Business Infrastructure in Georgia - Office, Internet & Services

Running a business in Georgia requires reliable infrastructure for office space, internet connectivity, telecommunications, and essential services. Georgia's modern infrastructure in major cities, affordable costs, and improving quality make it practical for entrepreneurs to establish professional operations. Understanding infrastructure options and costs enables effective planning and budgeting for business operations.

Office Space Options and Costs

Coworking spaces provide the most flexible and cost-effective option for entrepreneurs starting businesses or maintaining small teams. Tbilisi offers numerous coworking facilities ranging from basic shared spaces to premium locations with meeting rooms, event areas, and networking opportunities. Monthly costs range from GEL 200-500 ($75-185 USD) for hot desks, GEL 400-800 ($150-295) for dedicated desks, and GEL 600-1,500 ($220-555) for private offices accommodating 2-4 people. These prices include internet, utilities, and basic amenities making budgeting straightforward.

Traditional office rentals suit businesses requiring dedicated space, branded locations, or accommodating larger teams. Office rental rates vary significantly by location and quality. Tbilisi city center premium locations cost GEL 15-25 per square meter monthly ($5.50-9.25 USD), mid-range areas run GEL 8-15 per square meter ($3-5.50), and peripheral locations offer GEL 5-10 per square meter ($1.85-3.70). A 50 square meter office suitable for 4-6 employees therefore ranges from GEL 250-1,250 monthly depending on location and quality. Rental agreements typically require 2-3 months deposit plus first month rent upfront.

Serviced offices combine dedicated space with building management, reception services, meeting rooms, and administrative support. These premium options cost 20-40% more than traditional rentals but provide professional appearance and eliminate facilities management headaches. Entrepreneurs prioritizing client impressions or lacking time for office management find serviced offices worthwhile despite higher costs. Flexible lease terms allow scaling up or down as business needs evolve.

Internet Connectivity and Quality

Fiber optic internet reaches most business locations in Tbilisi, Batumi, and other major cities, providing reliable high-speed connectivity suitable for modern business operations. Residential-grade connections offering 100-500 Mbps cost GEL 30-70 monthly ($11-26 USD), sufficient for small offices and remote teams. Business-grade connections with dedicated bandwidth, static IP addresses, and service level agreements range from GEL 100-300 monthly ($37-110) for 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps speeds. Connection quality generally matches Western standards in urban areas.

Multiple internet service providers compete in Georgian market including Magti, Silknet, and Caucasus Online, creating competitive pricing and reasonable service quality. Installation typically takes 2-7 days from order to activation. Month-to-month contracts provide flexibility though annual contracts offer 10-20% discounts. Entrepreneurs should verify fiber availability at specific locations before committing to office space, as some older buildings lack fiber infrastructure requiring slower DSL or mobile internet alternatives.

Mobile internet through 4G/LTE networks provides backup connectivity or primary connection for mobile operations. Georgian mobile networks offer good urban coverage with speeds typically 20-50 Mbps. Unlimited mobile data plans cost GEL 15-25 monthly ($5.50-9.25), while business mobile broadband with higher priority and support runs GEL 40-80 monthly ($15-30). Having backup internet through different provider or mobile connection ensures business continuity during primary connection outages.

Telecommunications and Phone Systems

Mobile phones dominate business communications in Georgia with most entrepreneurs and employees using personal mobile numbers for business calls. Georgian mobile plans offering unlimited calling and substantial data cost GEL 10-25 monthly ($3.70-9.25), making dedicated business landlines largely obsolete for small businesses. Entrepreneurs can use personal mobile numbers initially then obtain dedicated business numbers as company grows and professional separation becomes valuable.

Virtual phone systems and VoIP services enable professional telecommunications infrastructure without physical phone hardware. Services like Google Voice, Skype for Business, or local providers offer business numbers, call routing, voicemail-to-email, and other features for GEL 20-50 monthly ($7.50-18.50) per user. These cloud-based systems work anywhere with internet connectivity, supporting remote teams and international operations while maintaining professional image through dedicated business numbers.

International calling requirements depend on business model but generally remain affordable through VoIP services or mobile plans with international minutes. Entrepreneurs frequently calling specific countries should compare specialized calling plans or VoIP providers optimized for those routes. Video conferencing through Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet handles most international communication needs, reducing reliance on traditional phone calls particularly for remote teams or international clients.

Utilities and Operating Costs

Electricity costs in Georgia rank among Europe's lowest, benefiting from abundant hydroelectric generation. Commercial electricity rates average GEL 0.15-0.25 per kWh ($0.055-0.092 USD), making power costs negligible for typical office operations. A 50 square meter office running computers, lighting, and air conditioning typically consumes GEL 50-150 monthly ($18.50-55) in electricity. This affordability enables businesses to operate equipment without concern over power costs that plague operations in higher-cost jurisdictions.

Heating and cooling costs vary seasonally with winter heating being primary expense. Natural gas heating for offices costs approximately GEL 0.80-1.20 per cubic meter ($0.30-0.44), with monthly winter heating bills ranging from GEL 100-300 ($37-110) depending on space size and insulation quality. Air conditioning in summer adds GEL 50-150 monthly ($18.50-55) to electricity bills. Newer buildings with better insulation and modern HVAC systems minimize these costs compared to older Soviet-era structures.

Water and waste services cost minimally for office operations, typically GEL 20-50 monthly ($7.50-18.50) for small offices. These utilities come metered with actual consumption billing making costs predictable and manageable. Building management fees in multitenant buildings cover common area maintenance, security, and building-level utilities, ranging from GEL 2-5 per square meter monthly ($0.75-1.85) depending on building quality and included services.

Technology and Equipment

Computer equipment and technology gear are available in Georgia through retailers and online suppliers, though prices typically run 10-30% higher than US or EU markets due to import costs and smaller market scale. Entrepreneurs can purchase locally for immediate availability or import equipment directly for better pricing. Local IT retailers concentrate in Tbilisi's electronics markets and shopping centers, offering decent selection of business computers, laptops, and peripherals with warranty support.

Cloud computing services and software subscriptions provide modern infrastructure without capital equipment investments. Major cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure operate in Georgia or nearby regions, delivering good performance for most applications. Software-as-a-service solutions for accounting, CRM, project management, and other business functions work seamlessly from Georgian locations. These subscription models eliminate large upfront technology investments while ensuring latest software versions and automatic updates.

IT support and technical services exist in Georgian market though quality and expertise vary significantly. Larger IT service companies serve enterprise clients with professional support, while smaller providers or freelancers handle small business needs at lower costs. Entrepreneurs should establish IT relationships early, ensuring reliable support when technical issues arise. Many international businesses rely on remote IT support from other countries where cost and expertise better align with needs.

Banking and Financial Infrastructure

Modern banking infrastructure supports business operations through online banking, mobile apps, and international payment capabilities. Georgian banks offer businesses current accounts with debit cards, online transfers, payroll services, and merchant services. Account opening requires company registration documents, director identification, and sometimes initial deposits. Monthly account fees range from free to GEL 50 ($18.50) depending on bank and service level, with transaction fees varying by operation type and volume.

Payment processing for businesses accepting cards or online payments works through Georgian merchant acquiring banks or international payment processors. Merchant account fees typically include setup fee of GEL 100-500 ($37-185), monthly service fee of GEL 20-100 ($7.50-37), and per-transaction fees of 1.5-3.5% depending on card type and volume. Entrepreneurs with international customers often use international payment processors like Stripe or PayPal despite higher fees due to broader payment method support.

International money transfers through SWIFT remain standard for business-to-business transactions, though fees can reach $20-50 per transfer. Alternative services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), PayPal, or specialized business transfer services often provide better rates and faster processing for regular international payments. Entrepreneurs should compare options based on transfer frequency, amounts, and destination countries to minimize banking costs eating into margins.

Legal and Professional Services

Accounting services are essential for businesses beyond simplest Individual Entrepreneur operations, ensuring proper bookkeeping, tax compliance, and financial reporting. Monthly accounting fees for small businesses range from GEL 100-300 ($37-110), mid-sized companies pay GEL 300-800 ($110-295), and larger operations require GEL 800-2,000+ ($295-740+). Quality varies significantly among providers, with international accounting firms offering highest standards at premium prices while local accountants provide adequate service for smaller budgets.

Legal services for contract review, employment agreements, commercial disputes, and general business counsel come from Georgian law firms or international firms with Georgian offices. Hourly rates range from GEL 100-300 ($37-110) for local firms to GEL 200-500+ ($74-185+) for international firms. Many entrepreneurs establish relationships with trusted lawyers handling routine matters on fixed-fee basis then engaging specialists for complex issues requiring specific expertise.

Business consultants and specialized service providers address specific needs like marketing, IT strategy, HR consulting, or business development. These services scale from individual freelancers charging GEL 30-100 hourly ($11-37) to established consulting firms commanding GEL 100-300+ hourly ($37-110+). Entrepreneurs should clearly define project scope and expected deliverables before engaging consultants, ensuring value delivery and avoiding open-ended arrangements leading to cost overruns.

Logistics and Shipping Infrastructure

Courier services for domestic deliveries operate efficiently in Tbilisi and major cities through providers like Glovo, Wolt, and specialized courier companies. Same-day delivery within Tbilisi costs GEL 5-15 ($1.85-5.50), next-day nationwide delivery runs GEL 10-25 ($3.70-9.25). These services enable businesses to deliver products or documents quickly without maintaining delivery infrastructure. Courier quality generally meets expectations for routine business needs though international express courier standards aren't fully matched.

International shipping for businesses exporting products or receiving supplies works through Georgian Post, international couriers like DHL and FedEx, and freight forwarders for larger shipments. Small package shipping to Europe costs approximately $15-40 depending on weight and speed, while North American or Asian destinations run $25-60. Import duties and taxes apply to incoming shipments based on product category and value, requiring customs clearance procedures adding time and complexity to international logistics.

Warehousing and fulfillment services exist for businesses requiring inventory storage and order fulfillment but remain less developed than Western markets. Entrepreneurs needing significant logistics capabilities often partner with specialized providers or consider establishing operations in more logistics-friendly jurisdictions while maintaining Georgian headquarters for other business functions. E-commerce businesses shipping internationally may find fulfillment centers in EU or US better serve customer expectations despite additional complexity.

Business Environment and Networking

Entrepreneurial ecosystem in Georgia centers on Tbilisi, with coworking spaces, startup accelerators, and business organizations fostering community among local and international entrepreneurs. Organizations like Startup Georgia, Innovation and Technology Agency, and various industry associations provide networking opportunities, educational programs, and government connections. Participating in ecosystem activities helps entrepreneurs build relationships, learn from experienced operators, and stay informed about market developments.

International business chambers including American Chamber of Commerce, European Business Association, and various national chambers serve foreign entrepreneurs seeking connections with home country businesses or addressing specific business challenges. Chamber membership provides networking events, policy advocacy, and resources navigating Georgian business environment. Annual membership fees typically range from $200-1,000 depending on organization and membership level.

Business conferences, meetups, and industry events occur regularly in Tbilisi covering technology, entrepreneurship, finance, and various sectors. These gatherings provide opportunities to meet potential partners, clients, investors, or employees while learning from speakers and panelists. Georgia's compact business community makes networking accessible, with persistent participation enabling entrepreneurs to build meaningful relationships supporting business growth and problem-solving.

Practical Infrastructure Strategies

Starting lean with coworking space, cloud services, and minimal physical infrastructure allows entrepreneurs to focus resources on core business development rather than office overhead. Many successful businesses operate from coworking for first 1-2 years before moving to dedicated offices once revenue and team size justify additional costs. This approach preserves capital while maintaining professional work environment and business address.

Remote-first operations eliminate office costs entirely for businesses where physical presence isn't required. Georgian entrepreneurs can hire remote employees across Georgia or internationally, use virtual offices for legal address requirements, and conduct business entirely through digital channels. This model maximizes flexibility and minimizes fixed costs though requires discipline around remote team management and communication.

Hybrid approaches combining small physical office with primarily remote team balance cost efficiency with occasional in-person collaboration benefits. A small office or coworking membership provides meeting space and workspace for local team members or visiting employees while most work occurs remotely. This model suits many modern businesses seeking flexibility while maintaining some physical presence for client meetings or team gatherings.