Can expats find work in Tbilisi without speaking Georgian?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 13 days ago
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 13 days ago
TL;DR
Yes, expats regularly find work in Tbilisi without Georgian, especially with English or Russian skills.
It may be possible to find work without Georgian, but reports suggest the realistic options are often Russian-speaking workplaces or lower-skilled jobs. Getting hired by a Georgian company is said to be much harder without Georgian, especially in fields like banking, healthcare, and schools where staff deal with local clients and paperwork. More plausible examples mentioned were a Russian private school for teachers or a Russian-speaking clinic if openings exist.
Claims that you cannot work in Georgia without Georgian are likely exaggerated. The large expat community in Tbilisi — many of whom don't speak Georgian — suggests it's entirely possible to work or run a business without the local language.
Knowing English and Russian significantly improves job prospects in Tbilisi. English is in demand in IT, tourism, and international companies, while Russian is widely used in the local business environment.
Russian citizens working remotely from Georgia may face difficulties registering as self-employed through Russian government portals, as access can be restricted. Alternatives include registering as an individual entrepreneur (IP) in Georgia or working through intermediaries.