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LLCGame Development Studio

LLC (International Company) in Georgia — Game Development Studio Formation Guide

Prioritize jurisdictions with strong Intellectual Property (IP) protection and favorable R&D tax credits. If you plan to publish on Steam, Epic, or mobile app stores, consider the withholding tax treaties between your company's jurisdiction and the US to avoid double taxation on royalties.

Last verified: June 13, 2026

Corporate Tax

5.0%

State Tax

0.0%

Formation Cost

$74

Annual Fee

$0

Forming a LLC (International Company) in Georgia as a Game Development Studio means a total tax burden of 5.0% and an official formation cost of $74. There is no minimum capital requirement. Standard formation takes 1-3 business days, or Same day expedited. No local director is required; the process can be managed remotely. This guide covers the steps, tax breakdown, banking options, and compliance requirements — all from verified data.

First-year total cost

$8,270

Ongoing (per year)

$5,660

Detailed cost calculator →

Why LLC (International Company) for Game Development Studio?

A business model focused on designing, developing, and monetizing video games for PC, console, mobile, or VR platforms. Revenue typically comes from premium sales, in-app purchases, subscriptions, or publisher funding.

Ideal for

  • Indie game developers
  • Mobile app creators
  • VR/AR studios
  • Esports game developers

Challenges to watch

  • Long development cycles with delayed revenue
  • High platform fees (e.g., 30% on Steam/Apple)
  • Complex international withholding taxes on royalties
  • Protecting intellectual property and game assets

Key decision criteria

  • US tax treaty network for royalty withholding taxes
  • Availability of R&D tax incentives or video game tax reliefs (VGTR)
  • Strong IP assignment laws for contractors and employees
  • Access to global payment gateways for direct sales

LLC (International Company) formation requirements

Minimum capital

None

Standard timeline

1-3 business days

Expedited timeline

Same day

Local director

Not required

Registered office

Virtual office allowed

Notarization

Required

100% foreign ownership and foreign directors are permitted. No local resident director is required.

See the full guide for all documents and requirements →

Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $250,000 revenue)

Gross Revenue$250,000
Corporate Tax-$12,500
Formation Cost-$74
Annual Fee-$0
Net Profit$237,426

Simulate with your own revenue →

VAT / Sales Tax

Standard rate 18%. Registration threshold: 100,000 GEL. Non-resident companies providing digital services to Georgian consumers (B2C) must register and charge 18% VAT.

Banking & payments for Game Development Studio

Opening a business bank account in Georgia is relatively straightforward and can often be done remotely via a Power of Attorney. Traditional banks like Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank are highly recommended, though compliance checks have become stricter for non-resident founders.

Supported payment gateways

2CheckoutPaymentwallUniPAYTBC E-commerce

Remote-friendly accounts

  • Bank of Georgia

    The largest bank in Georgia, offering excellent corporate banking, multi-currency accounts, and remote opening via Power of Attorney.

  • TBC Bank

    A leading tech-friendly bank with robust digital services, e-commerce gateways, and remote account opening options.

  • Paysera Georgia

    A fully licensed digital bank in Georgia offering fast SEPA transfers, multi-currency accounts, and remote onboarding.

  • Payoneer

    Widely used by Georgian IT and international companies to receive USD and EUR payments globally.

Georgia incentives & advantages

International Company Status

5% Corporate Income Tax, 5% Personal Income Tax for employees, 0% Dividend Tax, and exemption from Property Tax.

Free Industrial Zone (FIZ)

0% Corporate Income Tax, 0% VAT, 0% Property Tax, and 0% Import/Export duties.

LLC (International Company) formation steps

1

Draft and notarize a Power of Attorney (PoA) if forming the company remotely.

2

Register the standard LLC with the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) in Georgia.

3

Obtain a legal registered address and open a corporate bank account (e.g., Bank of Georgia or TBC).

4

Register the LLC with the Revenue Service of Georgia to obtain a Tax ID.

5

Establish local economic substance by leasing an office and hiring local or relocated employees.

6

Prepare and submit the International Company Status application to the Ministry of Finance.

7

Await the official decree granting the status and update payroll/tax configurations to the 5% rates.

Game Development Studio FAQ

Why does the US tax treaty matter for game developers?

Major platforms like Steam and Apple are US-based. Without a favorable tax treaty, the IRS may withhold up to 30% of your US sales revenue. Incorporating in a jurisdiction with a 0% or low treaty rate for royalties is crucial.

Should I incorporate before starting development?

Yes, incorporating early ensures that all IP created by founders and contractors is legally owned by the company from day one, making it much easier to secure publishers or investors later.

What are R&D tax credits?

Many countries offer tax incentives for software development. Jurisdictions like the UK, Canada, or France provide specific tax reliefs for video game production, which can significantly lower your effective tax rate or provide cash rebates.

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