In the wake of the MiCA regulation all over the European Union, many businesses in the crypto sphere are looking for alternative licensing options with more regulatory clarity but, at the same time, relative ease of authorization. Can Georgia be the answer everyone is looking for? Let’s explore the main features and advantages of this jurisdiction for licensing crypto businesses in 2025.Â
How has Georgia’s regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies evolved in 2025 to make it so attractive to businesses?Â
The Georgia crypto license, essentially the Georgia VASP license, was first launched in 2023. The National Bank of Georgia, which enacts new crypto laws through the Financial Monitoring Service (FMS), is responsible for the issuance of licenses in the country. Ever since the establishment of the crypto framework in Georgia on August 1, 2023, the two main requirements for securing a local license have been forming a company (economic substance requirement) and meeting the AML/CFT and KYC requirements. In addition, Georgia is known for its special Free Economic Zone (FIZ), in which registered businesses are completely exempt from any form of taxation.Â
What are the specific advantages of the Georgian crypto licensing process compared to other jurisdictions?
Georgia’s crypto license is considered one of the most enabling in the world. The country has a comprehensive and streamlined licensing process, and local authorization offers crypto businesses unmatched flexibility, including the possibility of conducting an ICO. The company incorporation and license obtaining processes require minimal sets of documents but having economic substance in Georgia is essential. Besides, the country has a comparatively low licensing fee of 5,000 GEL (approximately 1,750 EUR).
How do Georgia’s tax policies for crypto businesses compare to other countries?
Generally, the standard corporate tax rate (CIT) in Georgia for businesses, including crypto entities, is set at 15%. However, the country is known for several so-called free zones, including Tbilisi, Poti, and Kutaisi. If you incorporate a company in any of these free zones, you can benefit from a 0% tax rate on all operations. Georgia also has a tax rate of 5% on distributed dividends.Â
How does Georgia’s stable political and economic environment contribute to the attractiveness of its crypto license?
One of the main advantages of Georgian registration for crypto entities politics-wise is the fact that the local government is openly supportive of innovation and digital transformation. There are already policies in place that prioritize the adoption of blockchain technologies and more transparent cryptocurrency regulations. Such incentives provide businesses with more opportunities and provide long-term stability of operations. Besides, Georgia is known for its overall ease of doing business, with minimal bureaucracy and corruption, and the general legal system that is friendly towards international investors. Â
What role does Georgia’s developing technological infrastructure play in supporting the growth of its crypto industry?
Georgia keeps developing its reputation as one of the biggest global FinTech hubs, with over 200 registered businesses across such sectors as banking, blockchain, informational technology, data analytics, and more. The country’s incentivizing attitude towards innovation in tech spheres is what drives the development of FinTech and blockchain-based startups.Â
How has international recognition of Georgia’s crypto regulatory framework contributed to its increasing popularity?
The crypto regulatory framework in Georgia has been internationally recognized for its clarity and affordability even for startups and small-sized businesses. The VASP framework implemented in 2023 attracted many foreign investors and encouraged international startups to obtain crypto authorization in Georgia as a trustworthy and reliable hub for their business operations. Needless to say, the local free zones have been using even more popularity for their well-known tax-free regime.Â
What are the future prospects for Georgia’s crypto industry?
Georgia’s crypto growth is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, given its current rapid development. The local government’s commitment to creating a favorable business environment, combined with its strategic location between Europe and Asia, positions the country as an attractive destination for crypto businesses, both startups and well-developed companies. In addition, the continuous development of technological infrastructure and a skilled workforce further enhance the prospects of the local crypto sector.Â
What are some successful case studies of businesses that have thrived with a Georgian crypto license?
Multiple businesses in FinTech and crypto are currently thriving under Georgia’s licensing regime. One of them is Bybit, a famous cryptocurrency exchange that obtained the VASP license from the National Bank of Georgia in 2024. Another Georgia-based blockchain venture is Citypay.io, a company that specializes in smart payment solutions in crypto. Along with the mainland Georgia license, the free-zone authorization is enjoying increased popularity: one of the well-known businesses registered in Georgia’s free zone is Eastern Trust LLC, which offers a diverse range of financial services and thus greatly contributes to the country’s economy. These and other examples of successfully established businesses in Georgia prove the jurisdiction to be business-friendly and supportive of FinTech and crypto ventures of different types and sizes.Â