Joint Stock Company (JSC) 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
$135
Annual Fee
$0
Forming a Joint Stock Company (JSC) in Georgia as a Mobile App Developer 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 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 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. $85,000 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 Mobile App Developer
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.
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 Stock Company (JSC)?
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Related terms
Key concepts you'll encounter when forming a Mobile App Developer
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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