court notices, and compliance documents on behalf of the company.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Georgia?
The role can be filled by:
A Georgian citizen or resident with a valid address in the country.
A legal entity based in Georgia, including law firms or corporate service providers.
The key requirement is that the registered agent maintain a physical address within Georgia. P.O. boxes are not accepted. Since this address will appear on the public record, many companies, especially those with foreign owners, prefer to appoint a professional service provider rather than an individual. Reputable firms (like Gegidze) are publicly listed, have a verifiable history, and typically operate through lawyers or certified accountants.
If you’re a foreign national setting up a business remotely, appointing a registered agent is non-negotiable. Without one, your LLC cannot be legally registered.
What Does the Registered Agent Do?
The registered agent’s primary responsibilities include:
Accepting official notices from the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR).
Receiving court documents or government letters if legal action is taken against the LLC.
Ensuring time-sensitive filings or reports reach the company promptly.
They are not responsible for managing the company’s operations or finances. Their role is strictly administrative, but it is critical for keeping your company compliant.
Many founders retain legal or corporate service firms (like Gegidze) to act as registered agents. It simplifies communication with the authorities and reduces the risk of missing important deadlines.
Once you’ve designated a registered agent and confirmed their address, you can file the Articles of Organization with the state registry.
Step 3: File Articles of Organization
This is where your company becomes a legal entity. Filing the Articles of Organization officially registers your LLC with the Georgia government. Without this step, your business doesn’t exist in the eyes of the law.
Where to File
All filings go through the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR), the official government body that oversees company formation and legal records. You can submit your documents:
Online through the NAPR portal at https://napr.gov.ge
In person at a Public Service Hall
Via a legal representative, which is common for non-residents or remote founders
The online portal is available in Georgian and English, but depending on the registrar, certified translations may be required if you're submitting documents in English.
What You Need to Submit
The Articles of Organization include key information about your business:
Company name (as approved)
Legal structure (LLC)
Registered agent and legal address
Founders’ information (full names, citizenship, and ID/passport numbers)
Company management structure – single director or board
If you’re working with a local legal partner, they’ll typically prepare and file these documents on your behalf. If you're filing independently, ensure every detail matches your supporting documents exactly; mistakes delay approval.
Filing Fees and Processing Times
As of 2025, the state filing fee for a standard LLC registration is 100 GEL (approximately $35). Expedited processing is available for an additional 100 GEL, which reduces the waiting time from 2 business days to 1 business day.
All fees must be paid during filing, either through the online portal or at the service hall.
Once approved, your company receives an official registration certificate and a company identification number (ID code). This number is your LLC’s legal identity in Georgia and is required for banking, tax, and licensing.
With your company now legally formed, the next step is internal: drafting the rules that define how it operates. That’s where the operating agreement comes in.
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Once your LLC is officially registered in Georgia, the next step is to define how it will operate internally. While Georgian law does not require an operating agreement by default, having one protects both the business and its owners, especially in case of a dispute, ownership change, or exit.
An operating agreement is a private contract that outlines the company’s ownership structure, decision-making rules, and responsibilities among members and directors. It adds legal clarity beyond what's listed in the Articles of Organization.
What Should Be Included?
There is no fixed template under Georgian law, but a well-structured operating agreement typically covers:
Ownership details – Who owns what percentage of the LLC, and how capital contributions are recorded
Management structure – Whether the company is managed by a single director, a board, or a member-managed company
Voting rights – Rules for how major decisions are made, including quorum and approval thresholds
Profit distribution – How profits and losses are allocated among members
Transfer of shares – Procedures for selling, assigning, or inheriting ownership shares
Dispute resolution – Internal mechanisms for resolving conflicts between members
Termination or exit rules – Steps to follow if a founder leaves or the business shuts down
If your LLC has more than one owner, this agreement is essential. It ensures everyone knows their rights and obligations from day one. Even single-member LLCs benefit—banks, tax inspectors, or foreign partners may request it during due diligence.
Format and Legal Validity
The agreement should be:
In writing, either in Georgian or with an official Georgian translation
Signed by all members
Stored internally: it’s not submitted to the government but may be requested by banks or regulators.
For foreign founders, it’s common to draft the agreement in English, then provide a notarized Georgian version when needed.
Working with a legal team experienced in Georgian commercial law (like Gegidze) ensures your operating agreement aligns with local requirements and business goals. Once your internal framework is set, you can proceed with tax registration and your company’s financial setup.
Here’s a concise example of a basic Operating Agreement for a single-member LLC in Georgia:
Operating Agreement of [Company Name] LLC Registered in Georgia | |
Company Details |
|
Member Information |
|
Management Structure |
|
Profit Distribution |
|
Bank and Finance |
|
Amendments |
|
Governing Law |
|
Signed | [Full Name] Date: [DD/MM/YYYY] |
Step 5: Obtain a TIN
After registering your LLC and finalizing the operating agreement, your next priority is securing a tax identity. In Georgia, this is referred to as the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), similar to what many countries call an EIN. The Revenue Service of Georgia issues it, which is mandatory for all legal entities operating in the country.
Without a TIN, your company cannot open a corporate bank account, submit tax declarations, or issue official invoices.
Where and How to Apply
You can apply for a TIN immediately after your LLC is registered. The system usually automatically forwards your details to the Revenue Service if you're registering through the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) online portal or a service hall. Your company will then be issued a TIN within 1–2 business days.
If you’re registering manually or if something was missing in the initial application, you can apply directly through the Revenue Service portal at https://rs.ge or visit a local office in person.
You'll need:
The LLC’s registration certificate
Company identification number
Passport copies of the founder(s) or director(s)
A power of attorney is required if applying through a legal representative.
The process is straightforward, and there is no government fee for obtaining a TIN.
Foreign Ownership and TIN
If you're a foreign founder, you don’t need to be a Georgian resident to receive a TIN. However, if you're listed as a director or plan to represent the company in Georgia, your ID may need to be registered with the tax office.
A local representative or accountant can handle the process on your behalf. This is common for non-resident founders managing operations remotely.
Once your TIN is active, the Georgian tax authority will recognize your company and allow you to begin formal operations. This includes invoicing, VAT registration (if applicable), and setting up a business bank account.
Step 6: Register for Taxes and Obtain Business Licenses (If Applicable)
With your company officially registered and your TIN issued, the next step is ensuring full tax compliance. Tax registration is simple in Georgia, but it's not automatic for every type of activity. Depending on your business model, you may need to register for Value Added Tax (VAT), excise tax, or specific sectoral permits.
VAT Registration in Georgia
VAT registration is only required if your business meets one of the following conditions:
Annual turnover exceeds 100,000 GEL
You plan to import goods into Georgia.
You voluntarily choose to register to claim VAT refunds on expenses.
You can register for VAT through the Revenue Service portal. Once registered, you’ll receive a VAT certificate and must begin filing monthly returns. The current standard VAT rate in Georgia is 18%.
Startups and small businesses that operate below the threshold often delay VAT registration to simplify early-stage accounting. However, voluntary registration may be beneficial if you work with international partners or make large purchases.
Sector-Specific Licenses and Permits
Georgia follows a liberal licensing policy. Most general business activities, such as consulting, trade, and online services, do not require a license. However, you must secure additional approvals if your business operates in a regulated sector. This includes:
Financial services
Pharmaceuticals and medical clinics
Construction and engineering
Education
Hospitality (if serving alcohol or hosting guests overnight)
Licensing is managed through relevant ministries or municipal authorities. Processing times and documentation requirements vary by sector, so early planning is essential.
Local Tax Registration for Municipal Services
If your business maintains a physical office, warehouse, or storefront, you may also be required to register with the local municipal office. This affects property tax, waste management fees, and zoning compliance. In most cases, your legal representative or accountant can complete this step without your physical presence.
Your LLC is legally recognized, tax-registered, and, if necessary, licensed to operate. The final step is to ensure compliance in the years ahead, starting with Georgia’s annual registration process.
Step 7: File Annual Registration with the Public Registry
Once your LLC is active, your responsibilities don’t end with tax compliance. To maintain good standing in Georgia, you must file an annual registration update with the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR). This isn’t a financial report; it’s a legal confirmation that your company’s details remain current.
Failing to file on time can result in penalties, restrictions, or, in some cases, company deregistration.
What the Annual Registration Includes
The filing confirms or updates the following:
Legal name of the company
Registered address
Current director(s) and shareholders
Legal representative (if applicable)
Contact information for official correspondence
If there are no changes, the process is simple: you still need to file, but you can submit a confirmation of no updates.
Filing Deadline and Fees
The deadline for filing is before April 1st each year, regardless of when your company was formed.
You can submit your annual registration:
Online via the NAPR portal (https://napr.gov.ge)
In person at a Public Service Hall
Through a legal representative or service provider
As of 2025, the filing fee is 50 GEL. Late filings may incur administrative penalties, and prolonged non-compliance can restrict business activities.
Foreign-Owned Companies and Remote Filing
Foreign-owned LLCs can file their annual updates without being physically present in Georgia. Most companies delegate this task to their accountant or legal service provider, who handles submission through an authorized digital signature.
At Gegidze, we ensure all our clients meet this requirement automatically. If you're managing your company remotely, we recommend setting up an annual compliance calendar to avoid last-minute issues.
With your annual registration complete, your LLC remains in good legal standing and can continue operating, trading, and engaging with banks or partners without interruption. Now, the focus shifts to post-registration operations, starting with setting up your company’s financial infrastructure.
Post-Registration: What Comes Next?
You're officially in business once your LLC is registered, tax-compliant, and listed with the public registry. However, to operate effectively in Georgia and maintain credibility with banks, partners, and clients, you need to take a few final, practical steps. These aren’t legal formalities. They’re operational necessities.
Open a Corporate Bank Account
A Georgian bank account is required to receive payments, manage expenses, and handle local payroll if you hire staff. Most banks offer multi-currency accounts and online banking platforms, but the application process can vary significantly depending on your business activity, ownership structure, and risk profile.
To open an account, you'll typically need:
Company registration certificate
Extract from the business registry
Director’s passport and TIN
Proof of legal address
Company charter and operating agreement
Brief business description or plan (for foreign-owned companies)
Most banks will ask for an in-person meeting or a local legal representative if you're a non-resident founder. Gegidze works directly with Georgia’s leading banks to simplify this step for our clients, whether they're present in Georgia or managing their setup remotely.
You can refer to our complete guide here:How to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Georgia: Step-by-Step Guide
Hiring a local accountant is strongly advised. They’ll handle tax filings through the Revenue Service platform and help you avoid penalties for missed deadlines or reporting errors.
At Gegidze, we provide end-to-end accounting support tailored to startups, service-based businesses, and international founders in Georgia.
Keep Compliance on Your Radar
In Georgia, non-compliance isn’t tolerated lightly. While the setup is simple, authorities expect companies to follow through on:
Timely tax filings (monthly and annual)
Maintaining an accurate legal address
Responding to audit notices or inquiries
Renewing licenses where required
A missed VAT return or expired license can lead to fines or blocked bank operations. That’s why most businesses bundle legal and financial management under a single service partner.
With your LLC now operational, financially active, and compliant, you can scale, partner, or begin trading cross-border. The foundation is solid; what you do with it next is entirely up to you.
Final Thoughts: Launching Your LLC in Georgia the Right Way
Setting up an LLC in Georgia isn’t complicated, but doing it properly requires precision. Each step builds your business's legal and practical foundation, from selecting a name and filing your documents to meeting compliance obligations and establishing your financial operations.
Georgia’s system is fast, transparent, and built to encourage entrepreneurship. There are no unnecessary barriers for foreign founders, no hidden licensing layers, and no requirement to hire locals just to register a company. However, while the entry process is streamlined, long-term success depends on staying compliant and structured from day one.
At Gegidze, we work with clients across sectors, tech startups, consultants, importers, and service firms, who choose Georgia for its straightforward regulatory model and access to regional markets. Whether launching your first company or expanding internationally, we help you get every detail right: legally, financially, and operationally.
If you’re ready to register an LLC in Georgia or have questions about banking, compliance, or tax setup, our team can walk you through each step. Book your free consultation with Gegidze today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What documents are required to register an LLC in Georgia?
You’ll need a unique company name, registered address, founder IDs, a legal representative, and an Articles of Organization form submitted through the Public Registry.