Buying real estate in Batumi as a foreigner: a step-by-step guide for 2025

Rights of Foreigners to Real Estate in Georgia

What You Can Buy Without Restrictions

Full ownership rights for:

• Apartments and flats in multi-apartment buildings
  
  

• Commercial real estate (offices, shops, warehouses)
  
  

• Non-residential premises of any purpose
  
  

• Parking spaces in underground garages
  
  

Number of properties: no restrictions
Property size: no restrictions
Transaction value: no restrictions
Ownership term: unlimited

Restrictions for Foreigners

You cannot buy:

• Land plots (except for residents)
  
  

• Private houses with land plots
  
  

• Agricultural land
  
  

• Land in border areas
  
  

Exceptions:

• Obtaining resident status removes all restrictions
  
  

• Purchase through a Georgian company (100% foreign ownership is allowed)
  
  

• Inheriting land from Georgian citizens
  
  

Required Documents

Basic Document Package

For individuals:

• International passport (valid, remaining validity > 6 months)
  
  

• Notarized translation of the passport into Georgian
  
  

• Marital status certificate (if purchasing while married)
  
  

• Spouse’s consent to the purchase (notarized)
  
  

Additional documents:

• Income certificate (for a mortgage)
  
  

• Certificate of no criminal record (in certain cases)
  
  

• Medical certificate (for residency)
  
  

Document Legalization

For countries that are parties to the Hague Convention:

• Apostille on documents in the country of issuance
  
  

• Notarized translation into Georgian in Georgia
  
  

For other countries:

• Consular legalization at the Embassy/Consulate of Georgia
  
  

• Notarized translation with legalization
  
  

Legalization timelines:

• Apostille: 3–10 days in the country of issuance
  
  

• Consular legalization: 10–30 days
  
  

• Translations in Batumi: 1–3 days
  
  

Visa Regime and Entry

Visa-Free Entry

Russia: 360 days per year visa-free
Ukraine: 365 days per year visa-free
EU: 365 days per year visa-free
USA: 365 days per year visa-free

Entry Requirements

Must have with you:

• Valid international passport
  
  

• Return ticket or ticket to a third country
  
  

• Proof of financial means ($200–500 in cash)
  
  

• Health insurance (recommended)
  
  

Passport stamps:

• Entry stamp is mandatory
  
  

• Exit stamp when leaving the country
  
  

• Overstay penalty: 10–200 GEL
  
  

Step-by-Step Purchase Procedure

Stage 1: Preparation and Search (1–4 weeks)

Actions in your country of residence:

1. Obtain an apostille for documents
   
   

2. Notarize translations (if required)
   
   

3. Arrange health insurance
   
   

4. Book accommodation in Batumi
   
   

Remote actions:

1. Research the market via online platforms
   
   

2. Contact realtors and developers
   
   

3. Pre-select properties
   
   

4. Consult with lawyers
   
   

Stage 2: Arrival and Viewings (1–2 weeks)

First days in Batumi:

1. Legalize document translations
   
   

2. Open a bank account (optional)
   
   

3. Meet with realtors
   
   

4. View the pre-selected properties
   
   

Choosing a property:

1. Detailed viewing of 3–5 finalists
   
   

2. Document check for each property
   
   

3. Negotiate price and terms
   
   

4. Make the final decision
   
   

Stage 3: Legal Due Diligence (3–7 days)

Mandatory checks:

1. Up-to-date extract from the Real Estate Registry
   
   

2. Technical documentation of the property
   
   

3. Seller’s legal capacity/authority
   
   

4. No encumbrances or debts
   
   

Hiring specialists:

• Independent lawyer: $300–500
  
  

• Technical inspection: $100–200
  
  

• Valuation: $150–300
  
  

Stage 4: Closing the Deal (1–3 days)

Preliminary agreement:

• Fix all deal terms in writing
  
  

• Pay a deposit (usually 5–10%)
  
  

• Set the timeline for the main contract
  
  

• Allocate costs between the parties
  
  

Main transaction:

• Sign the sale and purchase agreement with a notary
  
  

• Full settlement with the seller
  
  

• Receive documents for registration
  
  

• Submit documents for state registration
  
  

Stage 5: Obtaining Title (5–10 days)

State registration:

• Submit documents at the Public Service Hall
  
  

• Pay the state fee (50 GEL)
  
  

• Wait for registration (5 days standard, 1 day expedited)
  
  

• Receive the title extract confirming ownership
  
  

Financial Aspects

Ways to Pay for Real Estate

Cash:

• US dollars — most preferred
  
  

• Euros — accepted by most sellers
  
  

• GEL — for smaller amounts
  
  

• Import limit: up to $30,000 without declaration
  
  

Bank transfers:

• SWIFT transfers from abroad
  
  

• Fee: 0.1–0.5% of the amount
  
  

• Transfer time: 1–3 business days
  
  

• Foreign exchange rules: liberal
  
  

Banking Services for Foreigners

Top banks for non-residents:

TBC Bank:

• Account opening: from $100
  
  

• Maintenance: $5–15 per month
  
  

• Currencies: GEL, USD, EUR
  
  

• Online banking in English
  
  

Bank of Georgia:

• Account opening: from $200
  
  

• Maintenance: $10–20 per month
  
  

• Premium services for high-net-worth clients
  
  

• International Visa/Mastercard cards
  
  

Liberty Bank:

• More flexible terms for non-residents
  
  

• Account opening: from $50
  
  

• Special programs for investors
  
  

Taxation for Foreigners

Purchase tax:

• Properties up to $200,000: no tax
  
  

• Properties above $200,000: 4% on the excess
  
  

• Benefits: same as for residents
  
  

Sale tax:

• Ownership less than 2 years: 20% on profit
  
  

• Ownership more than 2 years: no tax
  
  

• Primary residence: always tax-free
  
  

Rental income tax:

• Small business status: 1% of turnover (up to $11,000/year)
  
  

• Standard taxation: 20% on profit
  
  

Country-Specific Notes

For Russian Citizens

Advantages:

• 360 days of visa-free stay
  
  

• Widespread use of the Russian language
  
  

• Large Russian-speaking community
  
  

• Direct flights year-round
  
  

Specific considerations:

• Restrictions on banking operations (sanctions)
  
  

• Issues with international cards
  
  

• Need to use alternative payment systems
  
  

For EU Citizens

Advantages:

• 365 days visa-free
  
  

• European-standard banking services
  
  

• Tax benefits (double taxation treaties)
  
  

• Ease of currency operations
  
  

For U.S. Citizens

Advantages:

• 365 days visa-free
  
  

• USD transactions without conversion
  
  

• Developed infrastructure for Americans
  
  

• Tax treaties
  
  

Specific considerations:

• Mandatory reporting of foreign income in the U.S.
  
  

• FATCA requirements for banks
  
  

• Double taxation (with possible credits)
  
  

Obtaining Resident Status

Benefits of Residency

Additional rights:

• Buying land plots
  
  

• Tax benefits on the first purchase
  
  

• More favorable mortgage terms
  
  

• Eligibility for citizenship after 5 years
  
  

Ways to Obtain Residency

Investment program:

• Buying real estate from $35,000
  
  

• Or investing in a business from $50,000
  
  

• Processing time: 30–60 days
  
  

• Status: temporary residency for 1 year with renewal
  
  

Employment:

• Official employment in a Georgian company
  
  

• Salary of at least 1,000 GEL per month
  
  

• Temporary residency for the term of the contract
  
  

Study:

• Enrollment in an accredited university
  
  

• Student residency for the duration of studies
  
  

• Possibility of extension after graduation
  
  

Practical Tips

Choosing Professional Services

Legal support:

• Essential for a first purchase
  
  

• Cost: $500–1,000 per transaction
  
  

• Choose lawyers experienced with foreign clients
  
  

Realtor services:

• Commission: 2–4% of the property price
  
  

• Check licenses and reputation
  
  

• Prefer agencies with international experience
  
  

Common Mistakes Foreigners Make

Paperwork:

• Incorrectly prepared translations
  
  

• Expired legalization time limits
  
  

• Incomplete document package
  
  

Financial operations:

• Violating foreign exchange rules
  
  

• Not accounting for bank fees
  
  

• Poor tax planning
  
  

Property selection:

• Buying without a physical viewing
  
  

• Ignoring climate specifics
  
  

• Not considering the specifics of the local rental market
  
  

Post-Purchase Support

Property Management

Remote management:

• Property management companies: 8–25% of income
  
  

• Remote monitoring systems
  
  

• Regular reports on the property’s condition
  
  

Tax support:

• Keeping records of income and expenses
  
  

• Filing declarations
  
  

• Tax optimization
  
  

Integration into the Local Community

Foreign communities:

• Russian-speaking community: the largest
  
  

• European expat groups
  
  

• American business clubs
  
  

Useful resources:

• Social media groups
  
  

• Property owner forums
  
  

• Local Georgian language courses
  
  

Conclusion

Buying property in Batumi as a foreigner is a relatively straightforward procedure thanks to Georgia’s liberal legislation and well-developed infrastructure for international investors.

Key advantages for foreigners:

• Almost equal property rights with local residents
  
  

• Simple transaction procedure
  
  

• Low taxes and many benefits
  
  

• No currency restrictions
  
  

Success formula:
Correct documents + Professional support + Knowledge of local specifics = Successful purchase

Recommended budget for a first purchase:

• Property price: from $30,000
  
  

• Additional costs: $3,000–5,000
  
  

• Reserve for the first months: $2,000–3,000
  
  

• Total: at least $35,000–40,000
  
  

If you follow all formalities and work with professionals, buying property in Batumi can become not only a profitable investment, but also the first step toward a new quality of life.

Article prepared by: international real estate consultants
Legal framework: current as of September 2025
Consultations: personal legal support is recommended