Opening a bank account in Georgia as a foreigner (2026)
Opening a personal account in Georgia is usually quick. Opening a business account for a foreign-owned company can take longer, because the bank has to understand who owns it and what it does. This guide sets out what the main banks publish, what to prepare, and where applications slow down.
1. Personal accounts
The large banks all have offers for non-residents. TBC Bank says an expat can open an account with an international passport and a mobile phone number. The account opens instantly, but you must visit a branch to complete the registration. You can start the application in TBC’s mobile app and finish it at a branch. TBC’s GEL 10 package includes one card.
Bank of Georgia asks new customers without app credentials to visit a branch, and notes that some of its products are available only to citizens of specific countries. Liberty Bank offers a multi-currency account for non-residents (GEL, USD, EUR, GBP) at selected branches.
Plan for one visit to Georgia. Banks publish ways to start online, but the published routes still end with your passport at a branch.
2. Business accounts
TBC says companies with expat individual shareholders or partners can open a multi-currency business account at a branch, if the company is eligible. Bank of Georgia says it processes corporate customer applications in about a week.
Before opening a business account, a bank has to identify the company’s owners and understand its business. This is a legal duty under Georgia’s anti-money-laundering law, supervised by the National Bank of Georgia. Prepare:
- the company’s registry extract and charter;
- passports of the director and of every owner with a significant stake;
- a short, concrete description of the business: what you sell, to whom, where the money comes from and where it goes;
- evidence that the business is real: contracts, invoices or a website.
3. Powers of attorney
TBC publishes a power of attorney form for banking services through a representative. Whether a bank will open an account through a representative, rather than serve an existing account, depends on the bank and on your profile. Ask the bank before you sign anything abroad. A power of attorney signed abroad normally needs notarisation, an apostille and a certified Georgian translation.
4. Why applications are refused or delayed
Banks rate each customer’s risk, and the National Bank of Georgia fines banks that do not. In practice, a business account is slowed down by a vague description of the business, ownership the bank cannot trace, links to sanctioned countries, or a sector the bank treats as high risk. A clear, consistent file is the best way to avoid weeks of questions.
Crypto businesses need particular care. Providing virtual asset services in Georgia requires registration with the National Bank (see our VASP guide), and a bank will expect to see it.
5. Deposit insurance
Since 1 April 2026, deposits are insured up to GEL 50,000 per depositor per bank, up from GEL 30,000. The limit applies per bank, not per account, so splitting money across accounts at the same bank does not increase cover.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner open a bank account in Georgia?
Yes. The main banks offer accounts to non-residents. TBC, for example, asks for an international passport and a mobile phone number, and a branch visit to complete registration.
Can I open a Georgian bank account remotely?
You can start online at some banks, but the published routes end with a branch visit. Some banks accept a representative with a power of attorney for certain services; ask the bank first.
How long does a business account take?
Bank of Georgia says it processes corporate applications in about a week. Unclear ownership or a vague business description add time.
What documents do I need for a business account?
Usually the registry extract and charter, passports of the director and significant owners, a clear description of the business and evidence it is real, such as contracts or invoices.
How much of my deposit is insured in Georgia?
Up to GEL 50,000 per depositor per bank, since 1 April 2026.
Why do banks refuse accounts for foreign-owned companies?
Most often because the bank cannot understand the business or trace its owners, because of sanctions links, or because the sector is high risk. Banks must check this under the anti-money-laundering law.
Sources
Opening a business account for a foreign-owned company? Book a call with the banking team. We prepare the file the bank needs before your branch visit.
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