Tbilisi

Q: What international and bilingual schools are available in Tbilisi?

International schools: Tbilisi has several international schools including the Tbilisi International School (TIS), which offers an IB curriculum, and the British School of Georgia, which follows the British educational system. These schools cater to expatriate families and offer English-language instruction with international curricula. Bilingual schools: Tbilisi has bilingual schools that combine Georgian language instruction with English or other languages. Schools such as Eton School and various private institutions offer bilingual programs to prepare students for both local and international education systems.

Urban Riverfront

Population: 1 million

Cost of Living: Low

Train Access: Yes (Tbilisi Metro)

Bus Access: Yes (Tbilisi Public Transport (buses, minibuses/marshrutkas))

Weather: Tbilisi has a humid continental climate with warm summers and mild winters, experiencing moderate rainfall throughout the year.

Tbilisi is the capital and largest city of Georgia, situated along the Mtkvari River in the heart of the South Caucasus region. The city is renowned for its distinctive architecture that blends ancient traditions with modern development, featuring everything from medieval fortresses to contemporary glass structures. Tbilisi serves as the cultural, political, and economic hub of Georgia, with a rich history spanning over 1,500 years. The Old Town district showcases narrow winding streets, traditional wooden balconies, and historic churches, while newer neighborhoods offer vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and cultural venues. The city is known for its warm hospitality, diverse population, and thriving arts scene. Tbilisi's strategic location has made it an important crossroads between Europe and Asia throughout history. The surrounding landscape includes mountains and natural hot springs, with several sulfur baths being a distinctive feature of the city. As a major transportation hub, Tbilisi connects the region and attracts visitors and residents from around the world.

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Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average

Popular Expat Visa/s: Work Residence Permit, Investment Residence Permit

Popular Nomad Visa/s: Short-term Visa, Work Residence Permit and the process allows them to live in Georgia for up to one year, which can be extended

Obtaining a residency in Georgia involves several steps and can be considered an average challenge compared to other countries. The most common types of residency visas are the Work Residence Permit and the Investment Residence Permit. To apply for a Work Residence Permit, an expat must first secure a job in Georgia. The employer typically assists with the visa application process, which involves submitting various documents, including a valid passport, proof of employment, and a letter from the employer. The Work Residence Permit is usually granted for a period of up to one year and can be renewed. For those who want to invest in the country, the Investment Residence Permit is available. This requires an investment of at least 300,000 GEL (approximately 100,000 USD) in the Georgian economy. Investors must provide evidence of their investment and submit the necessary paperwork, which includes a passport, proof of investment, and application forms. Digital nomads often opt for the Short-term Visa if their stay is less than one year. For longer stays, they may apply for the Work Residence Permit, provided they can secure a job or prove they are self-employed with a stable income. The application process for residency visas in Georgia is relatively straightforward, but it requires attention to detail when preparing the documentation. The Georgian Public Service Hall oversees the visa and residency permit applications, and their website provides detailed instructions and a list of required documents. The processing time can vary, but it generally takes about 30 days for a residency permit to be issued once all the correct documents have been submitted. It is important to note that all documents must be translated into Georgian and notarized. Additionally, Georgia offers a visa-free regime for citizens of many countries, allowing them to stay in the country for up to one year without a visa, which is a significant benefit for potential expats and digital nomads considering Georgia as their destination.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Tbilisi is relatively low compared to Western European capitals, making it an attractive destination for expatriates and digital nomads. Accommodation, dining, and entertainment expenses are affordable, though prices have been gradually increasing in central areas. Local transportation and utilities remain inexpensive, contributing to the overall affordability of the city.

Weather

Tbilisi has a humid continental climate with warm summers and mild winters, experiencing moderate rainfall throughout the year.

Healthcare in Tbilisi

Tbilisi has several modern private hospitals and clinics that meet international standards, including Eka Hospital and American Hospital. Public healthcare facilities exist but are less developed than private options. Most expats and visitors rely on private healthcare providers for quality care.

Schools in Tbilisi

Tbilisi has several international schools including the Tbilisi International School (TIS), which offers an IB curriculum, and the British School of Georgia, which follows the British educational system. These schools cater to expatriate families and offer English-language instruction with international curricula.

Tbilisi has bilingual schools that combine Georgian language instruction with English or other languages. Schools such as Eton School and various private institutions offer bilingual programs to prepare students for both local and international education systems.

Restaurants in Tbilisi

Tbilisi offers a vibrant and diverse dining scene with excellent Georgian cuisine alongside international options. The city has experienced significant growth in restaurants, cafes, and wine bars, particularly in neighborhoods like Vake and the Old Town. Quality ranges from casual street food to upscale dining establishments.