How do you get a residence permit in Georgia by buying property?
Short-term and investment permits for property owners.
Short answer
Property gives a right to a short-term residence permit if it is worth over USD 150,000 in GEL equivalent, and to an investment permit if over USD 300,000. Agricultural land does not count, and an accredited assessor sets the value. A short-term permit is issued for one year and extended by one year each time.
Why
- The law has separate types: a short-term permit based on property and an investment permit (Article 15).
- The value threshold is checked against an accredited assessor's valuation, not the price in the contract.
- Agricultural land is excluded from the calculation.
Details
A short-term permit requires ownership of real estate (excluding agricultural land) worth more than USD 150,000 in GEL equivalent, valued by an accredited assessor. A spouse and children can also apply with proof of kinship. As of 10.11.2026, the fee for the short-term permit and for family members under the investment permit is GEL 300 for a 30-day decision, GEL 450 for 20 days and GEL 600 for 10 days.
An investment permit (Article 15 of the law) is issued for an investment of at least USD 300,000 (shown by an auditor's report) or for property worth more than USD 300,000, for up to 5 years. For the investment permit a written reference is also required from a member of the Government or from three citizens authorised to represent a Georgian business, and minimum annual business turnover (USD 50,000 in year one, USD 100,000 in year two, USD 120,000 in years three to five). An unlimited permit is applied for before the five-year term ends, and with property the owner must have held it for all 5 years. How a foreigner buys a flat is in How to buy an apartment in Georgia as a foreigner, and the general permit procedure in How do you get a residence permit in Georgia. A permit through a sole proprietorship is a work permit, see How to open and close an IP in Georgia.
Tip
Before buying, get a valuation from an accredited assessor and ask the Agency which permit fits your amount and property type, since the valuation decides whether you pass the threshold.
What may differ
Value thresholds and conditions have changed over time, and the Agency publishes the current version. Ask the Agency before buying whether the reference and turnover requirements apply to the property route.
Common misconception
Buying any apartment in Georgia automatically entitles you to a residence permit.
What actually happens
A short-term permit requires property (excluding agricultural land) worth more than USD 150,000 equivalent as valued by an accredited assessor, and you file a separate application.
People also ask
- What does buying property in Georgia give you?
- Can I get a Georgian residence permit as a sole proprietor?
Sources
This answer is for reference only and is not legal advice. Fees and rules change, so check official websites.
Residence permit in Georgia: types, documents and deadlinesRelated questions
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