Moving from UAE to Georgia (2026) | Shipping, Visas & Customs

Introduction: The Gem of the Caucasus

Relocating from the UAE to Georgia is becoming an increasingly popular choice for expats seeking a cooler climate, affordable living, and a relaxed lifestyle. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia offers a unique blend of ancient history and modern development.

Whether you are moving to the cobblestoned streets of Tbilisi or the Black Sea coast of Batumi, the process requires careful planning. While Georgia is famous for its "easy" bureaucracy, 2026 has brought new insurance requirements and stricter customs checks.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview for anyone planning to move their life from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Georgia.

🚀 Key Takeaways (Quick Summary)

Visa Distinction: UAE Citizens get 1 year visa-free. UAE Residents typically get 90 days visa-free (conditions apply).

New Rule: As of 2026, all visitors must hold valid health insurance covering at least 30,000 GEL (approx AED 40,000) upon entry.

Shipping: Sea freight enters via Poti Port (commercial hub) or Batumi.

Car Warning: Georgia is a hub for car re-exports, but importing a car for personal use attracts Excise Tax + 18% VAT.

1. Visas & Residency: The Rules Have Changed

Georgia has long been famous for its open-door policy, but you must understand the difference between "Tourism" and "Residency."

Visa-Free Entry (The 90 vs. 365 Rule)

UAE Citizens: You can enter Georgia and stay for up to 365 days visa-free.
UAE Residents (Expats): If you hold a valid UAE residence visa, you are typically granted visa-free entry for 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Note: Visa-free eligibility ultimately depends on passport nationality, not UAE residency alone. Always check based on your specific passport.
- Warning: Border officials are strict. You must show a return ticket, hotel booking (or lease), and proof of funds.

The 2026 Health Insurance Mandate

Effective Jan 1, 2026, mandatory health insurance is required for all travelers entering Georgia who do not have state coverage. You may be asked to show a policy document (in English or Georgian) covering emergency medical expenses of at least 30,000 GEL (approx. AED 40,000). Failure to produce this can result in a fine or denial of entry.

Long-Term Residency

If you plan to stay beyond your visa-free period, you must apply for a Residence Permit at the Public Service Hall. Common routes include:

Work Residence: For employees of Georgian companies or freelancers with contracts.
Property Investment: Purchasing real estate valued over $100,000 USD.

⚠️ Important: Georgia is not part of the EU or Schengen Area. EU-style customs, VAT exemptions, and residency pathways do not apply here.

2. Shipping Your Household Goods

Most household shipments from the UAE travel by sea to the port of Poti (Georgia's main commercial port) and are then trucked inland to Tbilisi.

Sea Freight Options

FCL (Full Container Load): Best for 2+ bedroom homes.
- Route: Jebel Ali -> Poti Port -> Truck to Tbilisi.
- Transit: 25–35 days total.
LCL (Shared Container): Best for smaller apartments or 10-20 boxes.
- Transit: 35–45 days. Consolidation usually happens in Jebel Ali, but delays can occur if the container isn't full.
- Learn more: LCL vs. FCL Shipping Guide

Air Freight

Best for: Urgent essentials (winter clothes, work laptops).
Airport: Tbilisi International Airport (TBS).
Cost: High (AED 15–25/kg).

💡 Moving Tip: Tbilisi streets can be narrow and hilly. If you are moving to the "Old Tbilisi" (Sololaki/Vera) districts, tell your mover. A standard 40ft container truck cannot access these areas, requiring a "shuttle service" (smaller van) which costs extra.

3. 2026 Moving Costs Breakdown

Shipping to Georgia is relatively affordable compared to Europe.

Shipment Size	Service Type	Estimated Cost (AED)	Timeframe (Door-to-Door)
Small Move (10-15 CBM)	LCL (Shared)	AED 8,000 – 14,000	5 – 7 Weeks
2-Bed Home	20ft Container	AED 15,000 – 22,000	4 – 6 Weeks
3-4 Bed Villa	40ft Container	AED 25,000 – 32,000	4 – 6 Weeks

Note: These estimates include UAE export packing and sea freight. Destination terminal handling charges (THC) in Poti are usually paid locally.

4. Customs & Taxes: What You Need to Know

Georgia has a liberal customs policy, but personal effects (პირადი მოხმარების ნივთები) must be declared correctly to avoid the commercial tax rate.

Duty-Free Allowance

You can import used household goods duty-free if:

Usage: The goods show signs of use (not brand new in box).
Timing: The shipment arrives within a reasonable time of your own arrival.
Quantity: The items are consistent with personal use (e.g., not 5 identical TVs).

Required Documents:

Passport copy.
Detailed Packing List (Inventory) in English (and preferably translated into Georgian).
Bill of Lading (BL).
Tax ID (if applicable, though often just a passport number is used for personal imports).

⚠️ Prohibited Items: Do not ship medications containing psychotropic substances (even common painkillers like Codeine are strictly regulated). Large quantities of alcohol will be taxed.

5. The Car Import Reality

Georgia is a regional hub for car trading, so importing a car is common, but it is not tax-free.

Customs Duty: Generally 0% or low for modern cars, but you pay an Excise Tax based on the engine size and year of manufacture.
VAT: You must pay 18% VAT on the total value + shipping cost.
Steering Wheel: Georgia restricts the registration of Right-Hand Drive (RHD) cars. (Not an issue for UAE LHD cars).
Strategy: Unless your car is unique, it is often cheaper to sell it in the UAE and buy a car in Georgia, where the used car market (Rustavi Car Market) is massive and affordable.

6. Living in Georgia: A Quick Reality Check

Cost of Living: Rent in Tbilisi is 30–50% cheaper than Dubai. A premium 2-bedroom apartment in Vake or Saburtalo costs $800–$1,200/month.
Banking: Opening a bank account (TBC or Bank of Georgia) is incredibly easy. You often just need a passport and a Georgian phone number.
Language: Georgian (Kartuli) is unique and difficult. However, English is widely spoken by the younger generation, and Russian is spoken by the older generation.
Winter: It snows in Tbilisi. If you are shipping from Dubai, make sure you pack your winter coats in your air luggage, not the sea container!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do UAE residents get a visa on arrival in Georgia?

It depends on your nationality. UAE Citizens get visa-free entry for 1 year. UAE Residents (expats) with a valid residency visa typically get visa-free entry for 90 days within a 180-day period. However, you must now present proof of health insurance upon entry.

How much does it cost to move from Dubai to Tbilisi?

Shipping a 20ft container (2-bedroom home) generally costs between AED 15,000 and AED 22,000. Shared (LCL) shipments for smaller moves range from AED 8,000 to AED 14,000.

How do I ship my car from UAE to Georgia?

You can ship your car via RORO or container to Poti Port. However, import taxes are high. You will pay a Customs Duty (usually 5% or 12%) plus 18% VAT, and an Excise Tax based on the car's age and engine size.

How long does shipping take from UAE to Georgia?

Sea freight from Jebel Ali to Poti or Batumi Port takes approximately 20–30 days. Inland trucking to Tbilisi takes another 2–4 days. Budget 5–6 weeks for the full door-to-door process.

Ready for Your Georgian Adventure?

Whether you need a full container to Tbilisi or just a few boxes to Batumi, compare quotes from movers who know the Poti customs process.

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Moving from UAE to Georgia (2026 Guide): Visas, Shipping & Costs