What is life like in Georgia: experiences of moving and the peculiarities of living in Batumi?

Life in Georgia: Features and Prospects

Life in Georgia - what is it like? What are the housing prices and what nuances should be taken into account? Russian woman Vasilina shares her experience of moving and the peculiarities of life in this amazing country. She left Vladivostok and moved to Batumi three years ago. Today, Georgia is gaining popularity among both emigrants and those interested in real estate investments. Tbilisi and Batumi have become the most attractive destinations for living and working.

The story of Vasilina: a journey to a new life

Vasilina Blinova, who chose Batumi as her new home, talks about her path to emigration and how she managed to adapt to life in Georgia. According to her, her decision was not spontaneous. "I came to Georgia in April 2019 to attend a professional conference in Tbilisi related to hairdressing services. After that, I went to Batumi and at that moment I felt an incredible sympathy for this city," Vasilina shares her memories. Upon returning to her homeland, she began to gather information about Batumi and Georgia in general, which eventually became the decisive step for her move.

Reasons for moving

Some factors had a decisive influence on her choice. For example,affordable housing pricesThey allowed her to sell her apartment in Vladivostok to buyreal estate in Georgia. She was also attracted by...subtropical weatherThe proximity to the sea has become an additional bonus. Moreover, Vasilina noted that it is possible to move to Georgia with children.without the need to obtain permission from the ex-spouse...which became an important milestone compared to European countries.

A decisive step

“With three suitcases and two children, I took this step and completely changed my life,” she says. Vasilina sold her business and three-room apartment to start a new chapter in her life in Batumi. “In December 2019, we were already in Georgia – it took about 10 months to prepare everything. It could have been done faster, but I needed to finalize the sale of the apartment,” the emigrant explains.

A new life in Batumi

After moving, she bought an apartment in Batumi, renovated it, and opened a small space for her work, offering hairdressing services as a stylist. At the same time, she launched a YouTube channel where she shared her migration story, and she continues to do so to this day.

Personal happiness and new acquaintances

Six months later in Batumi, Vasilina met her current husband Vakhtang. He is a Georgian, a refugee from Abkhazia, who after the conflict in his region moved with his family to Moscow, where he lived for 24 years. In 2016, he decided to start a new life and moved to Batumi, where he became actively involved in the tourism business and apartment management.

Opportunities for life in Georgia

Thus, life in Georgia offers unique opportunities for adaptation in a new country, as well as for creating a business and building personal relationships. Every new acquaintance and every situation allows for a deeper understanding of life in this attractive corner of the world. Georgia is becoming not just a home for emigrants, but also a center of attraction for those seeking new opportunities, horizons, and changes in life.

Conclusion

Life here is truly multifaceted, full of vibrant emotions and unexpected discoveries, and the positive feedback from emigrants confirms that choosing Georgia is a conscious and successful step towards new opportunities. Now, three years later, Vasilina confidently asserts that she has not regretted her decision for a moment and fondly remembers those first steps. Perhaps you should also consider: could Georgia be the next important step on your journey?

After our wedding with Vakhtang, we decided to create an agency focused on business tourism and real estate called My Georgia. Our main goal is to provide clients with all the necessary information about emigration, help them adapt to new living conditions, organize transportation, and offer support in purchasing real estate.

The process of moving to Georgia

The process of moving to Georgia can be characterized simply: all you need is a passport. Foreigners can stay in the country for up to 360 days, after which they need to leave for a short period of time and return - this is how many expats live. This allows them to avoid the need for legal documents such as temporary and permanent residency permits; the only requirement is to leave the country once a year.

The importance of language skills

It is also important to know that proficiency in English and Georgian significantly eases the job search. Without these skills, it can be extremely difficult to find a job in the public sector or even in a regular store. Therefore, one should not expect an easy employment experience right after moving.

Labor market

Today, the labor market in Georgia is quite difficult, and the level of pay is not so high. The most comfortable conditions are for those who work remotely.

Cryptocurrencies in Georgia

Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in interest in cryptocurrencies in Georgia, which are actively being integrated into everyday transactions alongside traditional currencies such as dollars, euros, pounds sterling, and lari. It is also worth noting that construction companies and intermediaries dealing with digital currencies often charge conversion fees that can reach up to 3%.

Mortgage lending for foreigners

Previously, it was difficult for foreigners and those without a residence permit to obtain a mortgage loan. However, now many banks have started collaborating with well-known developers, which significantly expands opportunities for foreign buyers. To obtain a mortgage, it is enough to simply have your passport with you.

Real estate taxation

Another important point is that foreigners in Georgia are exempt from paying property tax. Moreover, if the purchase amount is from 100,000 dollars, there is a possibility of obtaining a temporary residence permit for one year with the right to extend it. If the investment amount exceeds 300,000 dollars, one can expect an investment residence permit for up to five years, with the possibility of later transitioning to permanent residency.

The state of the real estate market in Batumi

When it comes to the current state of the real estate market in Batumi, active construction in the area can be noted. Over the past few years, housing prices have significantly increased, effectively doubling compared to 2019. When we first moved here, my income ranged from 1800 to 2000 lari (650 to 750 dollars), which, considering we had our own housing, fully met all our needs with children. However, with rising prices, our expenses have increased, and the cost of living has become a bit higher.

Prices for groceries in Batumi

• A liter of milk costs 5.60 lari (about 2 dollars).
• A kilogram of sugar costs 4.30 lari (1.61 dollars).
• A pack of ten eggs costs 5.5 lari (2 dollars).
• A kilogram of chicken fillet costs 8.7 lari (3.25 dollars).

Banking services for foreigners

Questions regarding banking services are also a concern for newcomers. Previously, foreigners could easily open a bank account, but now there are instances of such accounts being closed in some Georgian banks. This may be a temporary measure. The language barrier is also an issue: from time to time, bank employees refuse to speak Russian, and in such cases, it is better to communicate in Georgian or English. If neither of these languages is known, one can use the services of a translator.

The state of medicine in Georgia

As for the health care system in Georgia, its quality, to put it mildly, leaves much to be desired, especially in Batumi. For serious medical examinations or surgeries, many people prefer to go to Tbilisi or Turkey, where medical tours are available. Locals and foreigners often go to Turkey for other reasons, as prices for food and household goods there are much lower than in Georgia.

The atmosphere of Batumi

Batumi, as a resort city, attracts with its unique atmosphere — it's a small place where everyone knows each other and is eager to communicate. The tradition of friendly gatherings is still alive, which adds to its special charm. Moreover, the lack of heavy traffic and convenient infrastructure make everyday life comfortable, as all necessary services are in close proximity.

Conclusion

Life in Georgia is full of surprises and joys, and looking back on my journey, I can confidently say that the decision to move to this country has been one of the best in my life. Living in Batumi, surrounded bysubtropical climateandthe friendliness of the localsI realized that I found my place.

Comparing life here and in Russia, I can note that the main advantage of Georgia is the ability to enjoy life regardless of economic difficulties.Real estate pricesOf course, they vary, but the real advantage is that by selling an apartment in Russia, you can buy not just a place to live here, but a cozy home where you want to stay.

With each passing year, I become more convinced that everyday life in Georgia brings new discoveries and opportunities. Moving to a new country is inevitably associated with challenges, but I have managed to overcome them thanks to local communities, friendly neighbors, and, of course, the support of my husband Vakhtang. Now, through our business, we not only help others adapt and support immigrants, but we also feel how important it is to contribute to the life of this country ourselves.

Advantages of living in Georgia

• Friendliness and hospitalitylocal residents
• The ability to express one's opinion freely
• Diversity of culturesthanks to emigration
• Interesting business opportunitiesand life

Despite some limitations, such as language barriers or the need for periodic travel out of the country, Georgia is growing like a magnet for people seeking change. Every year, more and more expats start their lives here, and I see how this diversity and cultural exchange enrich the local community.

As I mentioned before, there are pros and cons to be found here, but for me and my family, Georgia has become a symbol of a new beginning — a place where I can be myself, where my opinion is respected, and where interactions with the locals remain warm and genuine.

My advice for those wishing to move to Georgia

• Don't be afraid to realize your dreams and step into the new.
• Learning languages will help with adaptation.
• Be open to new acquaintances and cultural exchange.
• Understanding local nuances is the key to comfort.

So, if you are considering moving to Georgia, you have every chance to find your happiness here and discover the real joy of life!Life in Georgia— it's not just a new address, but also a new culture, new acquaintances, and, most importantly, the opportunity to be part of something bigger. I sincerely hope that my story will inspire others to take a similar step and help open doors to the world of opportunities that this amazing country offers.