Why is Georgia so popular among Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians?
Advantages of immigration to Georgia: visa-free regime, low taxes, affordable real estate..
Property rental prices in Tbilisi on the rise
Choosing the right health insurance in Georgia
Prices for medicine and food in Georgia: growth and recommendations
Advantages of immigration to Georgia
Georgia is becoming increasingly popular among residents of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. With the global events of 2022, the number of immigrants in this country has significantly increased. They are attracted by the various advantages of this amazing country.
Visa-free regime and starting a business
One of the key factors for attraction is the visa-free regime for a year and simple procedures for starting a business. To obtain a residence permit, you only need to invest $100,000 in real estate or have a company turnover of more than 50,000 lari, which is approximately $18,500. Georgia is also known for its low taxes, affordable real estate, and relatively low cost of living.
Freedom of movement and the development of the country
Another advantage is the ability to travel around the country in your own car. The country is actively developing, which makes it even more attractive for immigrants. However, with the increasing number of newcomers, housing and utility prices may rise.
Cost of housing and services
Rental expenses
Renting a home is the main expense for immigrants who do not own property. For example, a one-bedroom apartment near the sea, but not in the center of Batumi, can cost from $500 a month, while in the center it can start from $700-800 and up. During peak season, rental prices can increase significantly.
Rental agreement and cost
Apartment owners often do not want to enter into long-term contracts in order to have the option to raise the rent if necessary. This creates a certain level of uncertainty for tenants. Long-term rental prices are significantly lower than short-term ones, but with high demand for housing near the sea in the upcoming season, they could increase significantly.
Conclusion
Despite the rising costs of rent and utilities, Georgia remains one of the best countries for immigration. Its warm climate, sea, low taxes, and straightforward business setup procedures continue to attract people from all over the world.
Rental housing in Tbilisi is becoming more and more expensive
Renting housing in Tbilisi continues to rise and become increasingly expensive. Now, for a one-bedroom apartment, you will have to pay at least $600 per month, while for a two-bedroom apartment, the price starts at $900. If you are looking for more luxurious accommodation, be prepared for even higher expenses ranging from $2000 to $4000 per month. Over the past year, rental rates in the capital of Georgia have increased by 120%, as TBC Bank's data is set to convey to readers.
Utilities
In addition to the rent itself, tenants also have to pay for utilities, which include electricity, gas, water, internet, and television, as well as for the cleaning of local areas. Each service is paid for separately, either through an online banking app or in cash via Paybox terminals installed on the streets. It is important to find out the subscriber numbers from the property owner in advance for payment. For example, a family of three living in a one-bedroom apartment in Batumi paid 120 lari ($44) per month for electricity, gas, and water, and an additional 25 lari ($9) for television and internet. The total expenses for this family amounted to 170 lari ($63) for several people, and in winter, gas expenses can significantly increase. If there is no gas in the apartment, heating can be done with a split system, but this will cost about 100 lari ($37) per month. Due to the air conditioner, electricity costs will rise in the summer, and heating costs will increase in the winter.
Transportation costs
Transportation costs in Batumi are not a significant burden on the budget. The city is small, so it's possible to get around on foot. However, local drivers do not always yield to pedestrians. Additionally, the situation regarding the accessibility of inclusive spaces for people with disabilities and mothers with strollers is not ideal.
Public transport and car rental
Public transport in Georgia costs only 0.5 lari. "Yandex Taxi" also offers favorable rates here: for example, a trip from Makhindzhauri to the city center will cost between 6 to 7 lari during the day and 10 lari in the evening. If you need to get from Batumi to Tbilisi, a bus ticket will cost you 34-40 lari. Renting a car is another attractive option: in Batumi, you'll pay 80-100 lari per day, while in Tbilisi, it's 130 lari. However, gas prices in Georgia are quite high, around 2.5-3 lari per liter.
Education for children
If you speak Russian and have children, there are several education options in Georgia. You can send them to a free Georgian school with a Russian-speaking sector or to a paid Russian school. There are 11 Russian-speaking schools and 45 Russian-speaking sectors in the country, but there are almost no available spots left. Private Russian-speaking schools cost about 100 dollars a month, while large Russian schools charge from 6000 dollars a year. International schools are also available, with annual fees ranging from 3500 to 20,000 dollars.
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Medical care
Medical care in Georgia can be expensive, but you can save money by purchasing insurance. Standard insurance covers up to 80% of treatment costs, medications, and dental care. An annual policy for one person costs between 40 and 120 lari (15-44 dollars), while for a family it starts at 180 lari (67 dollars). This is a great way to protect yourself and not worry about medical expenses.
Prices for medical services in Georgia
The prices for medical services in Georgia have noticeably increased recently. Now, a visit to the doctor will cost you 50 lari ($18.5), and a consultation with a dentist also costs 50 lari. Oral sanitation will set you back 100 lari ($37), while an MRI will cost you 350 lari ($130).
Food prices
Food prices have also risen, especially over the last 2-3 years. Meat, eggs, milk and dairy products, dried fruits, and nuts now cost as much as they do in Russia, if not more. However, bread, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables remain cheaper.
Index of khachapuri and calculations
Khachapuri index shows that the lowest prices for basic products are recorded in Batumi. The International School of Economics (ISET) calculates the cost price of khachapuri. Inflation index in October 2022 showed an increase of 2.6% compared to September, and for the year - even by 38%.
Prices for groceries in the supermarket
In the Batumi supermarket, you will find milk for 5 lari per liter ($1.9), and eggs for 4 lari per dozen ($1.5). Bread costs between 1 to 2 lari ($0.4-0.7), and beef is 33 lari per kg ($12).
Recommendations and tips
In Tbilisi, the prices for groceries at markets and street stalls are comparable to those in stores. The publication 34 Travel recommends visiting small private bakeries, having "your own" milkman and butcher in the shops to get better quality products. In Batumi, groceries from private street vendors are often cheaper and of higher quality. At the fish market, you can buy Turkish sea bass, dorado, or local Black Sea mullet and ask nearby restaurants to prepare it for you - this will be cheaper than cooking at home.
In general, medical and food prices in Georgia continue to fluctuate, so it's a good idea to stay abreast of current changes and keep an eye on the local market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I want to emphasize that Georgia has been gaining popularity among residents of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus for a long time, not only because of its pleasant climate and the presence of the sea. The visa-free regime, easy conditions for starting a business, low taxes, simple ways to obtain residence permits, the ability to enter with your own car, and the freedom to move around the country – all of this makes Georgia an attractive place to relocate. After the outbreak of military actions in Ukraine and the announcement of partial mobilization in Russia, the number of immigrants to Georgia has increased several times. This has undoubtedly contributed to the growth of the country's economy, but it has also led to rising prices, especially for rental housing. Tbilisi and Batumi are no longer inexpensive cities as they were before 2019. If you plan to move to Georgia, you need to consider that the main expense, if you do not have your own housing, is rent. As of November 2022, a one-bedroom apartment by the sea, but not in the center of Batumi, costs from $500 per month, while in central areas it starts from $700 and above. In Tbilisi, renting a one-bedroom apartment will cost at least $600 per month, and a two-bedroom apartment starts from $900. Utility bills, which include electricity, gas, water, internet, television, and cleaning of the surrounding area, average 100-150 lari ($37-56) per month in Tbilisi and 170 lari ($63) in Batumi. Transportation costs depend on where you live. In Batumi, which is a small city, you can easily get around without a car, and the fare for an intercity bus from Batumi to Tbilisi is 34-40 lari (about $15). Renting a car in Batumi will cost 80-100 lari ($30-37) per day, while in Tbilisi it is 130 lari ($50). Education for Russian-speaking children in Georgia also has its peculiarities. They can attend free Georgian schools with a Russian-speaking sector or private paid Russian schools. If the family budget allows, you can enroll your child in an international school: British, American, French, Finnish, or German. Medical services can be reduced by obtaining insurance that covers up to 80% of treatment costs, including medications, and also includes dental care. A one-year policy for one person can be purchased for 40-120 lari ($15-44), and for a family, it starts from 180 lari ($67). Food prices in Georgia have significantly increased over the past 2-3 years, but they are still cheaper than in Russia or Ukraine. The lowest prices for basic products are recorded in Batumi.
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