Overview
Georgia is located in the Caucasus region, between Russia to the north and Turkey and Armenia to the south, with access to the Black Sea to the west. It covers approximately 70,000 km² with a population of around 3.7 million.
For Vietnamese citizens, Georgia has a genuine advantage that few countries offer: visa-free short-term entry, making it simple to visit and explore before making any commitment.
Important Clarifications
Georgia is NOT part of the European Union, and residency in Georgia does not grant the right to travel within the Schengen area.
Georgia aspires to join the EU and has been granted candidate status, but this is a lengthy process with no determined outcome. Any description of Georgia residency as "European residency" in the sense of Schengen travel rights is misleading.
Geography and Climate
The landscape is remarkably diverse for its size: the Greater Caucasus Mountains in the north with peaks exceeding 5,000 meters, plains in the center, and a subtropical Black Sea coast to the west.
The Batumi region on the Black Sea has a humid subtropical climate suitable for tea and citrus cultivation. Tbilisi has a continental climate with hot, dry summers and moderately cold winters.
History and Culture
Georgia was among the world's earliest adopters of Christianity, from the 4th century. It has its own unique writing system—the Georgian script bears no resemblance to any other writing system and is a UNESCO cultural heritage.
Georgia is also considered the birthplace of winemaking, with evidence of grape fermentation dating back approximately 8,000 years. The traditional method of fermenting wine in clay vessels called qvevri remains in practice.
Georgia was part of the Soviet Union and became independent in 1991. It experienced a conflict with Russia in 2008, and two regions—Abkhazia and South Ossetia—currently remain outside the control of the central government. This is a geopolitical factor that requires careful consideration, and prospective investors should research the current situation themselves.
Georgian hospitality culture is deeply rooted, and the cuisine is highly regarded.
Economy and Taxation
Georgia is ranked as having a favorable business environment with fast business registration procedures.
The tax system is noteworthy: there is a preferential mechanism for small businesses and self-employed individuals with very low tax rates on turnover, and companies are taxed only when profits are distributed rather than when profits are earned. This makes Georgia popular with remote workers and small international businesses.
Cost of living is low—among the lowest in the region.
Residency Programs
Georgia issues residency permits under multiple categories: business establishment, real estate ownership above a certain threshold, employment, and study.
Strengths: Simple and fast procedures compared to Europe, low costs, favorable taxation, and Vietnamese citizens can scout the country without a visa.
Drawbacks:
Not part of the EU or Schengen. This is the most important point.
Geopolitical factors. Georgia's location between Russia and Turkey, along with two regions outside government control, represent risks that require personal assessment.
Difficult script and language. The Georgian alphabet is completely unfamiliar. English is widely spoken in Tbilisi and Batumi but less common elsewhere. Russian is still understood by many people.
Permits typically have short validity periods and require renewal—regulations should be verified with the competent authorities as Georgia has tightened some categories in recent years.
We have not handled applications through this channel. Conditions change fairly frequently—please verify with the relevant authorities before making a decision.
Who Should Consider Georgia
Suitable for remote workers or those with small international businesses seeking low costs and favorable taxation, and who do not require EU travel rights.
Suitable for those who want to test before committing—visa-free short-term entry for Vietnamese citizens means visiting and trying it out for a few months is straightforward. This is a genuine advantage that few countries offer.
Not suitable for those targeting Europe in the sense of the European Union and Schengen area.
Not suitable for those unwilling to accept the geopolitical risks of the region.
This information is provided for reference only and does not constitute legal or investment advice.