Distribution and Sales Channels
Transit and logistics are a priority sector as Georgia seeks to benefit from increased East/West trade through the country. Goods enter through Poti and Batumi Sea Ports, several airports, or railroad and highways connecting Georgia to neighboring Türkiye, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. Transport communication and related infrastructure are being upgraded, increasing the country’s potential to serve as a regional hub. Due to Russia’s 2022 war of aggression in Ukraine and resultant international sanctions on Russia, the “Middle Corridor” that bypasses Russia and connects Central Asia to Europe through Georgia can be a preferred alternative for many traders, creating opportunities for Georgia’s transport and logistics sector.
Using an Agent or Distributor
Several business associations operating in Georgia can serve as a resource for obtaining information about local companies, distributors, wholesalers, and retail outlets. The American Chamber of Commerce, Georgian Business Association, International Chamber of Commerce, and Georgian Chamber of Commerce are available to assist.
Several distribution companies have established networks for food, cosmetics, consumer goods, cars, etc. Some importers may still choose to handle their own distribution.
Some retail stores are sole proprietorships with one outlet, especially in the regions outside Tbilisi, but there are a growing number of market chains such as SPAR, Carrefour, Goodwill, Ioli, 2Steps, Fresco, Smart, Agrohub, Nikora, Magnet, Europroduct, Gastronome, etc. Retail chain shops sell Western brands of cosmetics, household goods, clothing, and electronics.
Turkish trading companies successfully operate in Georgia and opportunities may exist to form alliances with these companies and use their networks.
Establishing an Office
Business entities include sole proprietorships, joint liability companies, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, joint stock companies, and cooperatives.
In general, the process of registering a business in Georgia is quick, streamlined, and usually takes one day to complete. Registration of companies is carried out by the National Agency of Public Registry. For registration purposes, the law does not require a document verifying the amount or existence of the charter capital. A company is not required to complete a separate tax registration. Pursuant to Georgian legislation, initial registration includes both the state and tax registration.
The following information is required to register a business in Georgia: personal information on the founder and principal officers, articles of incorporation, and the company’s area of business activity. Other required documents depend on the type of entity to be established. Registration fees are minimal.
Current legislation does not consider a representative of an international company a legal entity. However, the registration procedure is the same as for other types of enterprises. Companies should consult with licensed attorneys and accountants prior to opening a business in Georgia.
For the latest Investment Climate Statement (ICS) which includes information on investment and business environments in foreign economies pertinent to establishing and operating an office and to hiring employees, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Investment Climate Statements website.
Franchising
Franchising is gaining popularity in fast food, production of soft drinks, hotels, and retail trading of consumer goods, cosmetics, and apparel. Coca-Cola, Pepsi, McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Subway, Dunkin’ Donuts, KFC, Domino’s Pizza, Baskin Robbins, Cinnabon, Best Western, Pizza Hut, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Marriott, Holiday Inn, and La Quinta all operate in Georgia. Franchise relationships are governed by contract and commercial laws.
Direct Marketing
Direct marketing is growing together with improvements in the telecommunications and respective sectors.
Joint Ventures/Licensing
Joint ventures can be founded as any of the available entities for doing business in Georgia and operate subject to normal commercial laws. Licensing is regulated by contract and by the Law on Issuing Permits and Licenses for Entrepreneur Activity.
Express Delivery
There are number of express delivery and courier services operating in Georgia, including FedEx, UPS, DHL, Aramex, Camex, Express Line Services, Inex Group, etc. The local company USA2Georgia LLC is successfully implementing package shipments from the United States, while GetIt.ge is preferred for shipments from/to the United Kingdom.
The state owned Georgian Post provides a universal postal service and has a significant comparative advantage as the largest network across the country. Georgian Post incorporates “Georgian International Express Mail Service” founded in 2001. It is included in the world network of the Express Mail Services providing mail services for EMS letters and parcels in 192 countries. The government announced a plan to privatize Georgian Post in 2019; however, as of September 2025 it still remained under the government’s ownership.
Due Diligence
Information on potential business partners and clients can be difficult to obtain in Georgia, although different online catalogues and web resources offer sufficient data, but mostly in Georgian. Laws and regulations are subject to change. Local attorneys and consulting firms can be of assistance. A list of attorneys is available from the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi.
The Political and Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy also offers Department of Commerce services such as “Gold Key Matching Service,” “International Partner Search,” “Single Company Promotion,” etc. for a nominal fee.