Banking in Georgia: a guide for foreigners

Foreign nationals may be able to open both personal and business bank accounts in Georgia. The country’s largest retail banks include Bank of Georgia, TBC Bank and Liberty Bank, although each institution applies its own onboarding procedures and compliance policies. For the full list of all 17 licensed banks and what each one offers, see Banks in Georgia: full list of licensed banks.

If you register as an Individual Entrepreneur (IE), opening a business account is often the next practical step. Banks will usually request your personal number and, where applicable, your tax identification number (TIN).

Typical requirements

Although requirements vary between banks, applicants are commonly asked to provide:

• a valid passport;

• proof of address (which may be from your home country);

• your Georgian personal number and, where relevant, tax identification number;

• for business accounts, documents relating to your business or registration; and

• information about the purpose of the account and the source of funds, where requested.

Some banks offer parts of the onboarding process remotely, while others require applicants to attend a branch in person.

Practical tips

Bring more supporting documentation than you think you will need, and keep certified translations available if requested by the bank. During the compliance review, be prepared to explain the purpose of the account, your expected transactions and the origin of your funds.

Opening a bank account is always subject to the bank’s internal compliance procedures and risk assessment, and approval cannot be guaranteed.

If you are planning your relocation budget, see our Cost of Living in Georgia guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner open a bank account in Georgia without residency?

Yes, in many cases. Major banks open accounts for non-residents, though they may apply additional compliance checks and request proof of address, source of funds, and the purpose of the account.