In recent years, the team at COREDO has implemented dozens of projects for the registration of legal entities and obtaining licenses for crypto business in the EU, the UK, Singapore, and Dubai. However, Georgia has become a magnet for clients seeking a balance between regulatory flexibility, speed of launch, and availability of banking tools. Strategic planning for Web3 companies today is unimaginable without analyzing MiCA alternatives: and Georgia confidently occupies a special place in this regard.
If you are wondering how to quickly and legally enter the international market, minimize compliance risks, and obtain banking services for digital assets, this article will provide you with a structured guide and practical recommendations. I will explain how COREDO’s experience allows for finding optimal solutions for registering a business in the EU vs Georgia, what advantages and limitations await crypto companies, and how to choose a strategy that is resilient to regulatory changes.
Georgia Registration and Licensing for Crypto Companies
Georgia is one of the few jurisdictions where the procedure of registering legal entities and obtaining a crypto license takes 2 to 3 weeks, with minimal requirements for authorized capital and founders’ composition. This approach is especially in demand among entrepreneurs who need a fast start and flexible corporate structure for international business.
Registration of a Legal Entity and Crypto License in Georgia
COREDO’s practice confirms: registering a cryptocurrency company in Georgia in 2025 will require a minimal package of documents, a charter, information on beneficiaries (UBO), proof of address, and identification of founders. After submitting documents to the National Agency of Public Registry, registration takes 1-2 working days. The next stage: preparation for licensing, where key importance is given to due diligence for crypto business and legal transparency of the structure.
- Proof of funds sources and identification of beneficiaries (UBO)
- Description of the business model and internal AML/KYC procedures
- Coordination with the regulator (National Bank of Georgia or Securities Commission)
- Opening a corporate account in a Georgian bank
The solution developed at COREDO allows clients to prepare all documents in advance, minimize timelines, and undergo the licensing procedure without additional requests from the regulator.
Registration in Free Industrial Zone for Crypto Business
Free Industrial Zone Georgia: a unique tool for tax optimization for companies in the digital asset sector. Registration in the free industrial zone (FIZ) provides zero corporate taxation, no VAT, and simplified foreign exchange control procedures. Our experience at COREDO has shown that this format is especially beneficial for structures with international shareholder capital and operations in multiple jurisdictions.
Key Advantages of FIZ for Crypto Business:
- Full tax optimization and transparency for foreign investors
- Opportunity to open brokerage and settlement accounts in leading Georgian banks
- Flexible corporate structure for international business
AML and KYC for Crypto Business in Georgia
AML and KYC in Georgia – How to Meet Standards
COREDO clients often ask: how to ensure compliance with international AML standards when operating in Georgia? The solution is the implementation of automated compliance procedures, regular auditing of internal policies, and staff training. Best compliance practices for crypto companies in Georgia include:
- Using international providers to check clients and transactions
- Implementing customer onboarding procedures with mandatory identification of beneficiaries
- Developing an internal financial monitoring policy for transactions
AML/KYC for Foreign Founders
Features of AML procedures for non-residents in Georgia include the requirement to provide an expanded package of documents confirming the origin of funds and ownership structure. Customer onboarding for foreign clients requires adapting procedures to international standards, as well as considering legal barriers for non-residents.
Opening a Bank Account for Crypto Business in Georgia
Georgia’s banking infrastructure is characterized by a high degree of digitalization while maintaining an individual approach to clients in the digital asset sector. Corporate services in Georgian banks are available both for residents and foreign companies, but they require thorough document preparation and compliance procedures.
Opening an Account for a Crypto Company
How to open a settlement account in a Georgian bank for crypto business? In COREDO’s practice, this process includes:
- Preliminary due diligence of the company and founders
- Preparation of a business plan and description of funds sources
- Passing customer onboarding and KYC procedures of the bank
Risks for Non-residents in Georgian Banks
Among the legal risks when choosing Georgia as a jurisdiction, the following stand out:
- Possible requests for additional verification and disclosure of beneficiaries’ information
- Restrictions on working with companies from sanctioned lists
- The need for regular confirmation of the legality of operations for the bank’s compliance department
Corporate Taxes and Benefits for Crypto Business in Georgia
Georgia offers unique tax benefits for crypto business, including zero profit taxation for companies registered in FIZ and reduced rates for residents. Tax residency in Georgia for companies is processed within 1-2 months and allows the use of tax optimization tools for international settlements.
Taxes for Crypto Business: Georgia and EU
| Criterion | EU (MiCA) | Georgia (FIZ/standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate tax | 12-25% | 0% (FIZ), 15% (standard) |
| VAT | 18-22% | 0% (FIZ), 18% (standard) |
| Dividend tax | 5-15% | 5% (standard), 0% (FIZ) |
| Tax benefits | Limited | Individual approach, FIZ |
Comparing the licensing conditions of MiCA and Georgian legislation shows that Georgia provides more flexible tax regimes and transparent procedures for obtaining tax resident status.
MiCA or Georgian Laws for Crypto Business
In 2024-2025, MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) became the standard for comprehensive crypto asset regulation in the EU but simultaneously: a source of high regulatory burden and significant compliance costs. Georgian legislation, on the contrary, focuses on minimal interference and support for innovations.
| Criterion | MiCA (EU) | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Type of regulation | Strict, comprehensive | Flexible, minimal interference |
| License requirements | High, multi-step | Simplified, fast process |
| AML/KYC | European standards | National norms, market adaptation |
| Registration period | 2-6 months | 2-3 weeks |
| Tax benefits | Limited | FIZ, low rates, individual approach |
| Account opening | Challenging for non-residents | More accessible, but with nuances |
| Long-term risks | High regulatory burden | Possible legislative changes |
Georgia for Crypto Startups: Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Quick Registration of legal entities and obtaining a crypto license
- Favorable tax regulation and access to FIZ
- Flexible corporate structure and legal transparency
- Opportunity for strategic planning for Web3 companies
Disadvantages:
- The need to independently ensure compliance with international AML/KYC standards
- Possible restrictions when entering EU markets due to regulatory differences
- Risks of changes in national legislation in the next 2-3 years
Risks of Choosing Georgia Instead of MiCA
Choosing Georgia as an alternative to MiCA allows significantly reducing launch and business maintenance costs. However, it requires regular monitoring of legislative changes and constant improvement of compliance procedures. For scaling and entering EU markets, additional Licensing or the creation of subsidiary structures in the EU may be needed.
Legal Support for Business in Georgia
Comprehensive legal support for business in Georgia includes not only registration and licensing but also support on financial reporting, auditing, and corporate governance in cross-border structures. COREDO’s practice shows: timely implementation of compliance automation processes and preparation for auditing are key to the long-term sustainability of a business.
Reporting and Audit Requirements for Companies
For crypto companies in Georgia, requirements are set for annual financial reporting according to international standards (IFRS), mandatory auditing for companies with foreign capital, and transparency in corporate governance. The audit of crypto company activities is conducted by independent auditors, ensuring trust among investors and partners.
Compliance Tools for Crypto Business in Georgia
Modern tools for automating compliance and monitoring allow:
- Real-time financial transaction monitoring
- Automating customer onboarding procedures and beneficiary identification
- Reducing compliance risks through integration with international databases
Georgia vs MiCA: How to Choose a Jurisdiction?
- Define the strategic goals and scale of the business: for a quick start and flexible regulation, Georgia is the optimal choice.
- Study the AML/KYC and corporate governance requirements, prepare internal policies, and regulations.
- Consider registration in the Free Industrial Zone for tax optimization and access to international markets.
- Prepare a complete set of documents for account opening and license acquisition in advance.
- Implement compliance process automation and regularly update internal policies considering legislative changes.
- Consult with COREDO experts to minimize legal risks and strategically plan entry into new markets.
Entrepreneur Questions Answered
Georgia company registration is a fast and transparent process, allowing crypto businesses to access international markets at minimal costs. MiCA’s alternative in the form of Georgian jurisdiction is suitable for companies focused on flexibility, speed, and an individual approach to taxation.
For registering a crypto business in Georgia, you will need:
- Charter and beneficiary information
- Proof of funds sources
- Description of the business model and AML/KYC procedures
Crypto Business in Georgia: Registration and Operations
Which banks in Georgia open accounts for foreign companies in the crypto asset sector?
What are the requirements for identifying beneficiaries in Georgia?
What are the features of customer onboarding for foreign clients?
What advantages does the Free Industrial Zone offer for crypto business?
How to minimize legal risks when registering a business in Georgia?