Complete Beginner’s Guide to Relocating to Finland: Navigating Costs, Culture, and Common Mistakes as an Expat
January 13, 20267 Tax Haven Traps Expats Fall Into (And How to Avoid Them): A Survival Guide from Someone Who’s Been Burned
January 13, 2026Why My Family Chose Georgia – And Why You Should Consider It Too
Look, I get it – when you hear “digital nomad hotspot,” you probably don’t picture stroller-friendly streets and family adventures. I didn’t either when I first read about Georgia’s visa program in 2020. But here’s the truth: this little country became our family’s perfect unexpected home.
After months of research (and plenty of doubts), we took the plunge with two school-aged kids. What we found? A magical mix of ancient culture and modern convenience that just works for families.
From Tbilisi’s cobblestone alleys to Batumi’s Black Sea breeze, Georgia surprised us daily. We’ve survived school systems, navigated healthcare, and mastered budgeting here – all while enjoying those sweet visa benefits. Let me share what we wish we’d known day one.
The Georgia Digital Nomad Visa: Your Family’s Golden Ticket
Georgia’s “Remotely From Georgia” program might target remote workers, but it’s secretly perfect for families. Here’s why:
- Tax-free living for year one (game-changer for family budgets)
- Super straightforward paperwork (for real!)
- No visa runs for a full year
Our application process looked like this:
- Filling out basic personal/work details
- Showing proof of remote work (just a letter from our employers)
- Signing quarantine docs (standard post-pandemic stuff)
- Getting travel insurance (which we’d recommend anyway with kids)
Pro tip: The system’s way smoother now than when we applied via email! Americans, Brits, EU folks – most qualify. Double-check Georgia’s official migration site for your country.
Real Talk: What Living in Georgia Actually Costs
Let’s get down to brass tacks. Here’s our monthly spend for four in central Tbilisi:
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | $600-$900 |
| International School (Per Child) | $300-$800/month |
| Groceries | $350-$500 |
| Utilities (Including High-Speed Internet) | $80-$120 |
| Family Health Insurance | $100-$200/month |
Mind-blowing stat: We’re saving about 60% compared to California life. And those $50 Wizz Air flights to Europe? Perfect for grandma visits!
Navigating Schools (Without Losing Your Mind)
Education scared us most. Here’s the scoop:
Public School Reality Check
- Totally free (yay budget!)
- Mostly Georgian language (tough but great immersion)
- Some Russian-language options
Private International Schools (Tbilisi Edition)
- QSI International School: Feels like home for Americans ($8K-$12K/year)
- British Georgian Academy: IGSCE/A-Level heaven ($7.5K-$10K/year)
- European School: IB programme at €500-€700/month
We went hybrid: local school mornings + international tutors afternoons. Many friends love Tbilisi European School for its language flexibility.
Healthcare: Surprisingly Not Scary
Georgia’s medical system shocked us in the best way:
- Wallet-friendly: Doctor visits from $20, antibiotics under $5
- Quality care: New Tbilisi hospitals rival Western ones
- No language barrier: Plenty of English-speaking docs
We use GeoHospitals for emergencies and GPI Holding insurance ($200/month). Bonus: kids’ braces cost 70% less than Stateside!
Safety: Where Teens Roam Free
Georgia feels safer than most Western spots:
- Violent crime? Basically unheard of
- Traffic improving yearly (though still…enthusiastic)
- Pro-Western vibe keeps things stable
Real win: We let our teens explore Tbilisi solo – impossible back home. Watch for uneven sidewalks though!
5 Mistakes That Almost Broke Us
- Quarantine sticker shock: Our 14-day stay at Sheraton Grand Tbilisi cost $1,200 – book family quarantine early!
- Tax trap: After 183 days, you’re tax-resident. Find a Georgian accountant STAT.
- Language limbo: Learn basic Georgian – markets/bureaucracy get real without it.
- Overpacking: You can buy everything here (yes, even that special baby formula).
- Time zone torture: Working US hours? Nikora supermarkets save 3 AM snack emergencies.
Final Verdict: Should YOUR Family Come?
After 18 months, we’re renewing our visa – that’s the real review. Georgia delivers that magical combo:
- Adventure without comfort sacrifice
- Cultural immersion kids actually enjoy
- Community that feels like home
The digital nomad visa is the perfect trial run. Like our Batumi friend says: “Where else can kids play safely while you affordably work?”
Thinking about it? Start at Georgia’s Migration Department site. Who knows – maybe we’ll share khachapuri at the next expat picnic!