Banks and moneyFor non-residents
Bank account in Georgia: what non-residents are asked
At TBC, you can start the application online and finish it at a branch. As well as a passport and phone, the bank may ask for a KYC form and proof of income.
In short
- How to open one
- At TBC, you can start the application online and finish it at a branch with your passport
- What you need at TBC
- According to the bank's website, a passport and a phone number. In practice, you may be asked for a KYC form and proof of income
- What you will be asked
- About the source of funds and the purpose of the account
- How long it takes
- TBC promises to open the account straight away. With additional checks, up to 2 weeks
For your citizenship
For your passport, the general rules above apply.
Tell us your citizenship — we'll show what matters for you.
How to open an account
- Choose a bank
At TBC, you can start the application in the app or at nonresident.tbcbank.ge. At other banks, check the procedure and the list of documents in advance.
- Buy a Georgian SIM card
The bank will send text messages to this number.
- Prepare your answers and documents
You will be asked where your money comes from and why you need the account. Bring bank statements, an employment contract or an income certificate: you may be asked for them.
- Go to a branch with your passport
You need the original: a copy or a photo will not be accepted. At the branch, fill in the KYC form.
- Wait for the decision
TBC says it opens accounts straight away. If the bank asks for documents, it takes longer: T—Zh reports 5–10 working days, legal.ge up to 2 weeks.
Documents
0 of 5 ready ·Check the exact list on the portal before applying: it changes.
Grey areas: lawyers disagree here
TBC says yes, and that extra checks are rarely needed. Legal.ge and T—Zh say that without proof of income the bank may refuse, or ask for it after your visit. It is safer to bring the documents with you.
On its page for non-residents, TBC offers to complete the opening at a branch or by video call. On its page for expats, it says at a branch with your passport. Legal.ge says a representative with a power of attorney can open it for you. T—Zh says a non-resident cannot open an account remotely. Check with the bank in advance.
FAQ · 4
Can I open an account online?
You can start online: at TBC, you apply in the app or at nonresident.tbcbank.ge. The bank asks you to finish at a branch, and its page for non-residents also offers a video call. Check with the bank whether a video call will work for you.
How long does a decision take?
From a few minutes to 2 weeks. TBC says it opens accounts straight away. If checks are needed, T—Zh says 5–10 working days at TBC, and legal.ge says up to 2 weeks. According to T—Zh, Bank of Georgia reviews applications from citizens of Russia and Belarus within 5 working days.
Is a passport enough?
Not always. TBC asks for a passport and a phone number, but may ask for other documents. Legal.ge advises bringing proof of income and a Georgian SIM card.
Does Zolotaya Korona work?
No, transfers to Georgia have stopped. On 24 July 2026, it was reported that Zolotaya Korona had stopped transfers to Georgia after the EU's 21st sanctions package. In August 2026, transfers from Russia to Georgia fell by almost 88% compared with August 2025.
What changed · 1
- 24 July 2026Zolotaya Korona stopped transfers to Georgia after the EU's 21st sanctions package
Sources · 6
- TBC Bank: for expats, checked 29 September 2026 — tbcbank.ge
- TBC Bank: registration for non-residents, checked 29 September 2026 — nonresident.tbcbank.ge
- Legal.ge: why banks refuse to open accounts, 5 June 2026
- T—Zh: how to open an account in Georgia and get a card, 18 May 2026
- Civil Georgia: Zolotaya Korona stops transfers to Georgia after EU sanctions, 24 July 2026
- JAMnews: money transfers from Russia to Georgia, 16 September 2026