Banking and FX for non-residents

Opening an account as a non-resident individual takes a passport, proof of address, a Georgian phone number in practice, and a conversation about the source of funds. Corporate accounts for foreign-owned companies take longer: the bank wants the ownership chain, the business plan and often the beneficial owner in person. Allow one to four weeks; remote opening is the exception.

Accounts can be held in lari, dollars, euros and pounds. Conversion is free at bank rates; the National Bank publishes a daily reference rate that contracts and tax returns use. Profits, dividends and sale proceeds can be sent abroad without approval once tax has been accounted for.

Lending to non-residents exists but is conservative: mortgages for foreign buyers typically need 30 to 50% down and carry higher rates than for residents. Deposits are covered by the Deposit Insurance Agency up to its published limit per depositor per bank.

Compliance realities

• Banks screen transfers for sanctions and will ask about the origin of funds; transfers of Russian origin face restrictions that tightened again in 2026.
• Cash deposits above reporting thresholds are reported; bring documents, not notes.
• Keep the company's accounting and bank activity consistent; mismatches trigger reviews.