How to Legalize Documents in Georgia

Introduction

Planning to buy property, register a marriage, or apply for residence in Georgia? 📄 Foreign documents must be properly legalized to be legally accepted. This guide explains practical steps for investors, homebuyers and people moving to Georgia.

Quick checklist (main steps) ✅

• Identify the purpose of the document (property registration, marriage, work, residence).
• Confirm the specific requirement of the Georgian authority receiving the document.
• Legalize the original document in the issuing country (notary, apostille or consular legalization).
• Translate the document into Georgian with a certified translator and notarize the translation.
• Submit documents to the appropriate Georgian registry or agency.
• Keep copies and consider professional legal help for complex cases.

Common documents that require legalization 📝

• Birth and marriage certificates
• Property deeds and sales contracts
• Diplomas and education records
• Police clearance or criminal record certificates
• Powers of attorney and corporate documents

When buying real estate, ensure the original title documents are legalized and translated.

Apostille vs Consular Legalization vs Notary — what's the difference?

• Apostille is a simpler international certification for countries that joined the Hague Convention.
• Consular legalization is used when the issuing country and the destination country are not part of the convention; it usually involves the foreign consulate.
• Notary certification confirms signatures or powers of attorney and often precedes apostille or consular legalization.

Sequence: legalize in the issuing country first, then translate and notarize translations in Georgia.

Translation and notarization in Georgia 🇬🇪

Documents legalized abroad must be translated into Georgian. Use a sworn (certified) translator recognized by Georgian authorities, and notarize the translation locally. Keep originals, apostilles and notarized translations together when submitting.

Where to submit documents

• National Agency of Public Registry — property registrations and ownership matters.
• Migration service / Ministry of Internal Affairs — residence and immigration issues.
• Municipal civil registry offices — birth/marriage records.

Always check the specific office requirements before starting the process.

Typical problems and how to avoid them ⚠️

• Wrong legalization method (apostille needed but consular legalization done).
• Non-certified translation rejected by authorities.
• Typos or mismatched data causing delays or refusals.

Tip: double-check all names and dates before getting documents certified.

Practical steps for a property buyer

1. Ask your agent which documents are required for the transaction and registration.
2. Obtain apostilled originals of deeds/contracts in the issuing country.
3. Translate and notarize translations in Georgia.
4. Submit the full package to the National Agency of Public Registry.

If you use a power of attorney, expect notarization and apostille requirements.

Timeframe and professional help

Processing times vary by country and type of legalization and can range from a few days to several weeks. Working with a lawyer or agent reduces risk and speeds up registration processes, especially for real estate.

Practical advice from BuyHome 🧭

• Prepare a checklist early and verify requirements with the receiving Georgian office.
• Use certified translators and local notaries in Georgia.
• Keep originals, apostilles and translated notarized copies together for submission.
• For property matters, rely on a trusted agent to verify the document set.

If you need help legalizing documents for buying property or residency in Georgia, our team can guide you through each stage. Contact BuyHome to get personal assistance: https://buyhome.ge/en.