Foreign Funds for Down Payment: How to Prove Source of Funds to the Bank

Money from abroad for property: how to prove source of funds to the bank 🇬🇪

Transferring money from another country to pay for property in Georgia? Banks will ask you to prove the source of funds as part of anti‑money‑laundering controls. This guide explains the documents banks typically request, practical steps to prepare, and examples for common situations.

Why banks ask for proof 🧐

Banks must verify that funds are legitimate, traceable and consistent with the client’s profile. Clear documentation speeds up the process and reduces the chance of delays or holds on transfers.

Typical documents banks may request 📁

• Bank statements from sender and recipient accounts showing transaction history.
• Documents proving origin: sale contracts, employment contracts and salary slips, tax returns, inheritance papers, loan agreements or gift deeds.
• SWIFT confirmation (e.g., MT103) and payment receipts from the sending bank.
• Notarized or apostilled copies and certified translations into English or Georgian if needed.
• Written explanations or notarized affidavits when funds come from multiple sources or third parties.

How to prepare in advance ✅

1. Contact your Georgian bank or the bank handling the transaction and ask for a specific document list.
2. Gather originals and certified translations where necessary.
3. Request SWIFT/payment confirmations immediately after sending funds.
4. If funds arrive in several tranches, prepare a short schedule and a written explanation.

Common scenarios and examples (no exact sums) 🧾

• Employment income: provide an employment contract, salary statements, and bank account statements.
• Proceeds from sale of property abroad: supply the sale agreement and the bank statement showing the transfer.
• Gift from a relative: present a notarized gift deed and the donor’s bank statement confirming the outflow.
• Inheritance: provide the probate or notarized inheritance documents and proof funds were credited.
• Loan repayments or corporate transfers: include loan agreement and transaction evidence.

If the bank asks for more documentation 🔎

• Stay calm — additional checks are standard.
• Provide detailed written explanations and supporting documents.
• Consider engaging a lawyer or a real‑estate agent: a prepared package often resolves queries faster.

Practical transfer tips for a smooth closing 💡

• Use your own bank account where transaction history is visible. If transferring from someone else’s account, obtain legal proof of the transfer relationship (gift deed, loan agreement, power of attorney).
• Keep originals of SWIFT notices and payment orders — these prove the payment path.
• Send transfers through official banking channels and include a clear payment purpose such as “property purchase.”
• When transferring in parts, provide a timeline and justification to the bank in writing.

Common mistakes to avoid ❗

• Using informal channels or cash intermediaries.
• Ignoring bank requests, which can lead to transfer blocks and delays.
• Providing incomplete or inconsistent information without supporting documents.

When to involve a lawyer or tax adviser ⚖️

If the origin of funds is complex (multiple countries, large corporate transfers, or mixed sources), consult a legal or tax specialist early. They can prepare notarized documents, assist with translations and ensure compliance with local rules.

Quick checklist before sending funds ✔️

• Confirm the bank’s document list.
• Collect proof of source and SWIFT confirmations.
• Prepare translations and notarizations if required.
• Draft a short explanatory letter if funds come from several places.

Final notes and where we can help 🏠

Proving the origin of funds is a routine but important part of buying property in Georgia. If you’re planning a purchase, we can help gather documents, communicate with the bank, and guide the transfer process. Start your property search or contact us for help: https://buyhome.ge/en/search.

Contact BuyHome — we’ll assist you in preparing the documents and making the transfer smooth and compliant.