How to Open a Bank Account in Georgia (Country) as a Non-Resident: 2026 Guide

Last updated: October 2026

“Can I open a bank account in Georgia (Country) without living there?” It is one of the questions we hear most often. The short answer is yes. The country of Georgia is one of the few places where a non-resident can still open a personal account with just a passport, without having to live in Georgia.

Opening an account is not linked to residence status. But every bank asks you to fill in an application with detailed information about yourself and your money. Many foreigners are refused simply because nobody told them what the bank expects, so they come unprepared. This guide explains how to open a bank account in Georgia (Country) as a non-resident, what information you actually need to give the bank, and how to do it if you are in Georgia only for a short or temporary stay, or even remotely.

Can a non-resident open a bank account in Georgia (Country)?

Yes. You do not need a residence permit or a Georgian tax number to open a personal account. The two biggest banks, TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia, work with foreigners every day. Smaller banks such as Liberty Bank, Credo Bank and Terabank also accept foreign clients. All of them are supervised by the National Bank of Georgia.

But a Georgia (Country) bank account for foreigners is not automatic. Every bank checks three things:

• who you are;
• where your money comes from;
• why you need an account in Georgia.

If the answers are unclear, the bank can say no, and it does not have to explain why.

Documents you need to open a bank account in Georgia (Country)

For a personal account, prepare:

• Your passport, ideally valid for at least 6 more months
• A phone number for SMS codes (a Georgian SIM card makes life easier)
• Proof of your source of income: an employment contract, company documents or recent bank statements
• A short, honest answer to “why do you need this account?” and roughly how much money will move through it each month
• Your address in Georgia or abroad (some banks ask for a rental agreement)

Our advice: answers like “online income” or “consulting” with no documents are the most common reason for a refusal. Bring something on paper that shows where your money comes from.

Most accounts come in GEL, USD, EUR and GBP, with a Visa or Mastercard debit card and a mobile app in English.

How to open a bank account in Georgia (Country), step by step

1. Choose the bank. TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia have the most experience with expats and branches in Tbilisi, Batumi and other cities.
2. Prepare your documents from the list above. Make sure your name is spelled the same way everywhere.
3. Visit a branch, or send a representative. You can go in person, or a lawyer can apply for you with a power of attorney.
4. Pass the bank’s check (KYC). The bank may ask extra questions or documents. Answer clearly and consistently.
5. Activate your account and card. In person, a personal account is usually ready within a few hours.

Can I open a bank account in Georgia (Country) remotely?

Often, yes. If you cannot travel, the usual way to open a bank account in Georgia (Country) remotely is a notarized power of attorney for a local representative, such as your lawyer, who can go to the bank on your behalf.

For the bank to accept it, the power of attorney should:

• list the exact powers: opening accounts, receiving cards and setting up online banking (a general “act on my behalf” is usually not enough);
• be notarized in your country and, where required, apostilled or legalized;
• be translated into Georgian, with the translation notarized in Georgia.

Remote opening takes approximately 5 days to 2 weeks from start to finish, including sending documents. Some banks also let you start in their mobile app, but whether this works depends on the bank and your nationality.

Corporate bank account in Georgia (Country) for a foreign-owned company

If you register a company in Georgia, such as an LLC or an individual entrepreneur, you will need a business account too. Banks check a corporate bank account in Georgia (Country) more carefully than a personal one. Usually you need:

• the company registration extract and founding documents;
• passports of the directors, founders and ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs);
• a short description of the business: what you sell, to whom, in which countries, and your expected monthly turnover;
• contracts or letters of intent with clients or suppliers, if you have them;
• documents showing where the owners’ money comes from.

The good news: with the right documents prepared, opening a company account is easy and usually takes just a few hours. Some banks ask a director or owner to join a meeting or video call.

Why banks in Georgia (Country) refuse foreigners

• Citizenship or residence in a sanctioned or high-risk country
• No clear proof of where your money comes from
• No real reason for an account in Georgia, or transit funds (money that only passes through the account)
• Crypto income without clear documents
• A power of attorney with missing powers or no Georgian translation
• Contradictory information in different forms and questionnaires

A refusal from one bank in Georgia (Country) does not mean every bank will say no. With better-prepared documents, another bank may approve you.

How much does a bank account in Georgia (Country) cost?

Opening a bank account in Georgia (Country) is free. Using a basic personal account costs very little. Premium packages and business accounts have monthly or yearly fees, and business accounts also pay for international (SWIFT) transfers and currency exchange. If you open an account remotely, the costs of the notary, apostille and translation are added. Fees change often, so you can check the current rates on the bank’s website.

Questions about bank accounts in Georgia (Country)

Do I need a residence permit to open a bank account in Georgia (Country)?

No. A non-resident can open a personal account with a valid passport. The bank will still check your profile and your source of funds.

Can I open a Georgian bank account online, from abroad?

Often yes, through a representative with a notarized power of attorney. Fully online opening depends on the bank and your nationality.

How long does it take to open a bank account in Georgia (Country)?

In person, just a few hours. Remotely, approximately 5 days to 2 weeks. A company account usually takes just a few hours once your documents are ready.

Which currencies can I hold?

Most banks offer Georgian lari (GEL), US dollars (USD), euros (EUR) and British pounds (GBP) in one account.

Can a foreign-owned company open an account?

Yes, and it is usually easy. With the company documents and owners’ information ready, the account can often be opened within a few hours.

Want help opening your account?

We are Adviser, a law firm in Batumi, Georgia (Country), helping expats and foreigners since 2018. We prepare your documents and power of attorney, tell you exactly what the bank will ask, and go to the bank for you, so you may not need to travel at all. We also help with company registration and residence permits in Georgia. Consultations in English, Russian and Georgian.

Message us on WhatsApp, Telegram or send us a request to book a consultation.

Note: This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Bank rules in Georgia change often, and each bank makes its own decision. Contact us to check the current requirements for your situation.