Property in Georgia for Non-Residents: Taxes and Buying Guide
Do you want to buy a property in Georgia, but are you afraid to "get into trouble"? 😬
We figure out what a foreigner can do, how the deal goes, how much apartments and houses cost, what taxes are waiting for you, and what the catch is. Everything is in simple words and with real examples. 👇
Who can buy real estate?
Any foreigner, including non-residents. The restriction is that you cannot buy agricultural land.What taxes do I have to pay?
The purchase tax is 0%. There is an income tax if you rent or sell.What are the pitfalls?
Construction without a permit, legal risks, outdated documents — it is important to check!Useful tips
Check the owner, sign a contract with a notary, do not pay before checking.💼 Are you planning to invest in real estate in Georgia?They sorted it out: who has the right to purchase, how the transaction is going, what taxes apply and what to pay attention to in order to protect their interests.
📍A guide for those who value clear instructions and verified data.
📍Read to the end — it will save you thousands 💸
🧭 In this article, you will learn:
- ❓ Who can buy real estate in Georgia — and are there any restrictions for foreigners?
- 🏘️ What types of real estate are available?
📝 How does the transaction process work?
💰 How much does housing cost in different regions — and what hidden expenses are there?
📊 What taxes do buyers and landlords pay?
🚫 What pitfalls can arise when purchasing property?
📌 Does buying real estate grant a residence permit — and what is the minimum investment required?
📑 Is it possible to complete everything remotely — and what is needed for that?
💡 What tips can help you avoid losing money and choose a reliable option?
🗣️ What do people who have already bought property in Georgia say — stories, insights, mistakes
❓ Answers to frequently asked questions
🌍 Who can buy real estate in Georgia — and are there any restrictions for foreigners?
In Georgia, one of the simplest and most transparent real estate purchasing regimes is available for foreigners.
Here’s what you need to know from the very beginning 👇
- ✅ Who can buy:
Citizens of any country, even without a residence permit and without registering a business. - Individuals and legal entities.
- You can register the property in your own name, in a relative’s name, or via power of attorney.
- 🚫 Restrictions:
You cannot purchase agricultural land if you are a non-resident. - You cannot buy properties in special-purpose zones if they are subject to restrictions (rare, but possible).
💡 The Council:
A foreigner's rights to real estate are equal to those of a Georgian citizen - the law is the same for everyone. The main thing is to check the object and not fall for the myths about "you can't buy without a residence permit" and "everything will be taken away"
🏘️ What types of properties are available?
Before making a purchase, it is important to understand that there are several main types of real estate in Georgia, and they differ not only in appearance but also in their legal status.
| Property Type | Description | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🏢 Apartment | Residential property with full legal status. Suitable for living, registration, and obtaining a residence permit. | ✅ Easy registration ✅ Utilities connected ⚠️ Sometimes confused with apartments (aparthotels) |
| 🏨 Aparthotel / Serviced Apartment | Commercial property type. Often located in resort areas. Convenient for rental, but not always suitable for residence permits. | ✅ Good for rental income ❌ Not always eligible for residence permit ⚠️ Higher utility costs |
| 🏠 Private House / Townhouse | Property on land with a private entrance. Ideal for family living. Land status must be checked. | ✅ More space, privacy ⚠️ Permit verification required |
| 🌿 Land Plot | Land for construction. Foreigners cannot purchase agricultural land. Construction permit is required. | ❌ Agricultural land cannot be purchased ⚠️ Construction permit required |
📝 How the deal goes through: step by step, simple and clear
📝 Buying a property in Georgia is not difficult, especially if you know the steps to follow. The transaction is quick, without bureaucracy, and most often takes only 1-3 days. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to get started and how to complete the process correctly 👇
Step-by-step process of buying real estate in Georgia
- Choose a property: apartment, house, or land plot
- Check the legal status and documents (via the public registry)
- Sign a preliminary agreement (optional)
- Execute the sale and purchase agreement with a notary
- Make the payment — via bank transfer or cash (with receipt)
- Register the transaction at the House of Justice
- Receive an extract from the public registry — you are the owner!
💰 How much does housing cost in different regions, and what are the hidden costs?
💰 Housing prices in Georgia are affordable compared to Europe, but it depends on the city, the type of property, and your expectations.
| 📍 City / Region | 📐 Price per 1 m² | 🛏️ 1-bedroom apt. | 🛋️ 2-bedroom apt. | 🏡 Private house |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏙️ Tbilisi | ≈ 2,500–4,500 GEL | ≈ 90,000 GEL | ≈ 135,000 GEL | from 250,000 GEL |
| 🌊 Batumi | ≈ 2,000–3,500 GEL | ≈ 75,000 GEL | ≈ 115,000 GEL | from 200,000 GEL |
| 🏞️ Kutaisi | ≈ 1,300–2,200 GEL | ≈ 50,000 GEL | ≈ 80,000 GEL | from 160,000 GEL |
| 🌴 Adjara | ≈ 1,800–3,200 GEL | ≈ 70,000 GEL | ≈ 110,000 GEL | from 190,000 GEL |
| 🌾 Guria | ≈ 1,000–1,800 GEL | ≈ 40,000 GEL | ≈ 65,000 GEL | from 120,000 GEL |
| 🏛️ Imereti | ≈ 1,200–2,000 GEL | ≈ 45,000 GEL | ≈ 75,000 GEL | from 140,000 GEL |
| 🍇 Kakheti | ≈ 1,000–1,700 GEL | ≈ 40,000 GEL | ≈ 60,000 GEL | from 110,000 GEL |
| 🏔️ Mtskheta-Mtianeti | ≈ 1,500–2,500 GEL | ≈ 60,000 GEL | ≈ 90,000 GEL | from 160,000 GEL |
| 🏕️ Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti | ≈ 1,000–1,800 GEL | ≈ 40,000 GEL | ≈ 65,000 GEL | from 120,000 GEL |
| ⛰️ Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti | ≈ 1,200–2,000 GEL | ≈ 45,000 GEL | ≈ 70,000 GEL | from 130,000 GEL |
| 🔥 Samtskhe-Javakheti | ≈ 900–1,600 GEL | ≈ 35,000 GEL | ≈ 55,000 GEL | from 100,000 GEL |
| 🏡 Kvemo Kartli | ≈ 1,200–2,000 GEL | ≈ 45,000 GEL | ≈ 70,000 GEL | from 125,000 GEL |
| 🌿 Shida Kartli | ≈ 1,000–1,700 GEL | ≈ 40,000 GEL | ≈ 60,000 GEL | from 110,000 GEL |
🧾 Hidden costs are a frequent companion of a deal
The price of a property is only the tip of the iceberg. After the purchase, there may be additional expenses, such as taxes, notary fees, repairs, furniture, and more. It's better to be aware of these costs in advance to avoid any surprises. 💰
📊 What taxes do the buyer and the landlord pay?
💼 Buying or renting a property in Georgia involves not only the paperwork, but also taxes.
It is important to understand which taxes apply, who pays them, and what steps should be taken to avoid breaking the law and receiving fines. 💸
| 📌 Tax / Expense | 🏠 Buyer | 💼 Landlord |
|---|---|---|
| 🧾 Property purchase tax | ❌ None | — |
| 📈 Rental income tax | — | 5% of income (for individuals) |
| 📊 Personal income tax | — | up to 20% (if income is not declared) |
| 📋 Ownership registration | 50 GEL (standard) or 200 GEL (express) | — |
| 💼 Notary services | 100–300 GEL (optional, during transaction) | — |
| 🌐 Income declaration | — | Mandatory for tax authorities |
🚫 What are the potential pitfalls of buying a car, and how can they be avoided?
Even if the deal looks simple, it's not always that straightforward. Here are some of the common pitfalls that buyers, especially foreigners, often encounter:
📋 Checklist: what to verify before purchasing a property
- The property is registered in the public registry
- No outstanding utility debts
- The owner is legitimate and there are no co-owners
- The land designation matches the purpose of purchase
- No arrests, restrictions, or liens are imposed
- Technical passport and up-to-date plans are available
- No unauthorized extensions or alterations
- All documents are translated and notarized
- The contract is prepared in two languages and notarized
💡 Editorial advice:
Don't be lazy to check everything yourself, even if the transaction is accompanied by an agent. It's better to spend a couple of days studying the documents than months later dealing with disputes. If you have doubts, consult a lawyer who is familiar with Georgian legislation. 🧾✅
📌 Does buying real estate give you a residence permit, and how much money do you need to buy?
🔹 Yes, purchasing real estate in Georgia can be a basis for obtaining a residence permit (type of residence).
🔹 To do this, you need to purchase an object for the amount of 100.000 US dollars (or equivalent in lari).
🔹 The residence permit is issued temporarily - usually for 1 year, with the possibility of renewal.
🔹 It will also require an assessment of the property, confirmation of ownership and registration in a special registry.
📑 Is it possible to do everything remotely, and what do I need to do?
🌐 Buying real estate remotely — step by step
👤 When personal presence is required
📌 Listen to other people's experiences to avoid making your own mistakes.
⚠️ Attention: Prices, purchase conditions, and requirements may change over time. All data in this article is collected from open sources and is current at the time of publication. Please make sure to check with sellers, agencies, or official resources for the latest information before making a decision. We strive to provide only verified information, but it is always better to double-check. 😉
💡 Editorial advice:
Buying a property is an important step, especially when it's done abroad. Take your time, compare options, and consult with those who have already been through this process. Sometimes, asking the right questions can save you from making costly mistakes. It's better to spend more time researching than to regret a hasty decision later on.
Answers to frequently asked questions
✅ Yes, foreigners have the right to buy real estate in Georgia on the same terms as citizens.
🚫The exception is agricultural land (they cannot be bought without citizenship or a legal entity).
🙅♂️ No, a residence permit is not required to purchase a residence permit.
📌 On the contrary, purchasing real estate for a certain amount can entitle you to a residence permit.
📎 Minimum costs: state duty (from 50 GEL), notary services (from 100 GEL), translation of documents.
⚖️ You may also need the help of a lawyer or a real estate agent.
📲 Yes, if you get a power of attorney from a notary.
👤 In this case, your representative in Georgia can handle the transaction.
🚫 There is no purchase tax.
🏠 If you rent out your property, you will pay 5% or 20%, depending on your tax regime.
📉 Tbilisi — from $900 to $1500 per m²
🌊 Batumi — from $800 per m²
📍 It all depends on the area, the condition of the housing, and the type of house.
🛂 Passport
🆔 TIN (available in 1 day)
📑 Purchase and sale agreement
🖊️ If you buy through a representative, you need a notarized power of attorney
⚡ 1 to 3 business days if all the documents are ready
📆 It takes a maximum of a week to get an TIN and register.
✅ Yes, many developers offer installments of up to 2-3 years.
📄 The main thing is to carefully read the terms of the agreement.
💡 Do not transfer money before signing the contract.
🔍 Check the object in the public registry
📲 Save all correspondence.
🤝 It is better to work through trusted specialists.
🗣️ And now I give you the floor!
Have you already bought a property in Georgia, or are you just planning to? Share your experience, ask questions, and tell us about any difficulties or life hacks you encountered along the way!
💬 We read all the comments and will definitely respond! ❤️
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Интересно узнать, что в Грузии низкая стоимость за квадратный метр делает недвижимость привлекательной для инвестиций, где можно купить квартиру или дом и успешно сдавать его, получая доход - заманчивая идея для финансовых вложений. Важно отметить, что нерезиденты также имеют возможность получать доход от сдачи недвижимости. Благодарность автору за информативное описание налоговых ставок на недвижимость