Opening a Bank Account in Georgia as a Foreigner

Overview

Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank are the two main choices for foreigners. Both have English apps, multi-currency accounts and international transfers.
A personal account usually needs your passport, proof of where your money comes from and an explanation of how you'll use the account.
Plan to go to a branch once. Fully remote opening is limited at both big banks.
Banks can refuse without giving a reason. The usual causes are thin proof of income and passports from high-risk countries.

A Georgian bank account makes life here much easier. You'll use it to pay rent, get paid as an Individual Entrepreneur and keep money in lari, dollars or euros. For most Westerners, opening one is straightforward. It's still worth going in prepared, because banks have tightened their checks.

Information current as of October 28, 2026. Bank rules change often, so confirm with the bank before you go.

Which bank

Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank are the two big banks and the usual choice. Both offer:

accounts in lari, dollars, euros and other currencies.
English-language mobile apps.
international SWIFT transfers.
personal and business cards.

Smaller banks such as Liberty, Credo and ProCredit serve local customers and small businesses. They're rarely the best first choice for a foreigner with international income.

Personal account documents

Bring:

Your original passport. A copy isn't enough.
Proof of where your money comes from. An employment contract, client contracts, recent pay slips, tax returns or company ownership documents.
A short explanation of how you'll use the account. Rent, living costs, salary from abroad, business income.

A foreign address is usually fine for a personal account. Some banks may ask for an apostille on foreign documents, so ask in advance.

Business account documents

For an Individual Entrepreneur or an LLC, expect:

the extract from the business registry.
your original passport, and the director's passport for an LLC.
proof of the business activity, such as contracts or invoices.
a statement of where the money comes from.

An LLC needs a registered Georgian address. A virtual or leased office works. Business accounts usually take 3 to 5 business days to review.

In person or remote?

Both big banks prefer you in the branch. Some business accounts can be started under a notarized power of attorney, but the bank may still want a video call with you. The simplest plan is one trip to Tbilisi, with every document ready. A personal account with clean documents is often open the same day or the next business day.

Why accounts get refused

Banks don't have to explain a refusal. The usual reasons:

Thin proof of income. "I'm a freelancer" isn't enough. Bring contracts and statements.
High-risk nationality. Passports from countries on international money-laundering watch lists face extra checks and some refusals.
High-risk activity. Crypto, international consulting and some other fields get closer review.
Unclear use. If the bank can't see why you need the account, it may say no.

A refusal at one bank doesn't stop you applying at another.

Notes for Americans

US citizens get asked for US tax details when they open a foreign account. That's normal. You may also have to report Georgian accounts to the US Treasury each year once they pass certain totals. Keep your statements. See our guide for US citizens with a Georgian IE.

Fees

Opening an account is usually free. Basic personal accounts cost little or nothing a month. You'll pay for SWIFT transfers, and currency exchange happens at the bank's rate plus a spread. Business accounts have their own monthly tiers. Ask for the current tariff when you open.

Before you go

Pack your original passport and printed proof of income.
Write two lines on what the account is for.
If you have a business, bring the registry extract.
Ask about apostilles before your trip, not at the counter.

How we can help

We prepare your documents, set up your IE or LLC first if you need a business account, and can arrange a power of attorney so we handle parts of the process for you. Ask about setup, or read Individual Entrepreneur vs LLC in Georgia if you haven't picked a structure yet.