How to Obtain Residence Through Real Estate Investment in Georgia

How to obtain residence through real estate investment in Georgia — practical guide 🏠

Buying property in Georgia is a common route for people who want both an investment and the possibility of residence. Important: purchasing real estate does not automatically guarantee a residence permit. However, a clear plan, legal checks and the right documents make the process predictable and manageable.

1. What types of permits relate to investment?

• There are temporary residence permits that can be associated with investment or property ownership under specific conditions.
• Residence obtained through investment is usually temporary; it is not the same as citizenship.

2. Market research and choosing location 🔍

• Define your goal: personal use, rental income, capital growth.
• Compare regions: Batumi and coastal areas tend to be good for short-term rentals; Tbilisi is strong for year-round demand.
• Consider infrastructure: transport links, services, property management options.

3. Legal due diligence — don’t skip this ✅

• Confirm the seller’s title, check for liens, mortgages or other encumbrances.
• Obtain cadastral extracts and official registry checks.
• Verify building permits and completion certificates for new developments.
• Use a qualified local lawyer and notarize key documents.

4. Financial and tax considerations 💼

• Open a Georgian bank account for the transaction and to handle rental income.
• Learn about tax obligations on rental income and property.
• Consider using escrow or a notary deposit for safer payments.

5. Typical process to apply for residence

1. Complete the property purchase and register ownership.
2. Prepare documents: passport, proof of ownership, proof of funds, criminal record checks if required, translations and notarization.
3. Submit application to the relevant migration authority.
4. Wait for the decision — processing times vary.

Note: Requirements may change. Always confirm up-to-date rules with migration authorities or with a lawyer.

6. Practical investment strategies and examples

• Example A: Buy a seafront apartment in Batumi, use short-term rental platforms, and apply for residency based on documented investment and management plan.
• Example B: Invest in a commercial unit in central Tbilisi for stable long-term lease contracts.
• Budget for legal fees, translation costs, and any renovation work before you expect returns.

7. Risks and how to reduce them ⚠️

• Expectation risk: residence isn’t automatic; have alternative plans.
• Legal risk: do a full title search and verify seller identity.
• Market risk: consider seasonality for rentals and diversification.

8. When to seek professional help?

• Engage a real estate agent and lawyer at the selection and contract stages.
• For the residence application, local legal expertise greatly speeds up the process and reduces errors.

If you’re ready to explore properties and build a plan for obtaining residence through investment, we can help: search listings and start your journey at https://buyhome.ge/en/search. Contact our team for personalized assistance — we’ll guide you through search, legal checks and the application process.