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JLCMobile App Developer

Joint Liability Company in Georgia — Mobile App Developer Formation Guide

When choosing a jurisdiction, consider where Apple and Google will send your payouts. Ensure your chosen country has favorable double taxation treaties with the US to minimize the default 30% withholding tax on your US app sales.

Last verified: June 13, 2026

Corporate Tax

15.0%

State Tax

0.0%

Formation Cost

$40

Annual Fee

$0

Forming a Joint Liability Company in Georgia as a Mobile App Developer means a total tax burden of 15.0% and an official formation cost of $40. There is no minimum capital requirement. Standard formation takes 2-3 business days, or 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

$1,290

Ongoing (per year)

$800

Detailed cost calculator →

Why Joint Liability Company for Mobile App Developer?

Independent developers or small studios creating and monetizing applications on platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play. Revenue streams typically include paid downloads, in-app purchases (IAPs), subscriptions, and in-app advertising.

Ideal for

  • Indie developers
  • Small gaming studios
  • SaaS mobile app creators
  • Freelance developers transitioning to product owners

Challenges to watch

  • High platform fees (15-30% from Apple/Google)
  • US withholding tax on royalties if no tax treaty exists
  • Managing global VAT/GST compliance for digital services
  • Protecting intellectual property across borders

Key decision criteria

  • Double taxation treaties with the US
  • Corporate tax rates on digital income
  • Ease of opening a business bank account compatible with App Store payouts
  • IP protection laws in the jurisdiction

Joint Liability Company formation requirements

Minimum capital

None

Standard timeline

2-3 business days

Expedited timeline

1 business day

Local director

Not required

Registered office

Virtual office allowed

Notarization

Required

Foreigners can act as directors and partners without any residency restrictions.

See the full guide for all documents and requirements →

Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $85,000 revenue)

Gross Revenue$85,000
Corporate Tax-$12,750
Formation Cost-$40
Annual Fee-$0
Net Profit$72,210

Simulate with your own revenue →

VAT / Sales Tax

Standard rate 18%. Registration threshold: 100,000 GEL. Non-resident providers of digital services to Georgian consumers are required to register and charge 18% VAT on these services.

Banking & payments for Mobile App Developer

Opening a corporate bank account in Georgia has become stricter for non-residents due to enhanced KYC regulations. While multi-currency accounts are standard, traditional banks like TBC and Bank of Georgia typically require physical presence, proof of local substance, or detailed business contracts. Remote opening via Power of Attorney is possible but faces higher rejection rates.

Supported payment gateways

PayzeUnipay2CheckoutPayoneerBank of Georgia E-commerceTBC E-commerce

Remote-friendly accounts

  • Payze

    A popular Georgian fintech and payment gateway that allows local companies to accept international payments easily. Very friendly to digital businesses.

  • Payoneer

    Widely used by Georgian IT companies and freelancers to receive USD/EUR payments globally, as traditional platforms like Stripe are not natively supported.

Georgia incentives & advantages

Virtual Zone Person (VZP)

0% Corporate Income Tax and 0% VAT on export revenues.

Free Industrial Zone (FIZ)

0% Corporate Tax, 0% Property Tax, 0% VAT, and 0% Customs Duties on imports/exports.

International Company Status (ICS)

Reduced 5% Corporate Income Tax, 5% Personal Income Tax on salaries, and 0% Dividend Tax.

Joint Liability Company formation steps

1

Choose and verify a unique business name with the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR).

2

Draft and sign the Partnership Agreement (Charter) detailing profit shares, liabilities, and management rules.

3

Obtain a registered legal address in Georgia (a virtual office provider can be used).

4

Notarize and apostille the passports of all partners and a Power of Attorney if forming the company remotely.

5

Submit the application and pay the state registration fee (100 GEL for standard 1-day processing, 200 GEL for same-day expedited).

6

Receive the Extract from the Registry and the 9-digit Identification Number confirming the company's legal existence.

7

Register with the Revenue Service of Georgia for tax purposes and open a corporate bank account.

Mobile App Developer FAQ

Do I need a US company to publish on the App Store?

No, you can publish from almost any country. However, having a US LLC or a company in a country with a US tax treaty can significantly reduce the 30% withholding tax on US sales.

How does VAT work for app sales?

Apple and Google generally act as the 'Merchant of Record' and handle VAT/GST collection and remittance for consumers in most countries, simplifying your tax compliance.

Where is the best place to incorporate an app studio?

Popular choices include the US (Wyoming/Delaware LLCs for low maintenance), UK (favorable tax treaties and IP laws), and Estonia (0% tax on reinvested profits, great for growing studios).

Ready to form your Joint Liability Company?

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