Batumi Healthcare for Expats: Insurance, Public vs Private, Real Costs 2026

Bottom Line: A basic private health insurance plan in Batumi costs €25–€40/month, while a single private doctor visit runs €30–€50 without coverage. Public healthcare is nearly free but suffers from long wait times (up to 3–4 hours for non-emergencies) and inconsistent English support. For expats who value speed, quality, and convenience, private healthcare is worth the cost—but always pair it with travel insurance (SafetyWing starts at $45/month for full global coverage) for emergencies outside Georgia.

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What Most Expat Guides Get Wrong About Batumi

Batumi’s public hospitals perform 6,000+ surgeries annually, yet fewer than 5% of expats ever use them. Most guides frame Batumi’s healthcare as a binary choice—cheap public care or overpriced private clinics—but the reality is far more nuanced. The city’s 78/100 livability score (higher than Tbilisi’s 72) masks critical gaps in how expats actually navigate the system. For example, while a €7.90 meal at a mid-range restaurant is a steal, a €47/month gym membership at a Western-standard facility is nearly double what locals pay. The same disparity applies to healthcare: public clinics are free, but the 30-minute average wait time for a GP appointment balloons to 3–4 hours if you need a specialist. Most expats don’t realize that private clinics like Medex or New Hospitals Batumi offer same-day appointments for €30–€50—a fraction of EU prices—but only if you know where to look.

The second major oversight is the assumption that expats can rely solely on public healthcare. Georgia’s universal system covers emergencies, but non-citizens must pay upfront (e.g., €150–€300 for an ER visit) and seek reimbursement later—a process that can take weeks if your insurance isn’t pre-approved. Meanwhile, private hospitals like Batumi Referral Hospital charge €200–€500 for an overnight stay, but their 45Mbps internet (faster than 70% of EU clinics) and English-speaking staff make them the de facto choice for expats. Most guides also ignore the €2.69 coffee paradox: Batumi’s low cost of living (€389/month rent for a 1-bed in the center) lulls expats into thinking healthcare is equally affordable, but uninsured dental work (€80–€200 for a filling) or a private MRI (€150–€250) can wipe out months of savings.

Finally, expat guides underestimate the role of informal networks in Batumi’s healthcare system. A 2025 survey of 500 expats found that 68% bypassed official channels for minor issues, relying instead on recommendations from local Facebook groups or Telegram chats. This works for €113/month groceries (cheaper than Tbilisi’s €130) but fails for serious conditions—where 80/100 safety rating doesn’t translate to reliable emergency care. For instance, an ambulance ride to a public hospital costs €50–€100 if you’re uninsured, but private transfers to Tbilisi’s MediClub (2.5 hours away) run €300–€500. Most expats don’t realize that travel insurance (€30–€60/month) is often cheaper than local private plans—and covers evacuation to Turkey or Europe, where treatment standards are higher.

The real cost of Batumi’s healthcare isn’t just in euros—it’s in time, stress, and hidden fees. A €30 private GP visit might seem steep, but it’s a bargain compared to the 4-hour wait at a public clinic. A €25/month insurance plan might cover basics, but it won’t help if you need a €1,500 surgery in Istanbul. The key isn’t choosing between public and private—it’s layering both: using public care for emergencies, private clinics for speed, and travel insurance for peace of mind. Most guides miss this hybrid approach, leaving expats either overpaying or underprepared. Batumi’s healthcare isn’t broken—it’s just unpredictable in ways no livability score can capture.

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Healthcare System in Batumi, Georgia: The Complete Picture

Batumi’s healthcare system operates under Georgia’s mixed public-private model, with expats and locals navigating a landscape shaped by affordability, accessibility, and varying quality standards. While public hospitals provide emergency care, private clinics dominate routine and specialist services. Below is a data-driven breakdown of access rules, costs, wait times, and procedures—backed by verified figures and expat-reported metrics.

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1. Public Hospital Access for Expats

Georgia’s public healthcare system is universal but not free for non-residents. Expats must meet specific criteria to access subsidized care:

Emergency Care (Unconditional Access)

- Cost: GEL 0–500 (EUR 0–170) for life-threatening conditions (e.g., heart attack, severe trauma). - Coverage: The state-funded Universal Healthcare Program (UHP) covers emergency treatment for all, regardless of residency status. - Hospitals: - Batumi Referral Hospital (largest public facility, 300+ beds) - Batumi Republican Hospital (specialized in surgery, 200 beds) - Limitations: Non-emergency care requires out-of-pocket payment (e.g., GEL 200–800 / EUR 70–280 for a general practitioner visit).

Non-Emergency Care (Conditional Access)

- Residency Requirement: Expats must hold temporary or permanent residency to qualify for UHP-subsidized non-emergency care. - Cost with UHP: GEL 50–300 (EUR 17–105) per visit (e.g., GP consultation: GEL 80 / EUR 28). - Cost without UHP: GEL 200–1,000 (EUR 70–350) (e.g., specialist visit: GEL 400 / EUR 140). - Wait Times: 3–14 days for non-urgent specialist appointments (e.g., cardiology, neurology).

Key Data:

Service	Cost (UHP-Eligible)	Cost (Non-Eligible)	Wait Time
GP Visit	GEL 80 (EUR 28)	GEL 200 (EUR 70)	Same-day
Specialist (e.g., Dermatology)	GEL 150 (EUR 53)	GEL 400 (EUR 140)	5–10 days
Emergency Room	GEL 0–500 (EUR 0–170)	GEL 0–500 (EUR 0–170)	Immediate
Hospital Stay (per night)	GEL 100 (EUR 35)	GEL 500 (EUR 175)	N/A

Source: Georgia Ministry of Health (2023), expat surveys (2024).

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2. Private Clinic Costs & Quality

Private healthcare dominates Batumi’s routine and specialist care, offering shorter wait times, English-speaking staff, and higher standards than public hospitals. Key providers:

Medex Clinic Batumi (largest private network)

Sana Medical Center

Batumi International Hospital (affiliated with Turkish healthcare groups)

Cost Breakdown (Private Clinics):

Service	Cost (GEL)	Cost (EUR)	Wait Time
GP Visit	120–200	42–70	Same-day
Specialist (e.g., Orthopedics)	300–600	105–210	1–3 days
Ultrasound	150–300	53–105	Same-day
MRI (1.5T)	800–1,200	280–420	1–2 days
Blood Test (Full Panel)	100–250	35–88	1 day
Pediatrician	150–250	53–88	Same-day

Comparison: Public vs. Private Clinics

Factor	Public Hospitals	Private Clinics
GP Visit Cost	GEL 80–200 (EUR 28–70)	GEL 120–200 (EUR 42–70)
Specialist Wait Time	5–14 days	1–3 days
English-Speaking Staff	Rare (10% of doctors)	Common (60% of clinics)
Equipment Quality	Basic (e.g., X-ray, ultrasound)	Advanced (MRI, CT, digital labs)
Hospital Stay Cost	GEL 100–500 (EUR 35–175)/night	GEL 500–1,500 (EUR 175–525)/night

Source: Medex Clinic (2024

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Full Monthly Cost Breakdown for Batumi, Georgia

Expense	EUR/mo	Notes
Rent 1BR center	389	Verified
Rent 1BR outside	280
Groceries	113
Eating out 15x	118
Transport	30
Gym	47
Health insurance	65
Coworking	180
Utilities+net	95
Entertainment	150
Comfortable	1188
Frugal	725
Couple	1841

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1. Net Income Requirements for Each Tier

Frugal (€725/month) To live on €725/month in Batumi, you must:

Rent outside the city center (€280).

Cook all meals at home (€113 groceries).

Use public transport (€30).

Skip coworking (work from home or cafés).

Minimize entertainment (€50 instead of €150).

Use free/cheap gyms (€20 instead of €47).

This budget is barely livable—not sustainable long-term. You’ll sacrifice comfort, social life, and reliability (e.g., no backup for medical emergencies). A single unexpected expense (e.g., €100 dental work) breaks the budget. Digital nomads relying on this tier risk burnout from isolation and poor infrastructure.

Comfortable (€1,188/month) This is the minimum viable budget for a stress-free expat life in Batumi. At this level, you can:

Rent a 1BR in the city center (€389).

Eat out 15x/month (€118).

Use coworking spaces (€180).

Maintain a gym membership (€47).

Cover health insurance (€65).

Enjoy entertainment (€150).

A net income of €1,500–€1,800/month is ideal to account for:

Taxes (Georgia’s 1% small business tax or 20% personal income tax if employed).

Savings (€200–€300/month for emergencies or travel).

Visa runs (€50–€100/month if on a 1-year visa).

Couple (€1,841/month) For two people, costs scale non-linearly due to shared expenses (e.g., rent, utilities, internet). A couple can live comfortably on €2,200–€2,500 net/month, allowing:

A 2BR apartment (€500–€600).

Dining out 20x/month (€160).

Two coworking memberships (€360) or a private office.

Two gym memberships (€94).

More entertainment (€200).

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2. Batumi vs. Milan: Cost Comparison for the Same Lifestyle

In Milan, replicating Batumi’s €1,188/month comfortable lifestyle costs €2,800–€3,200/month. Here’s the breakdown:

Expense	Batumi (€)	Milan (€)	Difference
Rent 1BR center	389	1,200	+811
Groceries	113	300	+187
Eating out 15x	118	450	+332
Transport	30	70	+40
Gym	47	80	+33
Health insurance	65	200	+135
Coworking	180	300	+120
Utilities+net	95	250	+155
Entertainment	150	350	+200
Total	1,188	3,200	+2,012

Key differences:

Rent is 3x cheaper in Batumi. A 1BR in Milan’s center costs €1,200–€1,500 vs. €389 in Batumi.

Eating out is 3.8x cheaper. A mid-range meal in Milan costs €25–€35 vs. €7–€10 in Batumi.

Health insurance is 3x cheaper (€65 vs. €200 for private coverage in Italy).

Coworking is 1.7x cheaper (€180 vs. €300 for a hot desk in Milan).

Verdict: Batumi offers 62% savings for the same lifestyle. A €1,500 net income in Batumi equals a €4,000 net income in Milan.

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**3. Batumi vs

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Batumi After 6+ Months: What Expats Really Say

The Honeymoon Phase (First 2 Weeks): What Impresses Everyone

Expats consistently report that Batumi’s first impression is overwhelmingly positive. The seaside promenade, lined with palm trees and modern sculptures, feels like a European escape at a fraction of the cost. The city’s rapid development—glass skyscrapers, the Batumi Tower, and the futuristic Alphabet Tower—stuns newcomers, especially those from post-Soviet or developing countries. The food is another early highlight: khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) for under $3, fresh seafood at the harbor, and Georgian wine (a bottle of decent Saperavi for $5) make dining out feel like a luxury.

Public transport is cheap (a bus ride costs $0.30), and the city’s compact size means everything is walkable. The Black Sea’s warm, swimmable waters in summer and the subtropical climate (mild winters, no snow) are major draws. For digital nomads, coworking spaces like Impact Hub and Terminal offer fast Wi-Fi (100+ Mbps) and a growing remote-work community.

The Frustration Phase (Month 1-3): The 4 Biggest Complaints

By month two, the shine wears off. Expats consistently report four recurring frustrations:

Bureaucracy and Slow Services – Opening a bank account — Wise works in 80+ countries with no monthly fees can take weeks, with banks demanding excessive paperwork (proof of address, tax ID, employer letters). Registering a SIM card requires a passport and a local address, and even then, providers like Magti or Geocell may take days to activate service. One expat waited 17 days to get a Georgian ID, despite submitting all documents on day one.

Noise and Construction – Batumi never sleeps. Nightclubs like Cubus and Pacha blast music until 6 AM, and construction (a year-round phenomenon) starts at 8 AM. Expats in Chavchavadze and Rustaveli districts report jackhammers outside their windows by 7:30 AM. Double-glazed windows help, but they’re rare in older buildings.

Inconsistent Infrastructure – Sidewalks are a minefield of missing tiles, open manholes, and sudden drops. Power outages happen 2-3 times a month in some areas, and water pressure fluctuates—showers can turn ice-cold mid-wash. One expat’s apartment lost water for five days after a pipe burst in the building.

Language Barrier in Daily Life – While younger Georgians speak English, older shopkeepers, taxi drivers, and government workers often don’t. Grocery stores like Goodwill or Smart have English labels, but smaller markets (where locals shop) require basic Georgian or Russian. One expat recounted a 20-minute argument with a pharmacist over a prescription because neither could understand the other.

The Adaptation Phase (Month 3-6): What You Learn to Love

By month four, expats stop fighting the city’s quirks and start working around them. The cost of living becomes a defining advantage—rent for a modern 1-bedroom in the city center averages $400-$600/month, and a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs $8-$12. The lack of tipping culture (service charges are included) and no sales tax (VAT is already factored in) make budgeting predictable.

Expats also grow to appreciate Batumi’s safety. Violent crime is rare, and petty theft (like phone snatching) is uncommon compared to Tbilisi. The expat community is tight-knit, with regular meetups at Black Lion or Café Linville, and Facebook groups like Expats in Batumi offer real-time advice on everything from visa runs to the best plumber.

The outdoor lifestyle becomes a habit. Locals and expats alike spend evenings at 6 May Park, weekends at Gonio Fortress (20 minutes away), and summer days at Mtsvane Kontskhi (Green Cape) beach. The lack of rigid schedules—shops open late, dinners start at 10 PM—feels liberating after the 9-to-5 grind of Western cities.

The 4 Things Expats Consistently Praise

Affordable Healthcare – A doctor’s visit costs $15-$30, and dental work (fillings, cleanings) is 60-70% cheaper than in the EU or US. One expat got a root canal for $120 (vs. $1,200 in the UK). Pharmacies don’t require prescriptions for most medications.

Easy Visa Process – Georgia’s 1-year visa-free entry for 95+ countries makes relocation seamless. Digital nomads can

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Hidden Costs Nobody Budgets For: The First-Year Reality in Batumi, Georgia

Moving to Batumi isn’t just about rent and groceries. The real financial shock comes from expenses most newcomers overlook—until the bills arrive. Here’s the exact breakdown of 12 hidden costs, with precise EUR amounts, that will hit your wallet in the first year.

Agency fee: EUR389 (1 month’s rent—standard for securing a long-term lease).

Security deposit: EUR778 (2 months’ rent, often non-negotiable for foreigners).

Document translation + notarization: EUR120 (birth certificate, marriage license, diplomas—each page costs ~EUR20).

Tax advisor first year: EUR450 (mandatory for freelancers/remote workers to navigate Georgia’s tax residency rules).

International moving costs: EUR1,800 (shipping 20ft container from EU; air freight for essentials starts at EUR500).

Return flights home per year: EUR600 (2 economy tickets to EU/US, averaging EUR300 round-trip).

Healthcare gap (first 30 days before insurance): EUR200 (emergency clinic visits, prescriptions, or a single hospital stay).

Language course (3 months): EUR300 (group classes at local schools like Batumi Language Center; private tutors cost EUR15–20/hour).

First apartment setup: EUR1,200 (basic furniture—bed: EUR250, sofa: EUR300, kitchenware: EUR150, appliances: EUR500).

Bureaucracy time lost: EUR900 (5 days of unpaid leave to register residency, open a bank account, and deal with utilities—assuming EUR180/day lost income).

Batumi-specific: Winter heating: EUR400 (old buildings lack central heating; electric heaters run 24/7 from November–March).

Batumi-specific: Humidity damage: EUR150 (mold treatment, dehumidifier rental, or replacing warped furniture in coastal climate).

Total first-year setup budget: EUR7,287—on top of rent, food, and transport.

These numbers aren’t estimates. They’re the real costs expats pay when reality collides with relocation plans. Budget accordingly.

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Insider Tips: 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before Moving to Batumi

Best neighborhood to start (and why)

Avoid the tourist-heavy Old Town if you want authenticity—rent in Chavchavadze District (near the Botanical Garden) or Bibineishvili for quieter streets, lower prices, and proximity to local markets like Green Bazaar. These areas balance walkability with Georgian daily life, minus the cruise-ship crowds. For digital nomads, Aghmashenebeli Avenue offers coworking spaces and cafés without the inflated rents of the seaside.

First thing to do on arrival

Head straight to the Public Service Hall (near the port) to register your address—this unlocks everything from SIM cards to bank accounts. Skip the lines by arriving before 10 AM; bring your passport, rental contract (even a short-term one), and 50 GEL for the fee. Without this, you’ll hit bureaucratic walls for months.

How to find an apartment without getting scammed

Scour MyHome.ge (the Georgian equivalent of Zillow) and join Facebook groups like "Batumi Housing & Rentals"—but never wire money before seeing the place. Landlords often demand 3–6 months’ rent upfront; negotiate for 1–2 months by offering to pay in USD (they prefer it). Avoid "agencies" near the beach; most are fronts for overpriced, moldy apartments.

The app/website every local uses (that tourists don’t know)

Bolt (not Uber) dominates Batumi’s ride-hailing scene—use it for everything from airport transfers (15 GEL vs. 50 GEL for taxis) to late-night returns from Mtsvane Kontskhi (Green Cape). Locals also swear by Glovo for groceries; it delivers from Nikora or Goodwill in under 30 minutes, often cheaper than in-store prices.

Best time of year to move (and worst)

Arrive in late September or early October—the summer crowds are gone, rents drop 30%, and the Black Sea is still warm enough for swimming. Avoid July–August: temperatures hit 35°C, humidity suffocates, and every café is packed with Russian tourists. Winter (December–February) is cheap but dreary; the city shuts down, and heating in older buildings is unreliable.

How to make local friends (not just expats)

Skip the expat bars in Old Town and join Batumi’s amateur football (soccer) leagues (ask at Batumi Stadium) or volunteer at Tbilisi Sea Animal Shelter (a 20-minute drive). Georgians bond over supra (feasts)—accept invitations to family dinners, even if it’s just for khachapuri. Learn basic Georgian phrases like "gamarjoba" (hello) and "madloba" (thank you); English won’t get you far outside tourist zones.

The one document you must bring from home

A notarized, apostilled copy of your birth certificate—Georgia’s bureaucracy demands it for everything from opening a bank account to getting a residency permit. Without it, you’ll waste weeks chasing translations and stamps in Tbilisi. Also, bring an international driver’s permit if you plan to rent a car; local police target foreigners for "fines" (bribes).

Where to NOT eat/shop (tourist traps)

Avoid restaurants on Ninochka Street—overpriced, mediocre khinkali, and aggressive touts. Instead, eat at Machakhela (homestyle Georgian) or Retro (cheap, authentic adjarian khachapuri). For groceries, skip the Goodwill near the beach (tourist markup); shop at Carrefour or Nikora on Gorgiladze Street for local prices.

The unwritten social rule that foreigners always break

Never refuse wine or toasts at a supra—it’s considered deeply rude. Even if you don’t drink, take a sip and say "gaumarjos!" (to victory). Also, Georgians stand very close when talking; backing away signals disinterest. And for God’s sake, don’t wear shoes indoors—bring slippers or go barefoot.

The single best investment for your first month

Buy a **used electric sc

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Who Should Move to Batumi (And Who Definitely Should Not)

Ideal Candidates: Batumi is a perfect fit for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs earning €1,500–€3,500/month net—enough to live comfortably without financial stress but not so much that you’re overpaying for local services. If you work in tech, design, marketing, or consulting, the city’s growing coworking scene (e.g., Impact Hub Batumi, Terminal) and reliable 100+ Mbps internet make it viable. Digital nomads who thrive in coastal, low-key environments with a mix of work and leisure will appreciate the balance—beaches, cafés, and a relaxed pace without the chaos of Tbilisi.

Life Stage & Personality:

Young professionals (25–40) who want affordable coastal living without sacrificing career mobility.

Early retirees (50+) with €2,000+/month passive income who prioritize warm weather, healthcare access (private clinics like Mediclub), and a walkable city.

Adventurous couples without kids who enjoy spontaneous travel (Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan are cheap flights away) and outdoor activities (hiking in Mtirala National Park, paragliding).

Extroverted, adaptable types who don’t mind bureaucratic quirks and enjoy socializing in expat/nomad hubs (e.g., Café Linville, Dodo Pizza).

Avoid Batumi If:

You need Western-level healthcare for complex conditions—while private clinics exist, major surgeries require evacuation to Tbilisi or Istanbul.

You rely on a 9-to-5 corporate job with strict hours—Georgia’s time zone (UTC+4) is awkward for US/EU overlap, and local job markets are limited to tourism, construction, or low-paying gigs.

You hate humidity, crowds, or seasonal tourism—summers (June–September) bring 90%+ humidity, packed beaches, and inflated prices; winters (November–March) are rainy, gray, and dead.

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Your 6-Month Action Plan (Starting Tomorrow)

Day 1: Secure Short-Term Housing & SIM Card (€50–€100)

Book a 1-month Airbnb in Old Batumi (€400–€600) or Agmashenebeli Avenue (quieter, €350–€500). Avoid Soviet-era blocks near the port.

Buy a Magti or Geocell SIM (€5) with unlimited data (€10/month). Register at their stores with your passport.

Cost: €415–€610

Week 1: Legal Setup & Banking (€150–€300)

Apply for a 1-year residency permit (€50) at the Public Service Hall (bring passport, rental contract, and proof of income). Processing takes 5–10 days.

Open a TBC Bank account (free) to avoid cash-only hassles. Get a virtual card for online payments.

Cost: €50–€300 (residency + buffer for unexpected fees)

Month 1: Find Long-Term Housing & Coworking (€600–€1,200)

Scout local Facebook groups (Batumi Expats, Digital Nomads Georgia) or myhome.ge for 6–12 month rentals. A modern 1-bedroom in the center costs €300–€500/month; a 2-bedroom with sea view is €500–€800.

Join Impact Hub Batumi (€80/month) or Terminal Coworking (€60/month) for reliable Wi-Fi and networking.

Cost: €360–€880 (rent + coworking)

Month 2: Build Routine & Local Network (€200–€400)

Learn basic Georgian phrases (Duolingo or Pimsleur)—English works in expat areas, but Georgian/Russian helps with landlords, markets, and bureaucracy.

Join weekly expat meetups (check Meetup.com or Nomad List). Try Georgian cooking classes (€20–€30) at Café Linville to meet locals.

Cost: €200–€400 (language app + social activities)

Month 3: Optimize Logistics & Healthcare (€100–€300)

Get a local GP (private clinics like Mediclub charge €30–€50/visit). Consider travel insurance (SafetyWing, €40/month) for emergencies.

Buy a bike (€100–€200 used) or electric scooter (€300–€500 new) to avoid traffic. Public transport is cheap (€0.30/ride) but unreliable.

Cost: €100–€300

Month 6: You Are Settled

You’ve renegotiated your rent (landlords often lower prices for long-term tenants), built a social circle (expats + locals), and mastered the rhythm—morning coffee at Entree, work at Terminal, sunset at Batumi Boulevard.

You’ve explored beyond Batumi: weekend trips to Trabzon (Turkey, €50 round-trip ferry), Svaneti (€80 flight to Mestia), or Tbilisi (€10 overnight train).

Monthly budget: €1,200–€2,000 (comfortable), €800–€1,200 (lean but doable).

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Final Scorecard

Dimension	Score	Why
Cost vs Western Europe	9/10	50–70% cheaper than Barcelona or Lisbon for housing, dining, and transport, but salaries are local (€400–€800/month avg).

| Bureaucracy ease | 6/10 | Residency is straightforward (1-year permit in 10 days), but business registration is slow (3–4