Why Tbilisi is Becoming a Digital Nomad Hotspot
Tbilisi. Say that ten times fast. Actually, I’ll be impressed if you can say it even once.
Even if you can’t pronounce this Georgian capital, if you’re a digital nomad, chances are that you’ve come across the name.
Georgia is not the most common travel destination for conventional travelers, but we’re digital nomads and our lives are far from conventional (just how we like it!).
Georgia is situated directly on the crossroads of Europe and Asia, giving it a fantastic blend of both European and Asian cultures.
It’s a small country, but it’s got everything to satisfy your adventurous and curious spirit. One day you could be skiing or hiking in The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range. The next, you could be enjoying their world-renowned wine from some of the friendly locals on an ancient street. It’s no wonder that Tbilisi has begun attracting the digital nomad community to live and work from this unique Eurasian hub.
There are so many reasons why Tbilisi is the perfect place to set up a base as a digital nomad. Let’s check out a few of the reasons.
No Visa
That’s right. You read that right.
One of the biggest pains for digital nomads is trying to sort out visas when entering new countries. Plus, you’re limited in how long you can stay or have to jump through hoops to extend.
Georgia has recently launched its “Remotely from Georgia” program, which has been created just for us! It allows people from 95 different countries to live and work remotely in Georgia for up to 1 year. The application process is super easy, and best of all, no more visa runs!
Lots of coworking spaces
One of the main things we need to think about when choosing a destination is where we will work from. While working from your hotel room or Airbnb is fine, it’s not the best way to get involved in the local community and meet people. As more digital nomads are showing up in Tbilisi, more coworking spaces are popping up to cater to them.
There are tons of fantastic coworking options in Tbilisi, so you can find one close to your accommodation and one that offers all the amenities you’re looking for.
Here are some of the best spots in town to get productive and connect with others in the nomad community:
Impact Hub
Impact Hub was the first coworking space to open up in Tbilisi and has since built up a massive community of freelancers, digital nomads, and other local entrepreneurs. If you’re looking to make new friends and network with the community, then you should check out Impact Hub first.
They have lots of events, workshops and even throw small parties so everyone can get to know each other. There are tons of places to work within its huge workspace that is open concept with tons of plants.
LOKAL
Lokal is one of the newer coworking spaces in Tbilisi, and they’ve already built up a strong community of digital nomads. They also offer co-living, making it a one-stop-shop for many digital nomads looking for a place to live and work simultaneously.
It’s a beautiful space with a large patio, garden, bar, and café (members get a discount).
The casual atmosphere attracts many nomads to work from their space, plus you can’t beat the spaces pet dog Adji. You can also bring your own dog, making it one of the few pet-friendly coworking spaces in town.
They also offer the option to book a fixed desk, use conference rooms, or work from one of their balconies.
Terminal on Kohrava
There used to be a coworking space called Vere Loft in this location, but Terminal has since taken it over. Terminal on Kohrava is one of Terminal’s five locations in Tbilisi, with others in Saburtalo, Vake, and Marjanishvili.
There are two floors to work from, with a mix of shared desks, meeting rooms, fixed tables, and a terrace to take a break. There is even a gaming zone. There is also a bar where you can get coffee and other drinks, and a microwave so you can warm up your own lunch if you want to.
Regus
Regus is an international chain of offices, coworking spaces, and business lounges.
They opened their branch in Freedom Square a few years ago, as freelancers and digital nomads began seeking out coworking spaces in Tbilisi. The coworking area is a large common room with multiple tables you can work from. It also has a shared kitchen with coffee, fridge, vending machine, and snacks provided.
You can also book designated spaces with your own desk and storage. If you book the monthly membership, you will have access to the space 24/7. Or you can purchase a membership which will only give you access between 9am and 6pm.
Regus has 3000 different office spaces worldwide, and if you have a monthly package, you can use any of their spaces, which is a huge benefit for people that travel frequently.
Cost of Living
Every digital nomad is on a different budget.
Some choose only to work a few hours a week, and others work full-time. Some people own their own successful business, while others are just beginning their freelance journey. Regardless of which applies to you, your budget is very important when picking your destination.
The cost of living in Georgia is relatively inexpensive, especially compared to other European and Western countries. When living on a budget, we often find ourselves staying far outside of town to snag a better price, which you don’t have to do in Tbilisi.
You can get an entire apartment for as little as $200USD per month!!
Getting Around
Transport is also extremely affordable, with bus tickets around the entire city only costing $0.25USD and the subway tickets only costing $0.20USD.
While these are the three most important things we look for as digital nomads, it doesn’t hurt to have a few other perks.
Wine & Food Haven
If you’re a wine drinker like me, then you’ll be in wino heaven in Georgia. Georgia is actually called the Cradle of Wine since they invented the stuff back in 6000BC! They have some of the best wine in the world (try the Saperavi), and you can buy it for as little as $2 a bottle.
On top of that, you can’t beat the cuisine. It’s heavily influenced by Middle Eastern cuisine (think lots of dough, cheese, spinach, walnuts) and is made to be shared.
Ready to Explore?
Discovering unique locations and new cultures is the point of being a digital nomad.
Tbilisi makes it easy for nomads to continue working remotely while experiencing a country that is unlike anywhere you’ve ever been before.
