Joint Stock Company (JSC) in Georgia — Holding Company Formation Guide
Choose jurisdictions with extensive double taxation treaty networks, participation exemptions for dividends, and zero or low capital gains tax on the sale of shares.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Corporate Tax
15.0%
State Tax
0.0%
Formation Cost
$135
Annual Fee
$0
Forming a Joint Stock Company (JSC) in Georgia as a Holding Company means a total tax burden of 15.0% and an official formation cost of $135. The minimum capital requirement is 100,000 GEL. Standard formation takes 1-2 business days, or Same day (1 business 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
≈ $3,087
Ongoing (per year)
≈ $1,700
Why Joint Stock Company (JSC) for Holding Company?
A holding company is a parent entity that owns enough voting stock in another company to control its policies and management. It exists primarily to hold assets, intellectual property, or investments rather than producing goods or services itself.
Ideal for
- Serial entrepreneurs
- Families managing generational wealth
- Corporate groups with multiple subsidiaries
- Investors holding diverse asset portfolios (real estate, IP, stocks)
Challenges to watch
- Complex regulatory compliance
- Strict economic substance requirements
- Transfer pricing rules and documentation
- Higher setup and annual maintenance costs
Key decision criteria
- Participation exemption rules for tax-free dividends
- Withholding tax rates on dividends and royalties
- Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) rules
- Local economic substance regulations
Joint Stock Company (JSC) formation requirements
Minimum capital
100,000 GEL
Standard timeline
1-2 business days
Expedited timeline
Same day (1 business day)
Local director
Not required
Registered office
Virtual office allowed
Notarization
Required
Foreigners can own 100% of the shares and act as the sole director. No local residency is required.
Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $1,000,000 revenue)
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 must register and pay 18% VAT.
Banking & payments for Holding Company
Opening a corporate bank account in Georgia is straightforward for local residents but has become increasingly difficult for non-residents due to strict AML/KYC regulations. While remote opening via Power of Attorney is legally possible, banks now require strong proof of economic substance and local ties to approve the account.
Supported payment gateways
Remote-friendly accounts
Payoneer
Widely used by Georgian IT companies and freelancers to receive international payments in USD and EUR.
Wise
Popular alternative for multi-currency accounts, though availability for Georgian corporate entities may depend on the specific business activity.
Georgia incentives & advantages
Free Industrial Zone (FIZ)
0% Corporate Tax, 0% VAT, 0% Property Tax, and 0% Import/Export duties.
International Company Status (ICS)
Reduced Corporate Tax (5%), Dividend Tax (0%), and Personal Income Tax for employees (5%).
Virtual Zone Person (VZP)
0% Corporate Income Tax and 0% VAT on export revenues.
Joint Stock Company (JSC) formation steps
Draft the company Charter (Articles of Association) detailing share classes, voting rights, and capital structure.
Secure a registered legal address in Georgia (virtual office is permitted).
Notarize and apostille the founders' passports and Power of Attorney if registering remotely.
Submit the registration application and pay the state filing fee (100-200 GEL) at the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR).
Deposit at least 25% of the minimum issued capital (25,000 GEL) into a temporary bank account.
Register the newly formed JSC with the Revenue Service of Georgia to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN).
Open a corporate multi-currency bank account and transfer the initial share capital.
Holding Company FAQ
What is the main benefit of a holding company?
Asset protection and tax efficiency. It isolates financial risk so that if a subsidiary fails, the holding company's other assets remain protected.
Where are the best jurisdictions for holding companies?
Popular jurisdictions include the UK, Singapore, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the UAE, due to their favorable tax exemptions on dividends and capital gains.
Do holding companies need physical offices?
Yes, increasingly so. Many jurisdictions now enforce 'economic substance' laws requiring holding companies to have local directors, physical office space, and adequate local expenditure.
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Related terms
Key concepts you'll encounter when forming a Holding Company
Related guides
Complete Joint Stock Company (JSC) guide
Taxes, requirements, banking, compliance
Joint Stock Company (JSC) cost calculator
One-time and annual cost breakdown
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