Georgia Company Registration Guide 2025: Policies, Step-by-Step Procedures and Key Precautions

This practical guide explains how to register a company in Georgia in 2025, summarizes the most relevant policy points and interpretations, and provides concrete operational steps and precautions . It is written for entrepreneurs, international HR professionals and investors looking to set up a presence in Georgia — including foreign founders and remote teams.

Why choose Georgia?

Georgia remains attractive for business due to streamlined e‑registration, transparent public registers, competitive business environments and targeted incentives (e.g., free industrial zones and simplified regimes for small businesses). In 2025, authorities continue to prioritize digital services and quick turnaround for registration and tax administration.

Common company types and governance

• Limited Liability Company (LLC / LTD): the most common form for SMEs and foreign investors.
• Joint Stock Company (JSC): used for larger enterprises or when planning to issue shares publicly.
• Branch / Representative Office: suitable for foreign companies that do not wish to create a separate legal entity immediately.
• Sole Proprietorship / Individual Entrepreneur: for solo contractors and micro businesses.

Key policy points and practical interpretations (2025)

• Registration authority: the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) and the electronic portal remain the main entry points for company formation. Electronic filing continues to reduce processing time.
• No mandatory minimum share capital for most LLC formations, but capital declarations should match the company’s business plan and bank requirements.
• Foreign documents commonly require legalization or an apostille and certified translations; check the Registry’s latest administrative guidance before submission.
• Tax compliance: newly registered entities must register with the Revenue Service for tax identification. There are simplified regimes and incentives for small businesses and entities operating in designated zones; eligibility depends on activity, turnover and location.
• Labor and immigration: employing foreign nationals generally requires work permits or relevant residency documents; labor contracts must follow Georgian labor code provisions on working time, leave and termination.

Step-by-step company registration (operational checklist)

1. Choose company type and name: verify name availability online and reserve if needed.
2. Prepare founding documents: draft Articles of Association (charter), founding agreements and any consents from founders. For foreign founders, prepare notarized passports and apostilled documents.
3. Designate a legal address: a registered office in Georgia is required. Virtual office addresses are accepted if compliant with Registry rules.
4. Submit registration application: file electronically via the Public Registry portal or at a Service Hall. Attach the charter, founders’ IDs, director details and address proof.
5. Pay registration fee: fees are payable online or at the counter. Processing time is typically within 1–3 business days for standard filings.
6. Obtain registration certificate: once approved, you receive the registration extract and tax ID information.
7. Open a bank account: present company documents and identification of signatories. Banks may request the business plan and source-of-funds information.
8. Register for taxes and social obligations: register with the Revenue Service and enroll employees in social insurance and pension schemes as required.
9. Apply for licenses/permits if activity‑specific: certain sectors (finance, medical, education, transportation) require industry licenses before operations begin.
10. Set up local accounting and compliance: apply an accounting system, appoint a responsible person or outsource to a local accountant to manage VAT, payroll and statutory filings.

Documents checklist (typical)

Precautions and practical tips

• Check translation and apostille requirements well in advance — mismatches are a common cause of delay.
• Confirm bank onboarding rules: banks apply KYC and AML checks that can lengthen account opening; provide a clear source-of-funds explanation and business plan.
• When naming your company, avoid names that imply state affiliation or regulated activity unless authorized.
• Consider using a local nominee or resident director only if compliant with the law; Georgia does not universally require resident directors but some banks prefer local signatories.
• Plan for VAT registration timing: even if not initially required, forecast turnover so you can register on time and avoid penalties.
• For foreign employees, secure the correct visa and work permit. Operating without proper permits risks sanctions and reputational harm.
• Keep corporate minutes and resolutions properly recorded; these are frequently requested by banks and auditors.

Case examples

Case 1: Tech startup in Tbilisi

A small team of foreign founders formed an LLC online, used e‑services for registration and opened a bank account after providing a concise business plan. They registered for taxation immediately, hired two local employees and used an accounting service for payroll and monthly filings. Result: operational within two weeks.

Case 2: Foreign manufacturer entering a Free Industrial Zone

A foreign company established a Free Industrial Zone entity to benefit from export-oriented incentives. The process required extra documentation to prove manufacturing plans, environmental permits and a lease for the site. Working with local legal counsel and a licensing consultant shortened the approval timeline.

Case 3: Branch office registration

A European company set up a branch rather than a separate legal entity to test the market. The branch had to submit parent company documents, translated and apostilled, and appoint a local representative. Tax registration linked to the parent company’s obligations was carefully coordinated with the local tax authority.

Ongoing compliance and reporting

Once registered, companies must comply with accounting standards, file tax returns on schedule and maintain payroll and social contributions records. Annual financial statements and corporate governance filings may be required depending on company type.

Where to get help

Many founders use local law firms, certified accountants or corporate service providers to expedite registration. For HR, relocation and cross‑border staffing services, consider providers such as SailGlobal for assistance with hiring, payroll and immigration support when building out-of-country teams.

Final thoughts

Georgia offers an efficient environment for company formation in 2025, provided founders plan for documentation, bank KYC and sector‑specific licensing. Early engagement with local advisers, clear preparation of founding documents and a good compliance plan will reduce delays and help your business start operating smoothly.

Need personalized support? Work with a local corporate advisor or HR partner to align registration timing, tax registration and hiring plans — and consider using a trusted service like SailGlobal for cross-border HR solutions.