Residence permit in Georgia through property purchase: step-by-step guide

Quick outline

• Who can consider residency through property purchase in Georgia ✅
• Documents and preparation before searching 🗂️
• How to choose location and property type 🏙️🏖️
• Due diligence and legal checks 🔎
• Signing the contract and registering ownership 📑
• Applying for a residence permit — common requirements 🛂
• Taxes, costs and ongoing expenses 💸
• Practical tips and common pitfalls ⚠️

Introduction

Buying real estate in Georgia is a practical way to invest and potentially obtain a residence status. This guide covers the main stages: preparation, property selection, legal checks, registration, and applying for residency. If you would like to start searching right away, check our listings: https://buyhome.ge/en/search or read available apartments at https://buyhome.ge/en

Who may be eligible?

Generally, owning property in Georgia can support an application for residence, depending on the type and value of the investment and current migration rules. Eligibility rules evolve, so consult a migration lawyer or an agent to confirm your case.

Prepare before you search

• Have your passport and certified translations ready.
• Define your goal: permanent residency, investment income, or seasonal use.
• Budget for purchase price, taxes, notary and legal fees, residency application costs, and property maintenance.

Choosing property: location and type

• Coastal cities like Batumi attract tourists and short-term renters; Tbilisi suits long-term rentals and business needs. Regional towns may offer quieter lifestyle and lower prices.
• Consider new developments vs. secondary market, rental potential, access to services, and transport links.

Due diligence and legal checks

• Verify ownership documents, survey the registry, and ensure there are no encumbrances or undisclosed debts.
• Order an extract from the public registry and check cadastral records if needed.
• Use a trusted lawyer and a notary to prepare watertight contracts and manage registration.

Contract and registration

• The sale agreement should clearly state property details, price, payment terms, and conditions for handover.
• Register the ownership with the public registry; notarization is usually required.
• Keep originals for residency application and future transactions.

Applying for a residence permit

• Documents commonly requested: passport, proof of ownership, sale contract, registry extract, evidence of funds, and sometimes health insurance.
• Processing times vary. Expect possible requests for extra documentation.
• Professional legal support reduces delays and helps prepare a complete application package.

Taxes and ongoing costs

• After purchase, account for annual property taxes, utilities, and management costs. Check local rates with an accountant or agent.
• For investors, plan for maintenance, renovation, and potential vacancy periods when calculating returns.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Buying without a full legal check of the property.
• Accepting an incomplete contract with unclear seller obligations.
• Underestimating recurring costs and residency application requirements.

Practical recommendations

• Start with a consultation: set objectives and budget.
• Use full-service support: search, legal due diligence, contract drafting, registration and residency counseling.
• Evaluate several properties and create a realistic plan for rental or long-term use.

Conclusion and next steps

Property purchase in Georgia can be a sound route to residency and an attractive investment, but each situation is unique. We can help verify properties, prepare documents and guide you through the registration and residency application.

If you want to begin searching or request a legal consultation, contact us at https://buyhome.ge/en or start browsing properties at https://buyhome.ge/en/search. Our team will gladly assist you in choosing the right property and ensuring a safe purchase. 🏡