Define the real trading model
A trading company should identify the goods, brands, specifications, origin, destination and role it performs. Explain whether it purchases and resells on its own account, acts as an agent, distributes under agreement or coordinates procurement for another group company. These models create different contractual and payment flows.
Generic descriptions such as “international trade” are insufficient. Banks need to know what is traded and whether the company has the experience, suppliers, customers and logistics to conduct that activity. Controlled, dual-use, excise, pharmaceutical, food, precious-metal or other regulated goods may require licences and enhanced review.
Georgia can be a genuine operating, logistics or regional base, but a Georgian registration should not be presented as the reason for unexplained third-country payments. State where goods move, where title passes and why the account is commercially connected to the transaction chain.
Identify suppliers, buyers and intermediaries
List known suppliers and customers with their countries, websites, products and expected contract values. New businesses can provide negotiations, quotations, purchase orders or letters of intent. Established businesses should add historical statements, invoices and shipping records.
If agents, brokers, freight forwarders or inspection companies participate, describe their function and fee. Payments to an intermediary should match an agreement. The bank may ask why money is sent to a country different from the supplier’s registration or why a third party pays an invoice.
Screen counterparties and beneficial owners before contracting. Sanctions, export controls and bank restrictions can apply even where a transaction is lawful under one country’s rules. No consultant can guarantee that a correspondent bank will process a particular route.
Document shipping, customs and delivery
The commercial file should explain Incoterms, transport method, ports or borders, warehouse arrangements, customs declarant and insurance. Evidence can include bills of lading, airway bills, CMRs, customs declarations, packing lists, certificates of origin and inspection records.
A drop-shipment model, where goods never enter Georgia, can still be legitimate but must be explained. Show how the Georgian company acquires title, controls the sale, bears risk and earns margin. If the company only introduces buyer and seller, an agency model may be more accurate.
Consistency between contracts, invoices and transport documents is essential. Product quantity, price, parties and route should reconcile. Material discrepancies can delay outgoing or incoming payments even after the account has opened.
Build a trade transaction matrix
Trading turnover can be high relative to margin, so forecast both gross payment volume and expected profit. State transaction frequency, average and maximum value, currencies, supplier countries, buyer countries, payment terms and whether advance payments, letters of credit or documentary collection may be used.
Explain the timing between customer receipts and supplier payments. Rapid pass-through activity is not automatically prohibited, but the bank needs to understand the commercial purpose, documents and margin. Funds should not circulate through unrelated accounts or be split to avoid review.
Prepare a sample transaction pack showing contract, purchase order, invoice, transport route and expected bank transfer narrative. This demonstrates how future payments will be supported when the bank requests documents.
Explain working capital and trade finance
Initial purchases may be funded by shareholder capital, shareholder loans, customer advances or bank finance. Identify the funding source and provide evidence of the contributor’s wealth or the customer agreement. A new company forecasting large imports needs a credible explanation of how inventory will be financed.
Trade credit from suppliers and deferred customer payment terms affect cash flow. Present realistic working-capital needs rather than only annual turnover. If related companies provide stock or financing, document the group relationship and pricing.
Letters of credit, guarantees, overdrafts and trade finance are separate bank products subject to additional approval, collateral and pricing. Opening a current account does not guarantee access to credit facilities.
Documents for an import–export company
Corporate KYC includes registry documents, charter, ownership chart, directors, signatories and UBO evidence. Business evidence commonly includes supplier and customer contracts, quotations, invoices, product catalogues, website, licences, warehouse or logistics agreements and historical trade documents.
Personal KYC and source-of-wealth evidence may be required for owners, especially when they fund initial inventory. Foreign corporate documents may need apostille or legalisation and Georgian translation. Confirm requirements before ordering multiple certified sets.
If goods are regulated, include licences, permits, product certificates and compliance procedures. If no licence is required, be prepared to explain classification and obtain specialist advice where appropriate. BankAccount.ge does not provide customs or export-control opinions.
Trade risks that banks examine closely
Banks pay particular attention to dual-use goods, arms, sanctioned markets, opaque intermediaries, unusual pricing, cash-intensive goods, precious metals, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, petroleum products and transactions with no clear logistics. Risk depends on exact facts, not only the industry name.
Back-to-back invoices with little evidence, third-party settlement, changes in beneficiary accounts and routes through unrelated countries can trigger enhanced review. Disclose the intended structure during onboarding rather than explaining it after a transfer is held.
Correspondent banks may independently reject or delay international payments. A Georgian bank’s acceptance of the client does not bind another institution in the payment chain.
Corporate onboarding and ongoing payment support
An authorised representative can apply in Tbilisi with a prepared corporate file. Our straightforward in-person corporate assistance starts from €300, excluding bank and third-party costs. Batumi coordination may be available by prior arrangement, while Tbilisi usually offers broader specialist access.
Remote opening can be assessed for suitable ownership, activity and signatory arrangements. Certified originals, a bank-specific PoA, translations and video KYC may be required. Complex trade companies are more likely to receive detailed follow-up questions.
After opening, retain complete documents for every material payment and keep the bank informed when goods, countries, counterparties or turnover change. A good onboarding file is the starting point for ongoing transaction transparency.