Georgia Property FAQ — Buying, Living & Relocating
Comprehensive answers to the most important questions about buying property and living in Georgia as a UK or European national.
Covering ownership rights, the buying process, visas, taxes, and practical day-to-day life in Tbilisi.
Ownership & Legal Rights
Can British nationals own property in Georgia?
Yes — Georgia has one of the most open property markets in the world for foreign nationals. British citizens can buy and own any type of property (apartments, houses, commercial buildings) on an equal legal footing to Georgian citizens. There is no minimum purchase price, no cap on the number of properties owned, and no restrictions on repatriating proceeds. Agricultural land is the only category with some foreign ownership restrictions, though these have been partially liberalised. The simplicity of Georgia's property ownership framework is a major driver of foreign investment.
How does the Georgian property registration system work?
Georgia's property registration is handled by the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) — one of the most efficient land registry systems in the former Soviet space, and genuinely impressive by any global standard. After signing a sales agreement and paying in full, the title transfer is registered with NAPR within 1–4 business days. A certificate of title is issued confirming your ownership. The entire process can be completed online through the Public Registry portal. Your lawyer should confirm that the property is unencumbered (no mortgages, liens, or disputes) before you sign.
Are there inheritance protections for foreign-owned property?
Yes. Georgian law respects foreign wills for Georgian property. If you die as a foreign national holding Georgian property, your heirs inherit according to the terms of your home-country will, provided it is valid under Georgian inheritance law. The recommended approach is to have a Georgian-language notarised will prepared alongside your UK will specifically naming your Georgian assets. Property held jointly with a spouse or through a company structure simplifies probate considerably.
Visas & Tax
What are the visa options for UK nationals in Georgia?
British nationals enjoy 365-day visa-free access to Georgia — meaning you can live in Georgia for a full year without any visa application. After 365 days, you must make a short border exit and can re-enter for another year. For long-term residents who want formal status, a residence permit (RP) is available: the investment RP requires ownership of Georgian property worth at least USD 100,000 or a registered business; the income RP requires demonstrating regular foreign income above a threshold. Many British expats simply live on annual visa-free stays indefinitely, which is entirely legal.
What are the tax implications of living in Georgia?
Georgia operates a territorial tax system — income earned outside Georgia is not subject to Georgian income tax, making it particularly attractive for remote workers and pension recipients. If you work for a Georgian employer or register a Georgian business, income is taxed at a flat 20% rate. The Virtual Zone status allows qualifying IT companies to pay 0% corporate tax on revenue earned from foreign clients. There is no wealth tax, no inheritance tax, and no capital gains tax on property held for more than two years. Property transfer tax is 1% of the transaction value.
Is Tbilisi a practical place to live for a British expat?
Yes, and increasingly so. Tbilisi has a well-developed expat infrastructure — international schools, English-speaking medical clinics (Tbilisi American Medical Center, Evex hospitals), a mature café and co-working scene, and a large English-speaking community. Georgian food and hospitality are genuinely excellent. The city is relatively safe (lower violent crime rates than most Western European capitals), though petty theft occurs in tourist areas. The main practical challenges are the language (Georgian uses its own unique alphabet) and occasional bureaucratic friction. Most day-to-day expat life is manageable in English.
Costs & Living
What does it cost to live comfortably in Tbilisi?
A comfortable expat lifestyle in Tbilisi — modern apartment rental, frequent restaurant dining, local transport, private health insurance, and leisure activities — costs £450–700 per month for a single person. A couple typically spends £650–1,000. Renting in Vake or Old Town commands a premium; Saburtalo and Didi Dighomi offer similar quality at 20–30% lower cost. A three-course meal at a good Georgian restaurant costs £8–15. A monthly gym membership is £15–25. Tbilisi offers genuinely excellent value for the quality of life available.
What purchase costs should I budget for beyond the asking price?
Georgia has relatively low transaction costs: property transfer tax (1% of the transaction value), lawyer's fees (typically £500–1,500 for a standard residential purchase — Georgian legal fees are modest), notary fees (minimal), and agent commission where applicable (2–3%). There is no stamp duty equivalent. The total additional cost is typically 3–5% of the purchase price — significantly below the UK, Egypt, or most Western European markets.
How does Tbilisi compare to other digital nomad hubs?
Tbilisi competes directly with Lisbon, Chiang Mai, and Medellín as a top-tier digital nomad destination. Its advantages are the 1-year visa-free stay, very low cost of living, excellent internet (average speeds are higher than the EU average), and a compact, walkable Old Town with an outstanding café culture. Its disadvantages relative to Southeast Asia are fewer sunshine hours (Tbilisi is not a beach destination) and harder winters. Relative to Lisbon, Tbilisi wins decisively on cost. The city has a creative, collaborative expat community that punches well above its population size.