Key Features of Media Registration in Georgia

• Openness to Foreigners: In Georgia, any foreigner can organize a print or electronic media outlet on an equal basis with citizens.
• No Licenses or Complex Registration: According to the Georgian Law on Freedom of Speech and Expression (სიტყვის და გამოხატვის თავისუფლების შესახებ კანონი), no separate license or special procedure is required to create a media outlet registration.
• Minimum restrictions for foreign media: If your products are not distributed or produced in the Georgian language, the rules of the Law on Foreign Influence do not apply to your activities.
• Broad market: You can create publications for both the local and international markets, which makes Georgia an attractive hub for media business.

How to register media in Georgia?

1. Registering a legal entity: To launch a media outlet, you need to register an individual entrepreneur or a company. This process is handled by the House of Justice of Georgia, where registration takes only 1-2 days.
2. Creating content: After registration, you can start publishing printed or digital publications without additional permits.
3. Accounting for tax obligations: To successfully operate, it is important to understand taxation. For example, export media services may be exempt from VAT.

Legal Aspects to Consider

• Freedom of Speech: Georgia strictly adheres to international standards on freedom of speech, which is protected by law.
• Foreign Influence Law: According to the legislation in question, if a media outlet is only aimed at a foreign audience or produces content in foreign languages, it may be protected from certain legal restrictions.
• Copyright: It is important to comply with Georgian and international intellectual property laws.

Case Studies

• A Foreigner Launches an Expat Magazine: A French entrepreneur launched a monthly magazine in English dedicated to Georgian culture and tourism. The magazine is successfully sold both in Georgia and abroad.
• Media for the Export Market: A Ukrainian team launched an online magazine in Russian for an audience in the CIS, based in Georgia. This allowed them to avoid legislative restrictions in other countries and focus on export.
• Electronic Media Without a Tax Burden: A company from Germany registered an electronic media outlet in Georgia, where the main audience is Europe. They use the preferential conditions of tax residency to work for export.

Conclusion

Registering a media outlet in Georgia is a unique opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs. Minimal legal and financial barriers make the country an ideal platform for developing a media business. Take advantage of the free legislation to enter the local and international markets!

For consultation and assistance with registration, contact ESPERO - your reliable partner in Georgia.