🔄 SWIFT / Wire Access in Georgia

SWIFT & Wire Transfer Access in Georgia

The SWIFT & Wire Access indicator measures how reliably, cost-effectively, and without restriction international transfers can be made. With a score of 88/100, Georgia offers excellent SWIFT access — significantly better than many Eastern European and Caucasian comparison countries, and one of the most important operational advantages of Georgia as a banking location for expats.

How It Works in Practice

All licensed Georgian banks are connected to SWIFT. TBC Bank (BIC: TBCBGE22) and Bank of Georgia (BIC: BAGAGE22) maintain strong correspondent banking relationships with Deutsche Bank, Raiffeisen, Commerzbank, and Citibank. Transfer times: incoming 1–3 banking days, outgoing 1–3 days for submissions before 14:00. Fees: 15–25 GEL per transfer plus possible intermediary bank fees of 10–30 USD.

Why the High Score Is Deserved

• No capital controls: Georgia restricts neither the inflow nor outflow of capital. Foreigners can transfer funds in and out without limit — far from standard in the region
• No OFAC/SDN sanctions: Georgia is not on US or European sanctions lists; USD clearing via US correspondent banks is unproblematic
• Active compliance management: TBC and BoG have strengthened their compliance structures following 2022 to meet FATF requirements

Practical Notes for Expats and Freelancers

• EUR receipt: Georgia is not in the SEPA zone; EUR transfers from the EU run via SWIFT. Alternative: Wise or Revolut as a cheaper intermediary
• USD clearing: For complex business relationships with an Eastern European background, occasional queries from US correspondent banks are possible
• For smaller amounts: Wise is cheaper and faster than SWIFT for amounts up to approx. 10,000 EUR

Comparison

• Singapore (97), Hong Kong (96), Estonia (94), United Kingdom (94): Top-class SWIFT hubs
• Portugal (91), Cayman Islands (91): High level
• Georgia (88): Excellent for a non-EU country
• Armenia (79), Ukraine (72): More limited connectivity

Conclusion: With 88/100, Georgia offers SWIFT access at Western European levels — no capital controls, no sanctions issues, reliable correspondent banks. For expats and freelancers, this is a decisive operational advantage, particularly in the regional comparison.

This article was created on April 13, 2026