All three activities
Eric Fankhauser
FFI partner · Strategic consulting · Advisory Board
Swiss entrepreneur based in Tbilisi. More than 25 years of experience, including over ten running his own company.
LinkedInStrategic consulting · Georgia
Business consulting and market entry in Georgia
Based in Tbilisi, I support Swiss and European companies that want to set up and grow in Georgia: company formation, structuring, banking, partners and relations with the authorities. I also help SME leaders with their strategy, growth and organisational challenges.
Georgia specialisation
Establishing and growing your business in Georgia
Georgia offers one of the most favourable tax and administrative environments in the region: a company is usually registered in one business day, reinvested profits are not taxed, and the country has free trade agreements with the European Union, EFTA (including Switzerland) and China. Success, however, requires the right connections on the ground.
- Market study and opportunity validation
- Legal and tax structuring of the set-up
- Banking relationships and account opening
- Introductions to partners, suppliers and clients
- Institutional relations and support with the authorities
- Recruitment, premises and operational launch
The challenges I address
When day-to-day business leaves no room for perspective
Strategy
Clarify the vision, define the positioning, set priorities and turn an ambition into a concrete roadmap.
- Vision and positioning
- Choice of markets and offers
- 3–5 year strategic plan
Growth
Find new growth drivers and finance them, in Switzerland, France or internationally.
- New markets and channels
- Partnerships and alliances
- Financing structure
Organisation
Adapt the structure to growth: roles, governance, processes and performance management.
- Governance and key roles
- Processes and efficiency
- Dashboards and steering
My method
From diagnosis to implementation
- 01
Diagnosis
Analysis of the situation, interviews with management and identification of priority levers.
- 02
Action plan
Concrete, quantified and sequenced recommendations, validated with you.
- 03
Implementation
Hands-on, long-term support until the results are delivered.
What makes the difference
The bridge between Europe and Georgia
A network at the highest level
Established relationships with the key players of the Georgian market: companies, banks and government.
In-depth market knowledge
An active presence on the ground, in daily contact with local developers, investors and decision-makers.
A European vision
An understanding of the standards and expectations of Swiss and European companies, to bridge the two cultures seamlessly.
Frequently asked questions
Setting up and growing a company in Georgia
Can a foreigner set up a company in Georgia?
Yes. A foreigner can own 100% of a Georgian company, with no local partner. Registration is handled by the National Agency of Public Registry (Public Service Halls), usually in one business day, and can be done remotely by power of attorney.
How are companies taxed in Georgia?
Georgia uses the Estonian model: the 15% corporate income tax only applies to distributed profits. Reinvested profits are not taxed and dividends are taxed at 5%. Special regimes exist depending on the activity: Small Business Status (1% of turnover for individual entrepreneurs, subject to conditions), Virtual Zone status for IT companies, and free industrial zones.
How long does it take to open a business bank account?
Once the company is registered, allow a few days to a few weeks depending on your profile and the quality of your file. We prepare the file with you and introduce you directly to the banks.
Why Georgia for a Swiss or European SME?
For its taxation, fast procedures, labour costs and position between Europe and Asia. Its free trade agreements with the European Union, EFTA and China make it a regional platform to produce, export or set up support functions.
Do I need a work permit in Georgia?
Since March 2026, the labour migration law may require a work authorisation for some foreigners doing business in Georgia. We check your situation and support you through the process.
How does your support work?
We start with a call to understand your project, then validate the opportunity, choose the structure, prepare the registration and banking, and open up our network: companies, banks, institutions and government. We stay by your side after the launch.
The team
Partners and experts at your side
Each activity is carried by a team. You benefit from complementary skills and a network built over years.
A high-level network in Georgia
Government and institutional decision-makers, banks, lawyers, tax advisors and developers: relationships established at the highest level, working for our clients.
Let’s talk about your company
Book a first conversation to present your situation and your goals.