With a presence in Malta, Singapore and Vietnam, dMTV Europe has been at the forefront of international legal and tax advisory, helping businesses expand across borders. One of the most intriguing destinations for investment is the Republic of Georgia – a country rich in history and rapidly emerging as a business-friendly hub.

A Rich Cultural and Historical Legacy

With evidence of human habitation dating back 1.8 million years, Georgia is one of the cradles of civilisation. It holds unique historical records, from being the birthplace of winemaking over 8,000 years ago – a tradition now recognised by UNESCO – to having one of history’s earliest female rulers, Queen Tamara, who presided over a golden age in the Middle Ages.

Despite its modern transformations, Georgia retains its old-world charm, reflected in its vibrant traditions, rich culinary scene, and deeply rooted monarchic heritage. Though now a republic, the country continues to recognise its historic Royal Family, the Bagrationi dynasty, which traces its lineage back to the medieval Kingdom of Georgia. Internationally respected, the dynasty maintains active diplomatic ties with other royal houses, including the Romanovs of Russia and Spain’s Bourbon monarchy.

Business and Financial Advantages

Beyond its historical appeal, Georgia has developed into a business-friendly environment, drawing interest from international investors. Its tax residency programme offers competitive benefits, with personal income from foreign sources often exempt from local taxation – even when deposited in Georgian banks. This makes it an attractive option for individuals seeking efficient tax planning, like jurisdictions like Malta or Hong Kong.

For companies, Georgia provides even more incentives. While the standard corporate tax rate is 20 per cent, businesses operating within the country’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) enjoy a 0 per cent tax rate on retained profits, with a modest 5 per cent tax applied only when dividends are distributed.

These SEZs have become particularly popular for online marketing, software development, and financial services businesses, offering simplified corporate banking access through both local banks and international digital payment solutions.

Licensing and Regulatory Benefits

Georgia has positioned itself as a forward-thinking jurisdiction by offering innovative licensing options, particularly in the financial and digital asset sectors. Its Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP) licence is among the most comprehensive in the industry, covering crypto custodial services, fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-crypto exchanges, as well as more complex financial activities like crypto derivatives and asset management.

Unlike many jurisdictions where such services require multiple licences, Georgia consolidates them under a single regulatory framework, making it a highly efficient choice for fintech and blockchain enterprises.

In addition to crypto licensing, the country also offers a broad financial services licence, allowing companies to provide payment solutions and account management services akin to European E-Money Institutions (EMIs). While these businesses must secure external partnerships for access to networks like SWIFT or Visa and Mastercard, the licensing process in Georgia is streamlined, typically taking between three weeks and three months.

Georgia’s Royal and Diplomatic Presence

Despite its modernisation, Georgia remains firmly anchored in its historical identity. The Bagrationi Royal Family continues to enjoy national respect and international recognition. HRH Prince Davit Bagrationi, the head of the House, is well recognised and has been honoured in royal circles across Europe, including by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The family’s influence extends beyond symbolic prestige; it plays an active role in inter-royal diplomatic relations, most recently exchanging honours with the Italian Royal House of Savoy in 2024.

Malta-based dMTV Europe is closely connected to the Royal House of Georgia, with both the firm’s founder, Avv. Federico Vasoli, and its Singapore director, Giacomo Merello, Lord Leslie, being active members of the Order of the Eagle of Georgia. The latter was recently appointed to a diplomatic role within the Georgia Royal Orders Government board.

Together, they occasionally assist distinguished individuals in petitioning for honours in the different Orders, which selectively recognise outstanding contributions in business, charity, sports, and the arts, further strengthening Georgia’s connections with the international community.

Recent recipients include Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy and the Italian singer Marcella Bella, who follow an exclusive list of Prime Ministers, Heads of State, royals, diplomats, and other impactful personalities of the last century.

A Land of Endless Possibilities

Whether for business, lifestyle, or cultural exploration, Georgia offers a compelling mix of tradition and innovation. Its favourable tax policies, streamlined corporate structures, and cutting-edge financial licences make it an attractive hub for entrepreneurs. At the same time, its rich history, strong royal heritage, and diplomatic presence add depth to its national identity.

For those looking to explore opportunities in this dynamic country, dMTV Europe and its Singapore-based parent company dMTV Global provide expert guidance on residency, business formation, and financial licensing, ensuring smooth entry into Georgia’s promising market.

For further information on the services offered by dMTV Europe in Georgia, you can reach out directly to Avv. Federico Vasoli via LinkedIn or Facebook. Dott. Vasoli is a cross-jurisdiction and cross-cultural lawyer. Originally admitted to the Bar of Milan, he works in Malta, Vietnam, and Singapore. He is the managing partner of the international legal and tax advisory firm dMTV Global, with offices in Singapore and Vietnam, and director of dMTV Europe, based in Malta.