GeorgiaGuide to Register a New Business in Georgia

• Register a New Business in Georgia begins with understanding the state’s requirements. While registration is not mandatory unless you are incorporating or planning to engage with the state, becoming a registered vendor via the Department of Administrative Services is necessary for certain activities.  

• Choosing a business structure—whether LLC, corporation, or LP—dictates liability, tax obligations, and operational framework. With 1.2 million small businesses thriving in Georgia, to register company in Georgia opens doors to entrepreneurial success in this vibrant market. 

Benefits to register a new business in Georgia 

Quick and easy registration procedures 

• Registering a company in Georgia is a swift process, often completed within a few hours. Minimal documentation and a brief 15-minute visit to the registration office in Tbilisi suffice. The same efficiency applies to companies registered using Power of Attorney. 

0-20% Corporate Tax 

• Corporate income tax rates in Georgia range from 0% to 20%, depending on the nature of the business. Certain activities in Free Zones enjoy full tax exemption. Moreover, special tax advantages apply to IT companies (5% tax), small businesses (1% tax), and sea shipping (5% tax). Typically, even regular limited liability companies (LLCs) do not incur corporate income tax unless distributing dividends. 

No restrictions on foreign ownership or number of directors 

• Georgia imposes no restrictions on company ownership, allowing for ownership by Georgian citizens, foreign nationals, or a combination thereof. Additionally, a company’s owner can be a legal entity registered outside of Georgia, and foreign shareholders can also serve as directors. There are no limitations on the number of directors in a company. 

No minimum capital requirement 

• Companies can be established in Georgia without any initial capital injection. The company’s capital may remain at 0. 

Remote company formation and management 

• Setting up a company in Georgia does not require an in-person visit. Through a simple Power of Attorney, we can register your business in Georgia within a single day, upon receipt of the necessary documents. 

Over 56 double taxation avoidance treaties with different countries 

• Georgia boasts over 56 double taxation avoidance treaties with various countries, augmenting the appeal of its tax benefits. Our team of legal experts assists in navigating these agreements to prevent double taxation. 

Steps to register a new business in Georgia 

Step 1: Name registration 

• Selecting a business name stands as a pivotal step in launching your enterprise in Georgia. Tetra Consultants will conduct a thorough name search, striving to reserve your preferred name with the Georgia Secretary of State. This ensures not only compliance but also establishes your distinct identity within the market. 

Step 2: Determining the legal structure 

• Deciding the legal structure—be it a corporation, limited liability company, or limited partnership—enables a business to tailor its operations to meet specific regulatory needs. Various business structures in Georgia entail distinct legal obligations, underscoring the importance of this determination for compliance.  

Step 3: Appointing a registered agent 

• When registering a business in Georgia, any foreign entity must appoint a registered agent located within the state. This agent, whether an individual or a legal entity, is authorized to receive official communications on behalf of the company.  

• Tetra Consultants offers assistance in appointing local registered agents with registered office addresses, ensuring smooth communication processes. With our services, you can seamlessly incorporate your business in Georgia, alleviating any concerns about registering agents from other jurisdictions. 

Step 4: Prepare required registration documents 

• When registering a business in Georgia, the necessary incorporation documents vary based on the chosen business structure. Tetra Consultants offers tailored guidance, providing a comprehensive list of required documents specific to your business activity and structure. Our knowledgeable experts ensure a smooth process, enhancing your experience and facilitating efficient preparation for registration. 

Step 5: Apply for business registration 

• Following the outlined steps, submit the application along with required documents for your chosen business structure to the Secretary of State for registration in Georgia. Tetra Consultants excel in offshore company incorporation, ensuring all client needs are met, allowing for peace of mind and freeing up time to focus on other critical aspects of your business. 

Step 6: Obtain a tax identification number 

• Businesses registering in Georgia must acquire a tax identification number for tax purposes. To do so, they must apply to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by completing Form SS-4. The application can be submitted online, via fax, or by mail, based on the business’s preference. Tetra Consultants’ experienced team can guide you through the process of obtaining a Tax Identification Number and other offshore license services for your business. Partnering with Tetra Consultants provides invaluable support in establishing your business in Georgia. 

Step 7: Opening a corporate bank account 

• Following registration, Tetra Consultants facilitates the process of opening a corporate bank account for your business in Georgia. With established partnerships with several reputable banks, our team presents your business to each relationship manager and compliance team. Typically, a corporate bank account opening take approximately four weeks. While directors and shareholders usually are not required to travel, if necessary, we can arrange for a representative to accompany you to the bank meeting. Alternatively, we negotiate with banks for a conference call or waiver. 

Regulatory requirements to register a new business in Georgia 

• A corporation must have a minimum of three directors, except in cases where there are fewer than three shareholders. 

• There is no obligation for a director to reside locally. 

• Directors are elected at each annual shareholder’s meeting, unless their terms have expired. 

• To establish a corporation without residency requirements, a minimum of one shareholder is necessary. 

• Registering a business in Georgia necessitates the registration of a business name (“Doing Business As”) with the Georgia Office of the Secretary of State. 

• Within 90 days (about 3 months) of incorporation, every Georgia corporation must file an initial annual registration, listing three principal officers with the Secretary of State. 

• For companies formed between October 2 and December 31, the initial annual registration must be filed between January 1 and April 1 of the subsequent calendar year. 

Documents required to register a new business in Georgia 

• Articles of Incorporation  

• Documents regarding business name  

• Documents regarding registered agent and address  

• Information of the shares authorized  

• Transmittal form (CD227) which acts as a cover letter for the articles of association  

• Documents regarding the fee filled by the businesses.  

• Documents on Tax Identification Number (TIN) authorized by the Internal Revenue System  

• Documents regarding the various business permits obtained by the businesses to be fully functional.  

• Hard copy record books where all corporate documents are kept. 

Conclusion 

• Tetra Consultants provides invaluable assistance to register a new business in Georgia. From navigating the initial steps of business structure determination to obtaining necessary permits and licenses, our expert guidance ensures a seamless registration process.  

• With Tetra Consultants, entrepreneurs can confidently establish their businesses, knowing that compliance requirements are met, and legal formalities are addressed. Trust us to handle the complexities while you focus on realizing your entrepreneurial vision in the dynamic landscape of Georgia’s business environment. 

• Contact us to know more about how to register a new business in Georgia and our team will revert back in 24 hours.