Expat Tips: Some Key Business Ideas That Work in Georgia

In recent years, the mountain country has become increasingly popular among expats due to its geographical location, favorable climate, hospitality of locals and relatively low cost of living.

The country attracts relocators from around the world. Here you can find work in various fields, including IT, education, tourism, agriculture and others. In addition, Georgia offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy beautiful nature, try delicious cuisine and get acquainted with the rich culture of the country.

The government of the country is actively working to improve conditions for foreign specialists, simplifies the process of obtaining visas and work permits, and creates support programs for foreign entrepreneurs.

All this contributes to the growing popularity of Sakartvelo among expats. According to international organizations, the number of foreign specialists living in Georgia is constantly increasing. However, despite all the advantages, life in Georgia may have its own peculiarities that need to be taken into account when moving. For example, it may be difficult to find familiar food or services in the country. There may also be difficulties communicating in English, especially in small towns.

If you are interested in learning more about this topic, you can watch this video by Alexander Nekrashevich, where he provides new and useful information, as well as valuable advice on business opportunities in the country: Expat: 20 Key Business Ideas in Georgia: 10 Promising Startups and 10 Outdated Trends

So, here are some promising areas for investment and activities in Georgia:

In addition to popular tourist spots, Transcaucasia has many hidden gems that can be included in unique tours. For example, visiting secluded mountain villages, participating in master classes on local cooking, excursions to nature reserves and national parks where you can see endemic species of flora and fauna that are not found anywhere else in the world.

An unforgettable experience for ecotourism lovers will be staying in village guest houses, where you can get acquainted with Georgian culture, traditions and national cuisine.

Such tours will allow travelers to immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of an ancient country, meet local people, discover amazing places inaccessible to ordinary tourists. Developing such tours requires attention to detail, respect for local culture and nature, as well as a creative approach to create a truly memorable trip. Georgia is waiting for discoveries and new adventures!

Religious tourism

The country is rich in history and culture associated with various religious beliefs. Georgia has many ancient Christian churches, monasteries and shrines to visit, including Svetitskhoveli in Mtskheta, Gelati in Kutaisi and Jvari in Mtskheta. Tourists can also visit the Jerusalem Monastery of Kandeli in Tbilisi, one of the oldest and most revered sites in Colchis.

Exploring "power places" and historically significant locations in Sakartvelo can also be an exciting and fascinating experience. There are many places in the country that are the subject of legends and stories associated with spiritual energy and magical powers.

One such place is the famous Gate of Georgia in the town of Uplistsikhe, an archaeological structure carved into the rock, which is one of the most ancient and mysterious monuments in the country. Also worth visiting are the ancient monasteries and temples located in picturesque mountain gorges and on the banks of rivers.

Gastronomic tourism

Georgian cuisine is known for its variety of dishes, the use of fresh and natural products, as well as unique spices and seasonings.

One of the options for a gastronomic tour of the country could be a culinary tour with a visit to local farms, where you can not only try dishes of the original cuisine, but also learn how they are prepared.

Another option could be participation in master classes on preparing traditional dishes and winemaking, and getting acquainted with the process of wine production.

Features of culinary tours and master classes

• Visiting local farms: tourists will be able to see how fruits, vegetables, herbs and other products used in Georgian cuisine are grown.
• Getting to know the cooking process: learn how traditional dishes such as khachapuri, khinkali, chakhokhbili, lobio and others are prepared.
• Tasting dishes: try Georgian dishes and appreciate their taste and aroma.
• Participation in the winemaking process: see how Georgian wine is made and taste different types of wine.

Hiking

Georgia is truly a paradise for hiking and trekking, thanks to its stunning mountain landscapes, diverse natural attractions and a well-developed network of hiking trails.

For example, the Borjomi Gorge is a beautiful gorge with mineral springs, waterfalls and eco-trails, including the Green Monastery.

Tusheti is one of the most popular regions for trekking with routes to ancient tower villages, shepherd camps and passes with views of the Caucasus Range.

The Transcaucasian Trek trail is a famous multi-day hiking route 300 km long along the Caucasus Range with magnificent views of the highest mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes and alpine meadows.

For hiking, it is recommended to use the services of experienced mountain guides and guides. It is important to have the necessary equipment and observe safety precautions. But if you follow the rules, trekking in Georgia will give you unforgettable impressions of the beauty of mountain nature.

Organizing excursions to museums and historical places in Georgia can also be a fascinating and educational journey. Here you can visit many amazing museums, archaeological monuments and historical sights. For example, you should definitely visit the National Museum of Georgia in Tbilisi, get acquainted with the rich history of the country, its cultural heritage and archaeological finds. Look into the State Museum of Art of Georgia, where you can see a collection of Georgian artists and craftsmen.

If you are interested in ancient history, then you should visit the Uplistsikhe settlement - an ancient archaeological complex where the ruins of ancient temples, palaces and fortresses have been preserved. Also, do not miss the ancient city of Mtskheta, which is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

There are many other interesting museums and historical sites, each of which will tell you amazing stories about the past of this amazing country.

Platform for selling handicrafts and local products

Creating an online platform for selling unique Georgian goods - this could be a great idea for popularizing local culture and crafts, as well as providing additional sources of income for local artisans and producers, and introducing people to amazing original products.

Possible range of products:

- Handicrafts (ceramics, carpets, embroidery, jewelry, etc.)

- National clothing and accessories

- Georgian wines and alcoholic beverages

- Spices and food

- Handmade souvenirs and gifts

The implementation of such a project includes:

Search and selection of suppliers - artisans, craftsmen, manufacturers from different regions of Iberia who make high-quality authentic goods.

Creation of an online platform (website) with a user-friendly interface, a systematized product catalog, product descriptions, photographs and the possibility of online payment.

Logistics and delivery. Organization of a reliable system for delivering orders to other countries.

Development of a promotion strategy through social networks, media, participation in exhibitions and festivals. Emphasis on the uniqueness and authenticity of Georgian goods. The implementation of such a project will not only create additional sales channels for local producers, but will also contribute to the popularization of authentic culture abroad.

Remote work organization services

The land of wine and hospitality is attractive to digital nomads due to its beautiful nature, welcoming people and developed infrastructure.

The following services may be required for successful remote work organization:

Coworking spaces: Providing comfortable offices with fast internet and all necessary services for work.

Long-term rental housing: Assistance in finding and renting housing, taking into account the requirements of visitors for comfort and internet accessibility.

Transportation and logistics: Organization of airport transfers, car rental or organization of public transport for easy movement around the country.

Excursions and leisure: Offering a variety of excursions and entertainment activities for new residents during their free time.

Consultations on local life: Assistance in solving everyday issues, acquaintance with the local culture and peculiarities of life in Georgia.

Educational projects

Computer literacy courses in several languages ​​are a great idea for an educational project in Georgia! Knowledge of computer skills in different languages ​​will help people to be competitive in the international labor market.

Such an educational project can be useful for developing computer skills of local residents and foreign students, as well as promoting cultural exchange and language learning. It is necessary to develop computer literacy courses in several languages, taking into account the needs and level of training of participants. Hire experienced computer specialists who can conduct high-quality classes in different languages. Find a suitable training space for holding classes, with a convenient location and all the necessary infrastructure. And, of course, develop a marketing strategy to attract students to the courses, use social networks and advertising campaigns.

Rental business in Georgia

Organizing various types of rentals in Georgia can be a promising business direction. Here are some ideas that can be implemented:

Organizing wedding dress rentals can be in demand among brides who want to save money on buying an expensive outfit. It is necessary to create a catalog of wedding dresses of various styles and brands, ensure their cleanliness and safety, and also provide services for fitting the dresses to the figure.

Bicycle rental may be of interest to both local residents and tourists. Purchase bicycles of different models and sizes, create a network of rental points in different areas of the city, and provide maintenance and repair of bicycles.

Rental of photo and video equipment may be in demand among photographers and videographers who do not want to spend money on purchasing expensive equipment. It is necessary to purchase photo and video equipment of various models and manufacturers, ensure its safety and maintenance, and provide training and consultation services on the use of equipment.

Organization of car rental may be in demand among both local residents and tourists. Purchase cars of various brands and classes, create a network of rental points in different areas of the city, and provide maintenance and repair of cars.

To successfully organize various types of rental, it is necessary to conduct market research, determine the target audience, develop a business plan and promotion strategy. It is also important to ensure high quality of services provided and competitive prices.

Now, here are some tips on what an investor in Georgia should NOT do:

Like any other country, Georgia has a number of industries and business areas that may be overcrowded or not very promising for new entrepreneurs. Here are some saturated and outdated niches to avoid:

Restaurant business in large cities

Opening a cafe, restaurant, canteen, or hookah bar in Georgia, like in any other country, can be a successful business, but it also comes with certain risks and difficulties. In the capital Tbilisi and other big cities, the catering industry is already oversaturated. Opening a new establishment will be difficult due to high competition.

Opening such a business requires compliance with certain laws and regulations. You will have to obtain the necessary permits and licenses, as well as comply with sanitary and fire safety regulations. Inflated costs: you will have to invest money in renting or buying a space, repairs, equipment, products, staff, and marketing. Demand for snack bar services may depend on the season. There may be enough visitors in the summer, and a minimum in the winter.

If you do not have experience in the restaurant business, you may find it difficult to manage a cafe, sushi bar, or hookah bar. You may face problems with staff, suppliers, competitors, etc.

Beauty salons, massage parlors

Here are some reasons why it may not be a good idea for an investor to invest in opening beauty salons and massage parlors in Georgia:

Difficulty in attracting clients: due to high competition, it will be difficult to quickly gain customer loyalty and build a regular client base for a new salon.

Dependence on professionals: the quality of services directly depends on the qualifications of the professionals. It is not easy to retain good specialists in a competitive environment.

Sensitivity to economic fluctuations: during periods of economic downturns, beauty salon and massage services often become one of the first items of savings for many clients.

Cultural peculiarities: in Georgia, visiting beauty salons and massage parlors is not as common as in some other countries.

Videographer services, real estate consultants

The market for videographer and real estate consultant services can be very competitive. Videography training has become affordable and the number of videographers is growing every year, increasing competition in the market. There are already established companies with a solid reputation, which can make it difficult to attract clients.

Low demand: Depending on the market situation and economic development, the demand for such services can be inconsistent. This can affect the stability of the business's income.

Technical difficulties: Videographer and real estate consultant services may require high-tech equipment and specialized skills. This can increase the initial investment and the difficulty of starting a business.

If you are interested in this topic, you can get more detailed information first-hand by watching the video by Alexander Nekrashevich, for a visual perception of the issue under discussion: Expat: 20 Key Business Ideas in Georgia: 10 Promising Startups and 10 Outdated Trends

Leave comments under the article and share your opinion on the proposed ideas, and do not hesitate to ask questions on the details that interest you. We will be happy to take into account the wishes and points of view of readers!