Let’s say you’ve just registered a company in Tbilisi. Or maybe you’re a digital nomad who just landed in Batumi and needs a local account to get paid. Either way, the question comes fast: “What do I need to bring to the bank?” Georgia makes company formation easy.

But when it comes to banks, the details matter. The bank account documents Georgia requires may look simple at first glance, but even a missing stamp or untranslated page can get your application rejected.

That’s why we’re breaking this down properly, no fluff, just the facts. Whether you’re opening a personal or business account, remotely or in person, this is the guide you’ll want to bookmark.

Why Georgian Banks Are Fast but Formal

Here’s the thing about Georgia. It’s an incredibly open economy. Foreigners can start businesses, buy property, and pay taxes without needing a residence permit. You can register a company in 24 hours, pay 1% tax as an Individual Entrepreneur, and run operations from anywhere.

But when it comes to banking, the country takes a more cautious approach. That’s because the National Bank of Georgia regulates the entire banking system under strict AML (anti-money laundering) and KYC (know your customer) laws.

So if you’re hoping to walk into the Bank of Georgia or TBC Bank Georgia with just your passport, that’s not going to cut it. They want full documentation. They want accuracy. And they want it in the right format.

Documents Needed for a Personal Bank Account

Opening a personal bank account in Georgia is easier than a business account but only if you prepare well. Most banks accept foreign nationals, even tourists, as long as they can prove their identity and provide basic documentation.

The key difference is whether you’re opening it as a resident or non-resident. Residents with local ID (residence card) have a smoother process. Non-residents need to provide more context and sometimes a local address.

If you’re applying in person, here’s what most banks will ask for:

Original passport (valid and undamaged)
Local address in Georgia (can be hotel, rental, or host’s)
Georgian mobile number
Short explanation of why you need an account (especially for USD/EUR accounts)
Optional: proof of income or work (if planning to apply for a card)

Banks will take a scan of your passport and create an internal profile. Some, like Liberty Bank or Basisbank, might open an account without much questioning. But others, like TBC Bank Georgia, will ask for more background.

For example, if you’re a freelancer, they’ll want to know who you work with, what platforms you use, and what currencies you’ll receive. If you're receiving regular payments from abroad, they'll want to know from where and for what purpose.

If you plan to access business-like features (multi-currency, international transfers, debit card, mobile banking), you’ll need to explain how your income flows into the country. Not in a formal pitch, just clearly and calmly. Georgian banks are cautious, not hostile. They simply want clarity.

One important note: some banks may ask for a notarized and translated version of your passport if you’re opening the account remotely or through a representative. That’s where people often get stuck. The translation has to be official, not Google Translate.

Documents Needed for a Business Bank Account

Now we get to the complex side of things. Opening a business bank account in Georgia involves more paperwork, especially if your company is foreign-owned. Whether you’ve registered as an LLC or an Individual Entrepreneur (I.E.), the bank will need to see every key document proving your legal presence, structure, and activity.

Here’s what every bank will expect:

Company registration certificate (from the National Agency of Public Registry)
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Company charter or operating agreement
Passport of the director(s) and/or shareholders
Legalized Power of Attorney (if the director isn’t applying in person)
Short business activity description (must match what was declared during registration)
Georgian phone number tied to the company
Optional: office address, contracts, or client invoices

Some banks also ask for your business seal (although this is being phased out) and may request additional context if your company operates in flagged sectors like finance, crypto, or consulting.

This is where the company formation Georgia process intersects with banking. If your documents weren’t filed properly at registration, or translated sloppily, your bank application will suffer. At Gegidze, we’ve helped clients fix dozens of rejected applications where the charter was incomplete, the TIN was missing, or the POA wasn’t apostilled. These are avoidable problems.

Remote Openings Need Even More Care

Flowchart with circles noting conditions for remote access: includes ID pages, notarization, appoints rep, apostille, translation to Georgian.

If you’re planning to open a remote bank account in Georgia, then everything above still applies, plus one more layer of compliance. Banks won’t let just anyone walk in with your papers. They’ll need a Power of Attorney (POA) that’s notarized in your country and apostilled for use in Georgia. This POA allows someone local (a lawyer, agency, or trusted partner) to open the account on your behalf.

And here’s the catch: the POA has to be perfect. Even a wrong date format or missing stamp can delay everything. The apostille must be attached correctly. Your passport must match every line of your application. And your business activity must be described in a way that makes sense to the bank, without ambiguity, complexity, or marketing language.

When working with business online Bank of Georgia or similar services, this process also involves coordinating internet banking activation, card issuance, and linking the account to tax systems like the RS.ge portal. All of that requires accurate and secure documentation.

It’s not hard. But it’s very specific. And doing it remotely without professional help? That’s where we see 90% of delays.

What the Banks Are Really Looking For

Text reads "BANK OFFICER PERSPECTIVE: WHAT THEY’RE REALLY CHECKING" with checklist. Modern glass building and trees in background.

To understand why some people sail through and others don’t, you have to think like a Georgian bank officer. Their job isn’t to say yes, it’s to avoid risk. They’re checking whether your documents match your story. They want to see that your company is real, your income is traceable, and your use of the account is legal. If anything feels off, they’ll pause the process and request more documents.

What slows things down?

Untranslated documents (especially in Russian or Arabic)
Expired apostilles or improperly stamped POAs
Missing TIN or misaligned business activity descriptions
Overly complex business structures with foreign shareholders
Email addresses or phone numbers that don’t match the registration file

Banks don’t reject out of spite, they just don’t want a future audit to expose gaps. So they flag everything early.

And yes, they check your LinkedIn. They check your website. They check if you’re using a co-working space or working from home. It’s not about spying; it’s about validating that your business is what you say it is.

Which Documents Need Translation and Apostille?

Let’s clear up one of the most confusing parts: when do your documents need to be translated, notarized, or apostilled?

If you're applying in person with your original passport, most banks will accept it as-is. But if you're sending documents remotely or through a third party, things change.

For foreign documents (passports, company papers, POAs) being submitted in Georgia:

They must be officially translated into Georgian
The translation must be certified by a Georgian notary or licensed translator
If issued outside Georgia, some documents (like POAs) need an apostille or consular legalization

This is especially important for remote bank account setups, where you're not present in the country. The bank account documents Georgia banks accept remotely must be flawless. For example, if your Power of Attorney was issued in Germany, it needs a German notary stamp, a local apostille, and a certified Georgian translation.

Common mistakes?

People often forget that scans aren’t enough. Georgian banks expect hard copies with stamps, signatures, and serial numbers. They won’t accept unsigned PDFs or loose translations. And they often reject documents that were translated abroad, even if the language is correct, simply because the translator isn’t recognized locally.

Remote Application? Here’s What Else You’ll Need

Remote account opening has its own unique document setup. In addition to everything we mentioned earlier, banks will often ask for:

Proof of your relationship with the authorized person in Georgia (a signed agreement or company service contract)
A bank reference letter from your home country (sometimes optional, but helps)
A short business summary that includes your clients, services, and expected payment channels
POA in original, with apostille and certified translation
Your passport copy (color scan), plus sometimes a second ID

Some banks may request a video call to verify your identity, especially if you're opening a high-value account or dealing in foreign currency.

This is where a service provider like Gegidze can save you from going in circles. We provide clear templates for Power of Attorney, help you track down local notaries, and translate every line of your documents into perfect, bank-ready Georgian. We also make sure your business description actually makes sense to a compliance officer. That’s what gets your file approved on the first try.

Common Red Flags (and How to Fix Them)

Image with text: Common mistakes causing application rejections, listed with red flags. White background with a gradient from blue to white.

It’s not just about what you submit. It’s how the bank interprets it.

Here are a few common red flags:

The person opening the account doesn’t appear anywhere on the registration documents
The POA is issued to someone with a different name than listed in the business file
Your business activity is listed as “consulting” but no clear explanation of what that means
Your personal bank account is used to receive large client payments
The documents are written in multiple languages with missing pages

Want to avoid getting stuck? Here’s what banks want to see:

Consistency. Your company registration, charter, and banking documents should all reflect the same info.
Clarity. Say what your business does in plain language, not startup buzzwords.
Simplicity. Avoid unnecessary legal jargon. Keep your POA focused and clean.
Activity. Show you're active: having a website, email domain, and LinkedIn helps.

And finally, don’t underestimate how often rejected applications come from unclear translation. The word “contractor” gets mistranslated into “builder” more often than you’d expect.

Comparing Business vs. Personal Requirements

Text image listing requirements to open bank accounts in Georgia, showing checkmarks and crosses for personal and business accounts in a table.

If you're still not sure what you need based on your case, here's a quick comparison.

Documents for Personal Bank Account:

Valid passport (translated if applying remotely)
Local address (not always required)
Georgian phone number
Reason for opening account (optional but helpful)
Optional: work contract or income proof

Documents for Business Bank Account:

Company registration certificate
TIN number
Company charter
Passport of director or POA holder
Apostilled POA (for remote setup)
Business description (in English and Georgian)
Georgian contact number

As you can see, the business side requires more structure. If you’re planning to open both, it’s best to start with your personal account, then use it as part of your verification for the business one.

How Gegidze Helps You Avoid All This Paperwork Drama

We’ve opened hundreds of accounts for entrepreneurs, freelancers, investors, and remote teams from all over the world. Most clients come to us after a failed DIY attempt or a confusing encounter at a bank branch.

Here’s how we simplify things:

We prepare bank-approved document templates for business and POA
We translate and notarize everything locally
We know which banks in Georgia are currently accepting remote applications
We liaise directly with Bank of Georgia, TBC Bank Georgia, or Pasha Bank Georgia to book appointments, submit paperwork, and track approval
We make sure your business activity description doesn’t raise flags
We follow up until your card, online banking, and PIN are in your hands

Want to skip the stress? Get in touch and we’ll make it work: whether you’re in Georgia or halfway around the world.

Also, if you haven’t read it yet, check out our full 2025 banking guide or our step-by-step account setup article.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I need to translate my passport to open a bank account in Georgia?

Only if you're opening the account remotely or through a Power of Attorney. If you're applying in person, your original passport in English is usually accepted.