How to Register as an Individual Entrepreneur (I.E.) in Georgia: Complete 2025 Guide
- Tinatin Tolordava
- 2 days ago
- 11 min read
Table of contents
What is an Individual Entrepreneur (I.E.) in Georgia?
If you plan to launch a business solo, individual entrepreneur registration in Georgia is likely your most straightforward path. Under Georgian law, an Individual Entrepreneur (I.E.) is a physical person who carries out business in their name. It’s not a separate legal entity like an LLC, but it gives you the legal right to operate, invoice clients, and pay taxes as a self-employed professional.
How does I.E. status work in Georgia?
You register once and receive a unique tax ID.
You’re taxed on gross turnover, not profit.
You can hire employees.
There’s no citizenship or residency requirement.
Remote registration is possible with a Power of Attorney.
It’s handy for freelancers, consultants, small online businesses, and anyone working independently.
Unless you need limited liability, have multiple partners, or plan to raise investment, I.E., status is usually enough.
And if your revenue exceeds 500,000 GEL (around $181,818), you can upgrade to an LLC or register for VAT as needed.
Ready to register? Keep reading. We’ll walk you through the exact steps, documents, and costs. Or contact us if you'd rather have experts handle it for you.
Step-by-Step Process to Register as an I.E. in Georgia
If you're serious about starting a solo business in Georgia, the registration process is more straightforward than you might think. You don’t need local citizenship. You don’t need a complicated legal setup. And in most cases, you don’t need to be physically in the country.
Whether you're a freelancer, consultant, or just looking to make things official, here’s how to register as an individual entrepreneur in Georgia step by step.
1. Get Your Documents Ready
Before anything else, make sure you have the basic paperwork in place. You’ll need:
A valid passport (or Georgian ID if you’re local)
A Georgian address can be residential or a legal one used just for registration.
If you’re outside the country, no problem. You can still register remotely with a Power of Attorney (POA). Gegidze handles this all the time for founders abroad. We’ll prepare the POA and help you get it notarized wherever you are.
Just be sure your documents are clear, valid, and easy to scan; this will speed things up later.
2. Register in Person or Online
Once you’ve got your documents, it’s time to register officially. You’ve got two options:
A. Visit the Public Service Hall
If you’re in Georgia, head to your nearest Public Service Hall. It’s a one-stop government office where you can take care of everything in one visit. No appointment is needed - just bring your paperwork and queue up.
They’ll register your business in the system and assign your tax ID, and you’ll be good to go. You’ll usually have confirmation by the next day.
B. Register Remotely
Are you not in Georgia? That's no problem. Gegidze offers remote registration. Send us a POA and a copy of your passport, and we will do the rest.
This is ideal for people who want to operate quickly without flying in. Once registration is complete, we’ll even email or courier your tax ID and documents.
3. Pick Your Business Activity (NACE Code)
Every business in Georgia must be registered under a NACE code. Think of it as telling the government, “Here’s what I do.”
It’s not as technical as it sounds. A freelance graphic designer, for example, might register under “74.10 – Specialized design activities.” A language tutor could fall under “85.59 – Other education.”
What is a NACE Code and Why Does It Matter?
NACE stands for "Nomenclature des Activités Économiques dans la Communauté Européenne"- basically, a standardized way of classifying economic activities across Europe and countries like Georgia that follow EU-adjacent regulations.
It tells the government what type of business you’re running. And while it might sound bureaucratic, it’s pretty simple. You just pick the activity that most closely matches what you do.
Why Your NACE Code Is Important
It defines your legal business activity.
It determines your tax category.
It affects whether you qualify for small business status (1% tax)
Choose carefully, because you’re legally allowed to operate only within the scope of the code you register. If you change or expand your business later, you can update it.
Sample NACE Codes for Common I.E. Businesses
Business Type | NACE Code | Description |
Freelance Developer | 62.01 | Computer programming activities |
Marketing Consultant | 70.22 | Business and other management consultancy |
Online Retailer | 47.91 | Retail sales via mail order or the internet |
Photographer | 74.20 | Photographic activities |
Tutor / Language Instructor | 85.59 | Other education not elsewhere classified |
Graphic Designer | 74.10 | Specialized design activities |
Not sure which code fits your business? At Gegidze, we review your service or product offering and help you select the best NACE code to ensure compliance and minimize tax risks.
If your business involves multiple activities, we can help you register secondary codes or adjust them later. This small decision can have a big impact, especially on taxes.
4. Receive Your Georgian Tax ID Number
You’ll be assigned a tax ID number as soon as your registration is complete. You’ll use this when issuing invoices, declaring income, and dealing with the Georgia Revenue Service.
You don’t need to apply separately - this comes with your business registration. But you will want to keep the number handy. It’s tied to everything from tax reporting to opening a business bank account.
5. Open a Business Bank Account (Optional, but Smart)
Technically, you can run an I.E. without a dedicated bank account - but most serious entrepreneurs don’t. If you plan to invoice clients, receive international payments, or keep your finances organized, a local business bank account in Georgia is worth it.
Popular banks include:
Bank of Georgia
TBC Bank
Liberty Bank
Opening an account is straightforward once your I.E. is registered and your tax ID is active. We can help you choose the right bank and even accompany you if you're in Tbilisi, or assist remotely if you're abroad.
So that’s it. Five steps. No bureaucracy maze. No endless forms. Just a clear path to register your business in Georgia and get moving.
What About LLCs?
If you’re wondering whether to register as an I.E. or go for Georgia LLC registration, it depends on how you plan to operate.
Most people start with an I.E. status and switch to an LLC later if their business structure gets more complex or they want legal separation from their personal finances.
So, whether you want to keep things lean or plan for scale, Georgia offers a flexible and transparent path to entrepreneurship. And Gegidze is here to make it even easier.
Taxation and Reporting Obligations for Individual Entrepreneurs (I.E.)
You're officially in the system after completing your individual entrepreneur registration in Georgia and receiving your Georgia tax ID number. That means you're responsible for managing your taxes and submitting regular reports to the Revenue Service.
The Georgian tax system is known for being straightforward and accessible, but that doesn’t mean it’s hands-off. Even if you’re just starting, you’ll want to understand how the reporting works and when tax becomes due.
What Taxes Apply to Individual Entrepreneurs?
By default, once registered as an I.E., you're taxed as a regular individual earning income from business activities. Here’s what that typically looks like:
20% Personal Income Tax (PIT) on your net profit
2% Pension Contribution (if you're a Georgian tax resident or choose to contribute)
18% VAT – only required if your annual taxable turnover exceeds 100,000 GEL, or if you voluntarily register
Unlike some countries that tax your business entity separately, Georgia treats your I.E. income as personal income. You can deduct business-related expenses before calculating your tax base, meaning solid bookkeeping is necessary.
What About VAT?
Once registered for VAT, you must file monthly VAT returns, even if you didn’t earn anything that month. If you're offering clients outside Georgia, say, web development for a U.S. company, those services may be VAT-exempt. But again, it depends on the nature of your work and where the service is “consumed,” so it’s something to review carefully.
Reporting Deadlines You Can’t Miss
After you get your Georgia tax ID number, you’re expected to submit regular reports—even if you don’t have income every month.
Here’s what the reporting timeline looks like:
Monthly Income Declaration – due by the 15th of each month
Annual Income Declaration – usually submitted in the first quarter of the following year.
VAT Declarations – required monthly if you're VAT-registered
Pension Contributions – submitted monthly, if applicable
All reports are filed through Georgia’s Revenue Service portal, which is available in English and Georgian. It’s user-friendly, but if you’re new to it or not fluent in Georgian, it can initially feel a bit overwhelming.
Do You Need an Accountant?
Not necessarily. One of the upsides of registering as an I.E. in Georgia is that the system is designed to be manageable, even solo.
But if any of these apply to you, it's worth hiring an accountant or working with a service provider like Gegidze:
You’re working with foreign clients and are unclear about VAT rules
You have mixed income (services, product sales, subcontractors, etc.)
You don’t want to deal with monthly submissions and tracking deadlines.
You plan to scale and want to prepare clean records from day one.
We work with experienced, English-speaking accountants who understand the Georgian tax system and can handle everything remotely. Whether you want full monthly support or just help setting things up, we’ll match you with the right person.
Can You Lower Taxes as an I.E.? Yes: With Small Business Status
By default, Individual Entrepreneurs in Georgia are taxed under the standard personal income tax system - 20% on net income, plus a 2% pension contribution (if applicable). But here’s where Georgia offers a real advantage: once you’ve registered as an I.E., you can apply for Small Business Status, which comes with significantly lower tax rates.
Here’s how it works:
You’re taxed on gross turnover (not profit)
Pay 1% if your annual revenue is up to 500,000 GEL.
If you go over, you’re taxed 3% on the excess (up to 1 million GEL)
If the status is above 1 million GEL, the status is revoked.
VAT registration is still only required if your VAT-taxable income exceeds 100,000 GEL/year (~ $36,236)
This status is ideal for freelancers, consultants, small service businesses, and remote founders who want to operate legally and with low taxes in Georgia.
That said, Small Business Status isn’t automatic. You need to apply for it after your I.E. registration is approved. It’s a separate process through the Georgia Revenue Service, and there are eligibility rules based on your business activity (some types, like consulting for foreign entities, may be excluded).
At Gegidze, we help you handle both the registration and the tax status setup, so you won’t have to figure it out on your own.
Want to learn more about how I.E. and Small Business Status go hand in hand?
We’ve written a complete guide explaining how it works, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Foreigners Registering as Individual Entrepreneurs in Georgia
You don’t need to be a Georgian citizen or live in Georgia to register as an Individual Entrepreneur. Georgia is one of the few countries where the process is straightforward and open to foreigners. Whether you're a digital nomad, freelancer, or relocating founder, you can start a business in Tbilisi, Georgia, without jumping through hoops.
Do You Need Residency to Register?
Not at all. You can open a company in Georgia or register as an I.E. without being a resident. There’s no requirement to hold a Georgian visa or residence permit or even to be physically present in the country. This makes it a popular option for remote professionals and entrepreneurs seeking a legitimate, low-barrier entry into international business.
That said, if you plan to live and work in Georgia long-term, registering an I.E. can support your case when applying for residency permits. It shows economic activity, a source of income, and tax compliance, which immigration services consider favorably.
Digital Registration: What’s Possible Online?
While Georgia’s Revenue Service and business registry are increasingly digital, full online I.E. registration isn’t always accessible unless you already have a Georgian e-signature or ID. For foreigners without local credentials, digital options are limited unless you go through an authorized intermediary.
That’s why most non-residents choose to work with a firm like Gegidze. We handle the in-person part for you, while you stay focused on your business. Once registered, you’ll have access to the online Revenue Service portal, where you can declare income, check your tax balance, and manage reporting obligations.
And if you need ongoing support, like accounting, translations, or help with VAT questions, we’re here for that too.
Why Work With Gegidze?
Registering as an Individual Entrepreneur in Georgia isn’t complicated, but that doesn’t mean it’s always smooth. Things can get frustrating if you don’t speak Georgian, aren’t familiar with local procedures, or simply don’t have time to deal with bureaucracy.
At Gegidze, we specialize in helping foreigners start businesses in Georgia, register as I.E.s, and navigate the process. We don’t just file paperwork; we stay with you through the full setup and beyond.
Local Experts, Not Outsiders
We live and work here. We know the system's quirks, the real timelines (not just what’s written on government sites), and how to get things done efficiently. Whether in Tbilisi or working remotely from another country, you get real insight from people who daily deal with the Georgia business registration process.
We’ve helped founders, freelancers, and remote operators from over a dozen countries set up legally and quickly. We know which offices to visit, what paperwork triggers delays, and how to keep things moving.
Bilingual Support That Doesn’t Miss Details
Language is one of the first barriers foreigners run into. Most Georgian institutions still operate primarily in Georgian, and even official English translations can be incomplete or confusing.
Our team works fluently in English and Georgian, so you won’t miss important details or end up signing forms you don’t fully understand. From the Power of Attorney to contracts, bank documents, and tax instructions, we ensure everything is clear, accurate, and properly handled.
End-to-End Support: From First Step to Fully Operational
Registering as an Individual Entrepreneur is just the beginning. Once in the system, you’ll need a Georgia tax ID number, possibly a business bank account, and help with monthly tax reporting. We offer:
I.E. registration (in-person or remote)
POA preparation and document handling
Taxpayer registration and Revenue Service access
Guidance on choosing the right NACE code
Help opening a bank account (Bank of Georgia, TBC, and more)
Ongoing support for accounting and compliance
You can book a free consultation, send us your documents, and be registered within a few days, without setting foot in Tbilisi.
Plenty of firms can handle paperwork. But if you want peace of mind that everything’s being done right, in your language, by people who understand what it’s like to build a business in Georgia, work with Gegidze. We’re not just here to register your business. We’re here to help you make it work.
Contact us today and book a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Who can register as an Individual Entrepreneur in Georgia?
Anyone can register as an I.E., there’s no citizenship or residency requirement. Foreigners can register as I.E.s remotely using a Power of Attorney, making it ideal for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote founders.