Question 1

How do I buy property in Georgia as a foreigner?

Accepted Answer

Foreigners can freely purchase apartments and commercial property in Georgia — no restrictions, no purchase tax. The process: find a property → due diligence → sign and notarize the sale agreement → register with the Public Registry. The whole transaction can be completed in 2–6 weeks. You'll need a passport and a Georgian tax ID (available same-day at the Revenue Service). Kavlian matches you with a vetted, English-speaking specialist who handles every step at no cost to you.

Question 2

What are the typical property prices in Tbilisi?

Accepted Answer

Prices vary widely by district. Premium areas (Vake, Saburtalo, Mtatsminda): $1,200–2,500/m². Mid-range (Vera, Didube, Chugureti): $800–1,500/m². Budget areas (Gldani, Isani): $600–1,000/m². Batumi seafront commands $1,500–3,000/m² in top buildings. Browse Kavlian's full listing database — with real prices, photos, and district filters — to find what fits your budget.

Question 3

Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Not legally required, but strongly recommended — especially for foreign buyers. A specialist verifies clear title, checks for liens and debts, reviews the contract, and guides you through registration. Kavlian's network includes vetted local lawyers who specialize in foreign purchases and work in your language. The cost is typically $300–600 and is well worth it for a transaction of this size.

Question 4

What are the annual costs of owning property in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Georgia's ownership costs are among the lowest in the region. Expect: property tax (1% of assessed value, capped around $200–500/year for most apartments), utilities ($50–150/month), building maintenance ($20–100/month), and optional insurance ($200–400/year). There is no annual wealth tax. Use Kavlian's cost calculator for a personalized ownership budget estimate.

Question 5

Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but conditions are strict: valid Georgian residence permit, stable local income, 30–40% down payment, and interest rates of 10–14% in Georgian Lari. Most foreign buyers purchase with cash or arrange financing in their home country. Kavlian advisors can explain all options and connect you with banks that have experience working with international buyers.

Question 6

How long does the buying process take?

Accepted Answer

Typically 2–6 weeks from first viewing to full ownership. Due diligence takes 1–2 weeks, contract negotiation 3–7 days, and the notarization + Public Registry registration just 1–2 days. Cash transactions are faster. With a local specialist by your side, there are no unexpected delays. Kavlian guides you through every phase — from first search to the moment the title is in your name.

Question 7

Where do Kavlian's listings come from?

Accepted Answer

Kavlian aggregates listings from Georgia's leading property platforms and consolidates them in one place, so you can search the full market without visiting multiple sites.

Question 8

Are rental contracts enforceable in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but notarization strengthens enforceability. Standard contracts include: Duration (typically 1 year), Deposit (1–2 months), Payment terms, Maintenance responsibilities.

Question 9

What areas are best for investment ROI?

Accepted Answer

High ROI areas: Batumi (tourism, 7–10% yield), Tbilisi city center (long-term rental, 6–8% yield), New developments near metro (capital appreciation).

Question 10

Do I pay capital gains tax when selling?

Accepted Answer

No capital gains tax if you owned the property for 2+ years. If sold within 2 years, profit is taxed as income (20% for non-residents). Primary residence exemptions may apply.

Question 11

Can I get a residence permit by buying property in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Owning residential property with a market value of at least $150,000 (confirmed by an accredited appraiser) qualifies you to apply for a renewable one-year residence permit. It covers your spouse and children, has no minimum-stay requirement, and renews for as long as you keep the property.

Question 12

Does buying property lead to Georgian citizenship?

Accepted Answer

Not directly. The property-based residence permit is temporary and renewable; citizenship requires a separate naturalisation process with its own residence, language and history requirements. Property ownership can be a first step, but it does not grant a passport by itself.

Question 13

Can foreigners buy land in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Foreigners can freely own apartments, houses and commercial premises, including the land share under buildings. The exception is agricultural land, which foreign citizens cannot purchase directly under current rules.

Question 14

Can I buy property in Georgia without visiting the country?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A fully remote purchase is possible using a notarised, apostilled power of attorney: your local representative views the property, runs due diligence, signs and registers on your behalf. Reputable agents provide live video viewings, and the whole process typically takes 2–4 weeks.

Question 15

What taxes do I pay when buying property in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

None — Georgia has no purchase tax, stamp duty or buyer-side transfer tax. The only mandatory cost is the Public Registry fee, from roughly 50 GEL. When buying a new build from a developer, 18% VAT is normally already included in the quoted price.

Question 16

How is rental income taxed in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Individuals renting out residential property can register for a special flat 5% tax on gross rental income — one of the lowest effective rates in Europe. Commercial rentals are taxed differently (typically 20% on net income), so check the legal status of apart-hotel units before buying.

Question 17

What are typical property prices in Batumi?

Accepted Answer

Batumi averages $800–1,500 per square metre. Frontline seafront towers command the top of the range and above, while districts a few blocks inland offer the lowest entry prices in any major Georgian city — one reason Batumi dominates holiday-rental investment.

Question 18

Which Tbilisi districts are best for expats to live in?

Accepted Answer

Vake is the established expat favourite — parks, cafés and international schools. Vera and Old Tbilisi suit those wanting character and walkability; Saburtalo offers modern buildings, metro access and value; Didi Dighomi attracts families with newer, larger apartments at lower prices.

Question 19

Is buying an off-plan new build safe in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

It can be, with checks: verify the developer’s building permit, completed-project track record and contract payment schedule before paying. Off-plan prices typically run 10–25% below completed stock, which is the reward for accepting construction risk. Never skip developer due diligence.

Question 20

How do I transfer money to Georgia for a property purchase?

Accepted Answer

By standard international bank transfer, settled in USD or GEL. Transfers are routine, but banks apply compliance checks on larger sums, so keep documents proving the source of funds. Many buyers pay through a notary or escrow-style arrangement at closing for extra security.

Question 21

Can a foreigner open a bank account in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes, with just a passport, though approval policies vary by bank and nationality and can change. A local account is convenient for receiving rent and paying utilities, but it is not strictly required to complete a property purchase.

Question 22

How is property ownership registered in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

All ownership is recorded at the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR). Registration after a sale normally completes within 1–4 business days, and anyone can order an extract confirming the current owner, area and any liens — the backbone of due diligence.

Question 23

Are short-term (Airbnb-style) rentals legal in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Short-term rentals are legal nationwide; hosts should register as taxpayers and declare rental income. Some residential buildings impose their own house rules, so confirm the building’s practice before buying specifically for short-term letting.

Question 24

Can I manage my rental property remotely?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Professional management companies in Tbilisi and Batumi handle guest turnover, tenants, bills and maintenance for roughly 10–20% of rental income, making fully remote ownership realistic — many foreign owners never live in Georgia at all.

Question 25

What documents do I need to buy property in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

For the purchase itself: a valid passport. That is usually all. If you later rent the property out, you will also need a Georgian tax ID, which is issued the same day. Remote buyers additionally need a notarised, apostilled power of attorney.

Question 26

What extra costs should I budget beyond the purchase price?

Accepted Answer

Plan for the registry fee (from ~50 GEL), certified translation if signing via power of attorney, and legal support if you hire a lawyer — recommended. The agent’s commission is customarily paid by the seller in Georgia, but confirm this in writing.

Question 27

Can I resell my property anytime and take the money out of Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are no holding periods, resale restrictions or capital controls on repatriating sale proceeds. Sell after two or more years of ownership and the capital gain is fully exempt from Georgian tax.

Question 28

Can my children inherit my property in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Foreign-owned property passes to heirs normally, and Georgia levies no inheritance tax on first- and second-degree relatives — spouses, children, parents, siblings and grandparents inherit tax-free.

Question 29

Is Georgia a safe country for property investment?

Accepted Answer

The system is unusually transparent: a fully digital Public Registry, registration in days and equal rights for foreign owners. The real risks sit at project level — titles that need checking and developer delays on off-plan — both manageable with proper due diligence before paying.

Question 30

What is the minimum budget to buy an apartment in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Entry-level studios start around $35,000–50,000 in outer Tbilisi districts and inland Batumi. Central one-bedroom apartments typically run $70,000–120,000. From $150,000 your purchase can also qualify you for the property-based residence permit.

Question 31

Do Turkish citizens have special rules for buying in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Turkish citizens buy under the same rules as other foreigners: full ownership of apartments, houses and commercial property, with only agricultural land restricted. Turks can enter Georgia with a national ID card, stay up to a year visa-free, and a Turkey–Georgia double-taxation treaty is in force.

Question 32

Is Kavlian free for buyers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Browsing listings, using the buyer-journey tools and being matched with vetted local specialists costs buyers nothing. Kavlian is funded through its professional partner network, so the guidance you receive is free of charge and free of obligation.

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