FAQ
Clear answers before you start in Georgia.
Practical answers for founders comparing Georgian company setup, remote documents, tax routes, banking, and ongoing compliance. No legal jargon where plain English works better.
Getting started
5 questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Georgian company?
Yes. A Georgian LLC can generally be fully foreign-owned. The exact document checklist depends on whether the founder is an individual or a company.
Why do founders choose Georgia for company setup?
Founders often choose Georgia because company registration is practical, foreign ownership is generally allowed, tax rules are comparatively clear, and remote setup can be prepared through a Power of Attorney route.
Can I register remotely?
Yes. Remote registration usually requires a Power of Attorney, notarization, apostille or legalization where applicable, and certified Georgian translation.
Do I need to create an account before starting an application?
Yes. Trustlex asks clients to sign up or sign in before starting the application so the submitted information, documents, and case status stay connected to the same client record.
Which services are usually needed for incorporation?
Most clients need company incorporation, a registered/local address, document and POA guidance, tax registration, and basic post-registration compliance. Some clients also need secretary support, a local phone line, banking support, or accounting coordination.
Timing and renewals
2 questions
How long does company formation take?
Once your documents are complete and verified, the registry filing itself is typically about one (1) business day. The overall timeline depends on preparation: for remote setups, add time for notarization, apostille or legalization, and certified Georgian translation of the Power of Attorney and passports. Simple founder structures with complete documents are fastest; remote or corporate-founder cases usually need more preparation time.
Do I have to renew the company registration every year?
No. Company registration in Georgia is indefinite — there is no annual renewal and no renewal fee to keep the company on the register. Ongoing obligations are separate: tax filings, accounting, and any special-status conditions continue for as long as the company is active.
Documents and remote setup
4 questions
What documents do I need to start?
Usually we need founder identification, director details, company name options, business activity, ownership information, and a POA route if you are registering remotely. Corporate founders may need registry extracts and additional corporate approvals.
What is a Power of Attorney and why is it needed?
A Power of Attorney lets a representative complete limited setup actions for you in Georgia. The wording should match the required filing, document, bank-readiness, and courier steps without giving unnecessary authority.
Can Trustlex help with a local address?
Yes. A registered address is commonly needed for company setup and official notices. Trustlex can help clients understand address service options and ongoing notice-handling responsibilities.
Can Trustlex help with tax registration?
Yes. Tax registration and the correct tax setup should be handled after incorporation. VAT, payroll, special tax status, and accounting obligations depend on the company activity and client profile.
Tax
4 questions
Does Georgia have special tax regimes for IT or export services?
Georgia has regimes that may be relevant for qualifying IT or international-service businesses, including Virtual Zone and International Company status. These are not automatic and should be reviewed before relying on any tax benefit.
How is company profit taxed in Georgia?
Georgia uses an Estonian-style corporate model: retained or reinvested profit is taxed at 0%, and 15% corporate income tax applies only when profit is distributed. Distributed dividends are generally subject to 5% dividend tax (0% when distributed to another Georgian company). Qualifying businesses may access preferential regimes that change these rates — always confirmed before you rely on them.
What is the 1% small-business rate, and can my LLC use it?
The 1% turnover rate is Small Business Status, available to registered individual entrepreneurs (sole proprietors) rather than to LLCs, generally where annual turnover stays under 500,000 GEL. A sole proprietorship is simpler but does not give the limited-liability protection of an LLC. Choosing between an LLC and small-business status depends on your liability, turnover, and client profile — a good topic for the intro consultation.
Is VAT always required?
No. VAT registration becomes mandatory once your VATable turnover exceeds 100,000 GEL in any continuous 12-month period, and the standard rate is 18%. Many B2B services supplied to non-Georgian businesses, and certain electronically-supplied services to customers outside Georgia, fall outside Georgian VAT. Because it depends on your activity, client location, and transaction type, confirm the VAT treatment before invoicing or importing goods.
Banking
3 questions
Do I need a Georgian business bank account?
Not by law. Georgian companies commonly use a Georgian bank account, but foreign or international providers (for example Wise, Revolut, or Payoneer) are also used. A local account can make paying Georgian taxes and salaries simpler. Account opening is never guaranteed — each bank or provider makes its own compliance decision.
Is bank account opening guaranteed?
No. Banks and payment providers make their own compliance decisions. Trustlex can help prepare a cleaner document and activity pack.
What does bank-readiness support include?
Bank-readiness support usually includes organizing incorporation documents, explaining the business model, preparing activity and source-of-funds information, and reducing avoidable compliance questions before approaching a bank or payment provider.
Fees and legal review
4 questions
What is included in Trustlex fees?
Trustlex fees cover the professional service. Government, notary, translation, courier, verification, tax, and recurring costs are shown separately where relevant.
Do I pay government, notary, courier, and translation costs separately?
Usually yes. We keep professional service fees separate from third-party and official costs so clients can understand what they are paying for and what depends on the document route.
When is lawyer review required?
Lawyer review is important for complex ownership, foreign corporate founders, regulated activities, tax-status applications, unusual POA wording, and high-risk documentation.
Can I book a consultation before choosing a package?
Yes. The intro call is designed to help you understand the right route before paying for a package, especially if you are unsure about documents, tax status, banking, or remote setup.
After you apply
3 questions
What happens after I submit my application?
Your case should appear in the client portal and staff/admin workspace. Trustlex reviews the application, checks missing information, confirms the document route, and moves the case toward filing or legal review.
What happens after registration?
You should keep company records, tax filings, address, ownership, director data, and official notices under control. Trustlex supports these through post-registration services.
Do I need ongoing compliance after incorporation?
Yes. A company still needs clean records, accounting coordination, tax filings where applicable, address and notice handling, and updates when ownership, directors, or activity changes.