1. Check what you are allowed to buy
Foreign citizens and companies can generally acquire apartments, houses, commercial premises and non-agricultural land in Georgia on the same basis as local buyers. The key exception is agricultural land: as a general rule, its ownership by foreign citizens, foreign entities and companies with foreign ownership is restricted by law, with only limited exceptions.
The category of a land plot is shown in the Public Registry. If you are buying a house with a garden or a plot outside a city, always confirm the land category before you agree on the deal.
2. Get an up-to-date Public Registry extract
Ownership of real estate in Georgia is registered with the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR). Before paying anything, obtain a current extract for the property and check:
- that the seller is the registered owner (or that all co-owners take part in the sale);
- the cadastral code, area and address, and that they match the actual property;
- whether the property is registered as a single unit or as part of a larger plot or building.
If the seller acts through a representative, ask to see the power of attorney and check that it covers the sale.
3. Look for encumbrances
The extract also shows registered encumbrances. The most common ones are:
- mortgages (the property secures a loan, often a bank loan);
- seizures or prohibitions imposed by a court or an enforcement authority;
- leases or other rights granted to third parties.
An encumbrance does not always make a purchase impossible. A mortgage, for example, can be released at closing, but the procedure has to be agreed in advance and reflected in the contract.
4. Check the building itself
For houses and apartments, make sure the building was constructed with a valid permit and in line with the approved design. Unpermitted floors, extensions or changes may cause problems with registration, resale or mortgage financing later. Where relevant, we also check whether the property is properly registered as residential or commercial.
5. Buying off-plan
Buying in a building under construction is popular in Tbilisi and Batumi, but it carries additional risks. Before signing, we recommend checking:
- the developer and its track record;
- who owns the land and whether it is mortgaged;
- the building permit and the approved architectural design;
- the contract terms: completion and handover dates, payment schedule, specification of the unit, the developer’s liability for delay, and how your ownership will be registered.
Read more about our construction and real estate services.
6. Buying remotely with a power of attorney
You do not have to travel to Georgia to complete a purchase. A trusted representative, such as your lawyer, can act for you under a power of attorney. A power of attorney issued abroad usually needs to be notarised, apostilled or legalised (depending on the country), and accompanied by a certified Georgian translation. Make sure the document clearly states which actions the representative may take: signing the contract, paying, and applying for registration.
7. Signing, payment and registration
Ownership passes once the purchase is registered with the Public Registry. The contract is usually prepared in Georgian; for foreign buyers we often prepare bilingual contracts so that both sides understand the terms equally. We recommend paying by bank transfer, so that every payment is documented, and linking payment to registration wherever possible.
How we can help
LCG LEGAL advises foreign individuals and companies on real estate in Georgia. We can:
- review the Public Registry extract and the property documents;
- check encumbrances, permits and the building’s legal status;
- review or draft the purchase contract, including bilingual versions;
- represent you under a power of attorney and handle registration.
If you are also planning to live in Georgia, see our immigration services.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy property in Georgia?
Yes. Foreign citizens and foreign companies can generally buy apartments, houses, commercial property and non-agricultural land in Georgia. The main exception concerns agricultural land, which is subject to special restrictions.
Can a foreigner buy agricultural land in Georgia?
As a general rule, no. Ownership of agricultural land by foreign citizens, foreign entities and companies with foreign ownership is restricted by law, with limited exceptions. Before buying any plot, check its category in the Public Registry and ask a lawyer to confirm whether the restrictions apply.
Do I need to be in Georgia to buy property?
Not necessarily. You can authorise a representative to act on your behalf under a power of attorney. A power of attorney issued abroad usually needs to be notarised, apostilled or legalised, and translated into Georgian.
How do I check who owns a property?
Request an up-to-date extract from the National Agency of Public Registry. It shows the registered owner, the cadastral data and any registered encumbrances, such as a mortgage or a seizure.
Is it safe to buy an apartment off-plan?
It can be, but it carries more risk than buying a finished property. Check the developer, the land title, the building permit and the approved design, and make sure the contract clearly sets out the completion terms, payment schedule and the developer’s liability.
Can buying property help me obtain a residence permit?
In some cases property ownership can be relevant to a residence permit application, subject to the conditions set by law. We can advise on the requirements as part of our immigration services.
Contact us
Planning to buy property in Georgia? Call +995 577 404 750, email info@lcglegal.ge or request a consultation. Meetings by appointment — 25 Al. Kazbegi Ave., Tbilisi. Consultations are also available online by video call.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Laws and practice may change; please contact us for advice on your specific situation.