Yes, but you will need a passport and proof of address
A foreigner can open a bank account in Georgia. Most banks will accept you if you have a valid passport and can show a current address — either in Georgia or your home country. Some banks ask for a Georgian address specifically, so if you are moving to Georgia or staying temporarily, you may need to provide a rental agreement, hotel booking, or letter from an employer showing where you will be living.
The process is simpler than in many countries because Georgia's banking system is relatively open to non-residents. However, the exact documents each bank wants varies, and some banks are stricter than others about who they will serve. Calling ahead or visiting in person before you gather documents saves time.
Key Takeaways
- A valid passport is the main document you need; a Georgian address or proof of temporary residence is usually required as well.
- Banks in Tbilisi and other major cities are more likely to serve foreigners than smaller branches, and English-speaking staff are common in larger branches.
- Some banks ask for a reference from another bank or proof of income, while others do not — calling first tells you what a specific bank needs.
- The account opening usually takes one to three business days once you have submitted all documents in person.
- You will need a Georgian tax number (which the bank can help you obtain) if you plan to receive regular income or hold the account long-term.
What documents to bring
Start with your passport — this is non-negotiable. Bring the original, not a copy, though the bank will photocopy it. If your passport is close to expiring (within six months), some banks may ask you to renew it first, so check the expiration date before you visit.
Next, bring proof of address. If you have a rental agreement or lease in Georgia, bring that. If you are staying in a hotel or short-term rental, bring a booking confirmation or a letter from the hotel on letterhead stating your dates and room number. If you do not yet have a Georgian address and are explore from outside the country, bring a utility bill, lease, or official mail from your home country showing your name and address.
Some banks also ask for a second form of identification — a driver's license works if your country issues one. A few banks ask for a reference from another bank or proof that you have a job or income source in Georgia, though this is less common. Call the bank's customer service line or visit a branch to ask what they specifically need before you make the trip.
Which banks accept foreigners most readily
The largest banks in Georgia — TBC Bank, Bank of Georgia, and Silkroad Bank — all serve foreigners regularly and have English-speaking staff in their main branches. These banks have the most straightforward processes and the fewest surprises during account opening. If you are in Tbilisi, you have many options; if you are in a smaller city, the main branch of one of these three is your best bet.
Smaller regional banks may also accept foreigners, but their policies vary more widely. Some require a Georgian address or a local employer reference. If you are planning to stay in Georgia long-term or need specific services (like business banking), ask the bank directly whether they serve non-residents before you visit.
Online-only banks exist in Georgia but typically require a Georgian address and a Georgian phone number, making them harder to open remotely if you are arriving from outside the country.
The Georgian tax number and why you might need it
If you plan to receive a salary, freelance income, or any regular money transfer into your account, the bank will ask you to obtain a Georgian tax number. This is a nine-digit identifier issued by the Georgian Tax Service. You do not need it to open the account, but you will need it before the bank activates certain features or before you can receive regular deposits.
The bank can usually help you get one — they will give you a form to fill out and submit to the tax office, or they may submit it on your behalf. The process takes a few days to a week. If you are only passing through Georgia and will not be receiving income, you may not need one at all.
What happens if you do not have a Georgian address yet
If you are arriving in Georgia soon but do not have a rental agreement signed yet, you have a few options. Some banks will accept a hotel booking or a letter from your employer stating that you will be living at a specific address. Others will let you open the account with your home country address and update it once you have a Georgian one.
The safest approach is to contact the bank before you arrive and ask whether you can open an account with a temporary address or a hotel booking. If the bank says no, you can open the account in person once you have signed a lease, which usually takes only a few days after arrival.
Account types and what they cost
Most banks offer a basic checking account (called a current account) with no monthly fee or a small monthly fee — usually between 0 and 5 Georgian lari per month. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up a regular deposit. Ask about this when you visit.
You will also have the option to add a debit card, which usually costs 10 to 30 lari one-time or is free with certain account types. International wire transfers into your account are usually free, but sending money out of Georgia may cost 10 to 50 lari depending on the destination country.
How long the process takes
If you walk into a bank branch with all your documents, the account opening usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. The bank will fill out forms with you, verify your identity, take a photocopy of your passport, and confirm your address. You will leave with an account number the same day.
Your debit card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can use your account number to receive transfers or set up direct deposits. If the bank asks for additional documents or verification, the process may take a few extra days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Georgian phone number to open an account?
No, but most banks will ask for a phone number where they can reach you. You can use your home country number when you open the account. Once you get a Georgian SIM card (which you can buy at any phone shop for a few lari), you can update your number with the bank.
Can I open an account if I am only staying in Georgia for a few weeks?
Yes. Some banks ask fewer questions if you explain you are visiting temporarily. A hotel booking and your passport are usually enough. However, the bank may close the account if it sees no activity for several months, so ask about their policy on inactive accounts before you open one.
What if the bank asks for a reference from another bank?
This is uncommon but happens occasionally. If your home bank will provide a reference letter, ask them to send it directly to the Georgian bank. If not, explain your situation to the Georgian bank — many will waive this requirement if you offer to make an initial deposit or show proof of income instead.
Can I open a business account as a foreigner?
Yes, but the requirements are stricter. You will need a Georgian tax number, proof of business registration in Georgia, and sometimes a local business address. Contact the bank's business banking department directly, as the process is different from personal account opening.
What if I do not speak Georgian?
The main branches of large banks in Tbilisi have English-speaking staff. Outside Tbilisi, English speakers are less common, but you can call ahead and ask whether an English-speaking employee will be available when you visit, or bring a translator with you.