🇬🇪Georgia

Detailed overview

Georgia at a glance

Georgia has positioned itself as Eastern Europe's most accessible regulated crypto and gaming jurisdiction. The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) regulates crypto under the VASP regime in force from 1 July 2023 and payments under the Law on Payment Systems and Payment Services. The Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance regulates gambling under the 2005 Gambling Law (the Law of Georgia on Organising Lotteries, Games of Chance and Other Prize Games), with technical certification by Random Systems Georgia (RSI). VASPs and gambling operators are accountable entities under Georgian AML law (CDD threshold ≥ USD/EUR 1,000 or GEL 3,000); reporting goes to the Financial Monitoring Service. As of late 2025, 32 VASPs are supervised by the NBG. Tbilisi FIZ provides additional tax exemptions for qualifying operators.

Last verified: May 2026. Reference rate: GEL 2.68 = USD 1.

Use Georgia for fast, low-cost crypto authorisation, low-friction gambling licensing in resort areas, and Free Industrial Zone tax exemptions. Mainland VASP is robust; FIZ adds tax benefits for non-resident-facing structures.

Is there a crypto licence in Georgia?

Yes. The National Bank of Georgia registers VASPs under Order No. 94/04 of 13 June 2023, in force from 1 July 2023. There is no minimum share capital for LLC-form VASPs.

The legal framework was established through amendments to the AML/CFT Law (May 2023) that brought VASPs within the scope of accountable entities, and Order No. 94/04 (June 2023) that set the substantive registration rule. The NBG has subsequently published a compliance questionnaire and operates a public register of VASPs. Operating outside the register is prohibited from 1 July 2023. The Regulation on Fines (13 June 2024) sets administrative penalties for non-compliance.

Crypto tax position: Individuals are exempt from income tax on profits from sale of cryptocurrency (rule confirmed by 28 June 2019 tax interpretation). Crypto-to-fiat exchanges are exempt from VAT. Companies inside Tbilisi FIZ are exempt from VAT (18%), dividend tax (5%) and corporate income tax (Estonian-style, charged only on distribution).

VASP Registration (National Bank of Georgia)

Best for crypto exchanges, custodians, OTC desks, payment-related VA services and ICO issuers.

What it is: NBG registration under Order No. 94/04 entitling the holder to provide one or more virtual asset services in or from Georgia.

Who it suits: Crypto exchanges (active licensees include Binance Georgia, Bybit Georgia, UEEx and Cryptal), OTC desks, custody platforms, transfer services, ICO/STO issuers and portfolio managers.

Covers: Exchange between virtual assets and fiat (including via kiosks), exchange between virtual assets, exchange between virtual assets and financial instruments, transfers, custody and administration of virtual assets, portfolio management of convertible virtual assets (excluding collective portfolio management), administration of a virtual asset trading platform, and initial coin offering services.

Operational requirement: Limited Liability Company or Joint Stock Company registered with the National Agency of Public Registry. JSC form requires minimum capital of GEL 100,000 (about USD 37,300), of which 25% must be paid in on incorporation; LLC form has no minimum share capital. Real office in Georgia (co-working spaces not accepted). At least 2 directors (or 1 director if there is a single shareholder-director), with prohibition on directorships at two VASPs simultaneously unless within the same group. Administrators and >10% beneficial owners must meet fit-and-proper criteria. AML/CFT Compliance Officer (ideally Georgian-resident or readily accessible). AML/KYC, transaction monitoring (blockchain analytics expected), suspicious activity reporting to the Financial Monitoring Service. CDD/EDD threshold: ≥ USD/EUR 1,000 or GEL 3,000. Ban on anonymous coins.

Headline figures

• Application fee (NBG): GEL 5,000 (about USD 1,870)
• Minimum share capital (LLC form): none
• Minimum share capital (JSC form): GEL 100,000 (about USD 37,300), 25% paid on incorporation
• Registration timeline: 2 months (up to 4 months if NBG requests amendments)
• NBG response time on requested amendments: 10 days
• AML CDD/EDD threshold: USD/EUR 1,000 or GEL 3,000
• Active VASPs (late 2025): 32

Stablecoin ICO Registration

Best for stablecoin issuers and projects with public-blockchain token offerings.

What it is: Additional NBG authorisation under "The Rule for the Initial Coin Offering of a Stablecoin by a Virtual Asset Service Provider" for stablecoin issuance.

Who it suits: Stablecoin issuers and ICO/STO projects operating from or marketing to Georgia.

Covers: Stablecoin issuance subject to white paper, reserves and governance requirements set by the NBG's stablecoin rule and its Appendices.

Is there a payments licence in Georgia?

Yes. The National Bank of Georgia licenses Payment Service Providers under the Law on Payment Systems and Payment Services. Minimum authorised capital is GEL 250,000 (about USD 93,300).

The NBG payments framework covers payment account services, money remittance, acquiring, e-money issuance, and direct debit / credit payment instruments. Only commercial banks, microfinance organisations, and non-bank LLC/JSC entities registered with the NBG as PSPs may provide payment services. Beneficiaries holding ≥ 10% of authorised capital are subject to fit-and-proper screening.

Payment Service Provider Licence (NBG)

Best for fintech operators offering payments, e-money, remittance and acquiring services.

What it is: NBG registration as a Payment Service Provider under the Law on Payment Systems and Payment Services.

Who it suits: Fintech and remittance operators, e-money issuers, acquirers and digital wallet providers serving Georgia or Georgia-resident clients.

Covers: Payment account services, direct debit using a card or other payment instrument, credit payments within set amounts, e-money issuance and acquiring, international transfers and merchant settlement.

Operational requirement: LLC or JSC registered in Georgia. Authorised capital of GEL 250,000 (about USD 93,300), fully deposited before application. AML/KYC programme, designated compliance officer. Standard documentation package (incorporation documents, beneficial owners, security policy, commercial plan, directorate). Founders and managers must have no relevant criminal convictions. Founders required to be in Georgia for at least 14 days within the calendar month before filing. Surety bond may be required.

Headline figures

• Minimum authorised capital: GEL 250,000 (about USD 93,300), fully deposited before application
• Beneficial-owner screening threshold: 10% of authorised capital
• AML CDD threshold (general): USD/EUR 1,000 or GEL 3,000

Is there a gambling licence in Georgia?

Yes. The Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance issues five core licence types under the 2005 Gambling Law: casino, gambling club, slot salon, sportsbook, and lottery, plus parallel online permits and a B2B technology licence. Foreign-player operations enjoy a 5% GGR tax rate since December 2024.

The Gambling Law (Law of Georgia on Organising Lotteries, Games of Chance and Other Prize Games) is the primary statute, supplemented by the Tax Code (Estonian-style corporate tax, GGR taxation and player-winnings withholding) and the Law on Gambling Business Fees (annual and quarterly permit fees by location and product type). Licences are typically issued for 5 years. The Revenue Service is the licensing authority; Random Systems Georgia (RSI) provides technical certification. Casinos and gambling operators are obliged entities under the AML/CFT Law.

Recent reforms:

• December 2024 amendments: introduced separate revenue tracking for local and foreign players, with a 5% GGR tax rate for foreign-only operations versus 15% for Georgian players. Operators may use up to two domains (one for local users, one for international).
• 2022 reform: removed the previous requirement that online casino operators first hold a land-based slot salon licence. Online casino and online slot salon licences can now be stand-alone; online sportsbook still requires a land-based sportsbook.
• June 2024 Code of Administrative Offences amendments: penalties for accepting bets from a person under 25, up to GEL 20,000 (about USD 7,300); criminal penalties up to 5 years for supply-side breaches.
• Legal gambling age: 25 for Georgian residents (higher than the international norm).
• Mandatory infrastructure: physical management address and game servers must be in Georgia, 24/7 video surveillance, payment service providers required to block Georgian users from transferring funds to unlicensed foreign gambling sites.

Land-Based Casino Licence

Best for hotel-integrated land-based casino operators in Tbilisi and resort zones.

What it is: Revenue Service licence under the 2005 Gambling Law to operate a land-based casino.

Who it suits: Land-based casino operators integrated with hotels in Tbilisi, Batumi or in tax-incentivised resort zones (Kazbegi, Tskaltubo, Sighnaghi, Gudauri, Bakuriani).

Covers: Casino table games (poker, blackjack, roulette and similar) and any slot machines installed within the licensed casino. Tbilisi-based casino licence holders may operate up to 3 poker clubs nationwide without additional licence fees.

Operational requirement: LLC or JSC registered in Georgia (no founder residency requirement). Physical management address and servers in Georgia. RSI-certified gaming equipment. AML/CFT compliance, AML compliance officer, independent audits. 24/7 video monitoring. Estonian-style CIT (corporate tax payable only on distribution).

Headline figures

• Tbilisi annual licence fee (casino): GEL 5 million (about USD 1.87 million)
• Regional annual licence fee (casino, other regions): GEL 250,000 (about USD 93,300)
• Batumi (in hotels with at least 100 rooms): licence fee waived for 10 years
• Kazbegi, Tskaltubo, Sighnaghi: licence fee waived
• Quarterly table fees: approximately USD 7,220–14,440 per gaming table
• Quarterly slot fees: approximately USD 722–1,440 per slot machine
• GGR tax (Georgian players): 15%
• GGR tax (foreign players only): 5% (December 2024 amendment)

Slot Salon Licence

Best for slot-only land-based venues.

What it is: Revenue Service licence under the 2005 Gambling Law to operate a slot machine hall.

Who it suits: Stand-alone slot operators outside hotel-integrated casino structures.

Covers: Slot machines at the licensed venue. Tbilisi slot club holders may also operate one poker club without an extra licence fee.

Headline figures

• Tbilisi annual licence fee: approximately GEL 1 million (about USD 373,000)
• Regional annual licence fee: approximately GEL 100,000 (about USD 37,300)
• GGR tax: 15% (Georgian players) / 5% (foreign players, December 2024 amendment)

Online Casino Licence

Best for stand-alone online casino operators targeting international players.

What it is: Revenue Service licence under the 2005 Gambling Law (as amended) authorising online casino operations. May be issued stand-alone since the 2022 reform.

Who it suits: Online casino operators serving international markets from Georgia, particularly those willing to set up infrastructure in resort zones (Kazbegi, Tskaltubo, Sighnaghi, Batumi) or Tbilisi FIZ for tax incentives.

Covers: Online slots, table games and RNG products under a Georgian licence. Up to two domains permitted (one local, one international).

Operational requirement: Land-based casino licence is not required (since the 2022 reform). Servers, management address and infrastructure must be in Georgia. RSI certification of platform and games. AML/CFT compliance. 5% GGR tax for foreign-only operators (December 2024 amendment); 15% GGR for Georgian players. Use of payment service providers that comply with NBG block lists.

Headline figures

• Annual licence fee (Tbilisi): GEL 5 million (about USD 1.87 million)
• Quarterly fees: GEL 250,000–300,000 (about USD 93,000–112,000)
• Annual licence fee (resort areas, e.g. Kazbegi/Tskaltubo/Sighnaghi): waived
• GGR tax (foreign-only): 5%
• GGR tax (Georgian players): 15%
• Expedited 5-day processing (online casino / online slots): about USD 3,700
• RSI certification fees: up to GEL 35,000 (about USD 13,100) for authorisation; up to GEL 100,000 (about USD 37,300) for online integration; monthly fees vary by product

Online Sportsbook Licence

Best for online sports betting operators with an existing land-based sportsbook.

What it is: Revenue Service licence for online sports betting; tied to an existing land-based sportsbook licence.

Who it suits: Sports-betting operators willing to maintain a land-based sportsbook in Georgia alongside the online offering.

Covers: Online sports betting under the Georgian licensing perimeter; tied to and concurrent with the land-based sportsbook permit.

Headline figures

• Online sports betting licence (tied to land-based): approximately USD 36,100
• Sports betting tax (deposits from Georgian players): 7%
• Linked-licence validity: runs with the land-based sportsbook, with no more than 60 days extension beyond it

Online Slot Salon Licence

Best for online slot operators targeting international players.

What it is: Revenue Service licence for online slot operations. Can be stand-alone since the 2022 reform.

Who it suits: Stand-alone online slot operators wanting Georgian regulation without a land-based requirement.

Covers: Online slot machine products under RSI-certified platforms.

Poker Club Licence

Best for stand-alone poker club operators (or Tbilisi casino / slot club holders extending into poker).

What it is: Revenue Service licence for land-based poker clubs.

Who it suits: Stand-alone poker operators; Tbilisi casino licensees (up to 3 free clubs); Tbilisi slot club licensees (1 free club).

Covers: Land-based poker tournaments and cash games.

B2B Gambling Technology Licence

Best for game studios, RNG suppliers and platform providers.

What it is: Revenue Service B2B licence covering the provision of gambling technology and services that affect game outcomes – RNG platforms, jackpot platforms, gaming servers and management systems.

Who it suits: B2B platform providers, game studios and RNG/jackpot suppliers serving Georgian licensees.

Covers: Supply of gambling technology and services that influence game outcomes. Software suppliers without a B2B licence can still operate via licensed aggregator platforms.

Headline figures

• B2B RSI certification (authorisation): up to GEL 35,000 (about USD 13,100)
• B2B online integration certification: up to GEL 100,000 (about USD 37,300)
• Monthly RSI fees: vary by product type

Free Industrial Zone (FIZ) Option

Tbilisi or Poti FIZ adds tax exemptions for qualifying operators.

The Free Industrial Zone regime (Tbilisi FIZ, Poti FIZ, Kutaisi FIZ) offers full or partial exemption from VAT (18%), dividend tax (5%), property tax (1%) and corporate tax (15%) for qualifying companies, including crypto businesses (especially mining and B2B). FIZ-based operators still need NBG VASP registration if they provide regulated VA services. The choice between mainland VASP and FIZ depends on tax sensitivity, the customer profile (Georgian residents vs international) and the volume of regulated activity.

Costs and timelines at a glance

• NBG VASP application fee: GEL 5,000 (about USD 1,870)
• NBG VASP minimum share capital (LLC): none
• NBG VASP minimum share capital (JSC): GEL 100,000 (about USD 37,300)
• NBG VASP timeline: 2–4 months
• NBG VASP active licensees (late 2025): 32
• PSP minimum authorised capital: GEL 250,000 (about USD 93,300)
• Casino licence (Tbilisi): GEL 5 million (about USD 1.87 million) per year
• Casino licence (regional): GEL 250,000 (about USD 93,300) per year
• Casino licence (Kazbegi / Tskaltubo / Sighnaghi): waived
• Casino licence (Batumi 100+-room hotels): waived for 10 years
• Slot salon licence (Tbilisi): GEL 1 million (about USD 373,000) per year
• Slot salon licence (regional): GEL 100,000 (about USD 37,300) per year
• Online casino licence (Tbilisi): GEL 5 million (about USD 1.87 million) per year + quarterly fees GEL 250,000–300,000 (about USD 93,000–112,000)
• Online sportsbook licence (tied to land-based): approximately USD 36,100
• Gambling GGR tax (Georgian players): 15% (sportsbook 7% on deposits from Georgian players)
• Gambling GGR tax (foreign players only): 5% (December 2024 amendment)
• Licence validity (gambling): 5 years
• Expedited processing (5 days for online casino / online slots): approximately USD 3,700
• Fines (gambling administrative offences): up to GEL 20,000 (about USD 7,300); criminal penalties up to 5 years
• Legal gambling age (Georgian residents): 25

Who Georgia suits and who it does not

Suitable for

• Crypto exchanges, custodians, brokers, OTC desks and ICO/STO issuers wanting fast, low-cost regulation (no minimum capital for an LLC, GEL 5,000 NBG fee, 2–4 month timeline)
• Online casino and online slot operators willing to set up Georgian infrastructure and benefit from the 5% GGR foreign-player tax rate (December 2024 amendment)
• Land-based casino operators in tax-incentivised resort zones (Kazbegi, Tskaltubo, Sighnaghi, Batumi 100-room hotels) where licence fees are waived
• Payment service providers and e-money issuers funding GEL 250,000 (USD 93,300) capital and accepting NBG fit-and-proper screening
• B2B gambling technology suppliers, RNG providers and platform vendors looking for a Eurasian licensing base
• Crypto businesses willing to set up in Tbilisi/Poti FIZ for additional tax exemptions (VAT, dividend, property, corporate tax)
• Stablecoin issuers seeking explicit Georgian authorisation under the NBG's stablecoin ICO rule

Not suitable for

• Operators wanting to serve EU residents under MiCA passporting rights (Georgia is not an EU/EEA member; NBG registration does not confer MiCA passporting)
• Online sportsbook operators unable to also maintain a land-based sportsbook (online sports betting must be tied to a land-based permit)
• Crypto businesses unwilling to maintain a real Georgian office (co-working spaces not accepted) or to keep the AML compliance officer Georgia-resident or accessible
• Operators serving anonymous coins (banned under NBG VASP rules)
• Casino, slot and sports-betting operators unwilling to accept the legal gambling age of 25 for Georgian residents
• Gambling operators unable to commit to physical Georgian server hosting and 24/7 video surveillance
• VASPs intending to act as managers of two VASPs simultaneously (prohibited outside the same group of companies)