Bank
Bank of Georgia: reviews, non-resident accounts and fees
Bank of Georgia accepts applications from non-residents but makes an individual decision. A review fee may apply, and an approved applicant can be asked to visit a branch within the deadline stated by the bank.
Key facts
- Type
- Commercial bank
- Non-resident applications
- Accepted subject to individual review
- Application review fee
- May be 50 GEL for a non-resident application
- Branch visit
- May be required after approval within the period stated by the bank
- Service packages
- S, M and L packages with different monthly fees and included services
- Deposit insurance
- Eligible deposits are covered within the statutory Georgian deposit-insurance limit
- Complaints
- Formal complaint procedure is available; unresolved consumer issues can be escalated to the regulator
- Decision
- Account opening is not guaranteed
- Checked
- 6 October 2026
Pros
- Large established bank with a non-resident onboarding process.
- Published service packages and complaint procedures.
- Eligible deposits fall within Georgia's statutory deposit-insurance framework.
Limitations
- Non-resident account opening is discretionary.
- Application review can involve a non-refundable fee.
- A branch visit or additional documents may be required.
Transfer got stuck in review
After an international transfer they requested documents, then there was no clear status for several days.
One of the better banking apps
The mobile bank is fast, clear and convenient for daily transfers and payments.
Too many questions about source of funds
I am willing to provide documents, but I would like to understand the review timeline and the reason for each request.
Convenient for everyday life
Card, app, transfers and utility payments all work in one place without much hassle.
Support is too formal
Chat replies are quick, but for a complex issue I received almost the same template several times.
Good bank for standard use cases
Salary, card and normal payments are fine. International transfers can be noticeably slower.
Restriction without a clear explanation
Operations were restricted and documents were requested, but nobody explained what triggered the review.
The branch helped faster than chat
The issue was not resolved in the app, but a branch employee reviewed everything and sorted it out.
Check fees in advance
International transactions can cost more than expected. I now check the tariff before every transfer.
Account opening was smooth in person
I prepared the documents in advance; the branch process was smooth and the card and app worked the same day.
Communication got worse after a complaint
Instead of an explanation I received several dry replies and never understood who actually owned the case.
Not for urgent complex transfers
Daily payments are fine. If a transfer may trigger compliance review, it is better to allow extra time.
Convenient card and good in-app exchange
I exchange currencies and pay by card regularly. Normal operations are fast and predictable.
The review took too long
I submitted every requested document on the first day and then heard only “please wait” for almost a week.
Five stars for everyday banking
The app is fast, notifications arrive immediately and the card works reliably. Very convenient for daily life.
Editorial review
Opening an account as a non-resident
Bank of Georgia accepts non-resident applications but makes an individual decision. An application fee may apply and approval can be followed by a requirement to visit a branch within the stated deadline.
Packages and ongoing costs
Retail packages such as S, M and L bundle different services for a monthly charge. International transfers, withdrawals at other banks' ATMs and services outside the package can still cost extra.
Deposit insurance
Eligible deposits are covered by Georgia's statutory deposit-insurance system up to the applicable aggregate limit per depositor at the bank. This protection is not the same as protection against card fraud or a disputed transfer.
Complaints
A customer should submit a written complaint with dates, amounts and the requested remedy and keep the case reference. If the issue is not resolved, consumer-protection escalation routes are available.
Editorial view
The bank can be a practical option for non-residents, but approval should never be assumed. Travel should be arranged only after written confirmation of the decision and required documents.
FAQ
Can a non-resident open an account?
Applications are accepted, but the bank decides individually and approval is not guaranteed.
Is there an application fee?
A non-resident application review fee of 50 GEL may apply.
Is a branch visit required?
It can be required after approval. Follow the written instructions and deadline given by the bank.
Are deposits insured?
Eligible deposits are covered within Georgia's statutory deposit-insurance limit.
Does deposit insurance cover card fraud?
No. Deposit insurance is designed for bank failure, not ordinary transaction disputes or temporary account restrictions.
What should a complaint contain?
Date, amount, description of the problem, requested resolution and supporting evidence.