How to obtain a residence permit in Georgia when buying real estate

Find out how to get a residence permit in Georgia

If you have ever thought about moving to another country or obtaining a second citizenship, then Georgia offers simple conditions for obtaining a residence permit when purchasing real estate.

We suggest that you study what are the features of obtaining a residence permit in Georgia, what you need to know about purchasing real estate for obtaining a residence permit in 2021.

With a residence permit in Georgia, you can:

For residents of many countries, Georgia offers one of the most favorable conditions for obtaining a residence permit. Moreover, the application process is simple and quick, which attracts investors.

• freely leave and enter Georgia;
• use a Schengen visa after 6 years;
• get Georgian citizenship after 10 years;
• do business without additional taxation;
• invite guests to Georgia;
• work or study without regular border crossing;
• get a loan or credit from a bank on more favorable terms;
• use public services

Types of residence permit in Georgia

As of 2021, there are 10 programs available in Georgia for obtaining a residence permit. These programs include studies, work, family reunification, investment opportunities, short-term, permanent, special, and temporary residence permits, as well as permits for former Georgian citizens and stateless individuals.

Among these programs, we are interested in obtaining a short-term residence permit with a smooth transition to a permanent residence permit after 6 years of stay in the country. This short-term residence permit is available for purchasing real estate.

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How to obtain a residence permit in Georgia by purchasing real estate

You can apply for a residence permit in Georgia by purchasing real estate that is worth more than \$100,000. This can include multiple properties, but they must not be used for agricultural purposes. You can purchase these properties on credit and use them for commercial purposes after completing the necessary paperwork.

All the necessary procedures can be completed within a few days, and some of them can even be done online. In Georgia, obtaining ownership of an apartment is much easier than in many other countries in Europe and around the world. This service is attractive to foreigners due to its simplicity and numerous benefits.

Let's explore the main nuances of buying real estate

What documents are required for purchasing a home?

1. Naturally, this is a non-resident's passport, or a similar identity document. It must be translated into Georgian and notarized.
2. The purchase and sale agreement must be in three copies, with one copy written in the buyer's native language and the other two copies written in Georgian. They must be notarized at the House of Justice.
3. Payment of the state fee. The amount depends on the urgency of the registration, ranging from 50 to 200 lari. The faster the registration, the higher the fee. The procedure takes a maximum of 4 days.

Where should I carry the documents for registration of real estate?

All real estate transactions in Georgia are conducted in the Public Registry, but they can also be conducted in banks, real estate agencies, and notary offices. Therefore, choose the nearest location and register your property.

Georgia is one of the most attractive countries in terms of the simplicity of this procedure. There are no problems, unnecessary paperwork, or bureaucratic red tape.

Once the transaction is completed, you will receive an internationally recognized certificate of ownership. You can print this certificate from the registry website, and it does not require any legal certification.

Differences in the design of new buildings and secondary housing in Georgia

A foreign resident can buy any type of real estate, except for agricultural properties. When purchasing a second-hand property, there are no additional requirements beyond those mentioned above.

When purchasing a property that has not yet been built, it is important to consider the need for pre-registration of the property rights and the signing of a preliminary sales contract.

There are no significant challenges in the process, but it may involve waiting for the property to be completed. Once the property is ready, the owner can obtain the necessary ownership documents by signing the main sales contract.

One advantage of purchasing a property under construction is the availability of interest-free mortgages from banks. For example, if you are approved for a loan for a second-hand home, the interest rate will be around 8-10% with a down payment of up to 50%, while for new buildings, the interest rate will be 0% with a down payment of up to 30%.

How to get a residence permit after buying a property

So, you have registered the purchased property as your own. Now you can proceed with the procedure of obtaining a short-term residence permit in Georgia.

Before applying, make sure that you are legally residing in the country and that you have more than 40 days left before your stay expires. Otherwise, you will not be eligible for a residence permit.

Please note that a foreign citizen is eligible for a residence permit if they own a property worth at least \$100,000. In 2019, this threshold was \$35,000. Moreover, this amount can be used to purchase any property, both in the primary and secondary markets. The government does not specify whether the amount must be for a single property or the total value of multiple properties.

The key requirement is the professional appraisal report from a certified Ministry of Justice appraiser, which must confirm the market value of the property. There is no restriction on renting out the property for long-term or short-term rentals. One advantage of obtaining a residence permit through this method is that the application can be submitted within 10 years of the property purchase agreement.

Any adult citizen has the right to apply for a residence permit after purchasing real estate in Georgia. In addition, the investor's spouse, children, parents, and siblings also have the right to obtain a residence permit.

What documents are required to apply for a residence permit?

The list of required documents for obtaining a residence permit after purchasing real estate is slightly different from the documents required for purchasing the property:

1. Foreign passport (or other identification document), and its copy with a translation into Georgian and notarization;
2. Real estate purchase and sale contract in Georgian;
3. Payment of the state fee. For a temporary residence permit for 1 year, depending on the urgency, the amount varies from 210 to 410 lari. For permanent (after 6 years) from 180 to 300 lari;
4. Document confirming the crossing of the border;
5. Extract from the Public Register;
6. The conclusion on the assessment of real estate is the result of the work of an accredited appraiser;
7. Questionnaire. It is filled out in the House of Justice;
8. Photo. Standard passport photo 3 by 4;
9. Mortgage contract – if there is one.

When applying for a residence permit for the owner's relatives, the following documents must be added:

1. Notarized copies of each family member's foreign passports with a translation into Georgian;
2. Copies of documents confirming their legal crossing of the border;
3. Documents confirming their relationship with the property owner;
4. Photos of each family member

What services can I order online?

You can apply for a Georgian residence permit online on the website of the Ministry of Justice by uploading scans of all the necessary documents. However, you must submit all the original documents within 10 days of submitting your application, or you will be denied a residence permit.

Expenses for the purchase of real estate

In addition to the main cost of the property, which must exceed 100,000 USD, there are additional expenses. These include the services of a translator, lawyer, notary, and fees.

For example, here is the average cost of additional services and their necessity:

• A lawyer charges between 600 and 3,000 lari for their services. They are needed at the initial stage to choose a reputable seller, to draw up a purchase and sale agreement, and to conduct the transaction;
• A notary charges between 50 and 500 lari. They are needed to certify copies of documents and to issue power of attorney, if necessary;
• A translator charges 10 lari per page for translation and between 30 and 50 lari for negotiating during the transaction;
• Realtor – if you use one, be prepared to pay from 3 to 10% of the property value. The amount depends on the region.
• Appraiser – 300 GEL;
• Drawing up a preliminary contract (in the case of purchasing unfinished housing) – 50 GEL;
• Registration of the purchase and sale agreement – 205 GEL;
• Registration of ownership – from 50 to 200 GEL. As mentioned above, it depends on the urgency;
• Registration of a residence permit – from 210 to 410 GEL. Again, it depends on the urgency;
• Translation of the mortgage contract and its notarization (in case of mortgage registration) – from 350 to 450 GEL.

What to do after completing transactions

When all the documents are completed, the apartment is in the ownership, and you have submitted an application for a residence permit in Georgia, all that remains is to obtain a temporary identity card as a Georgian citizen – binadrobu. This must be done within 10 days after obtaining the permit. Violation of the terms will result in a fine.

Also, be sure to inform the Ministry of Internal Affairs of your country about this. This is given 60 days.

In the future, do not forget to pay the tax and register at the place of residence in Georgia.

If you have been refused a residence permit, do not despair, carefully study the reasons for the refusal. It may be due to the provision of an incomplete set of documents. Fix all the errors and try again. The application can be submitted an unlimited number of times.

Buy a house in Georgia, apply for a residence permit, get citizenship and change your life for the better!

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