Georgia remains one of the most open countries for buyers from Russia: an apartment here can be registered into full ownership on a single foreign passport. We break down the essentials for 2026: how to transfer money legally, what taxes to expect and how to make the deal safe.
1. Legal rights of Russian citizens buying property in Georgia
Georgian law keeps a maximally open and friendly regime for foreigners. Russian citizens have the right to acquire residential and commercial property into full private ownership on the same terms as residents of the country.
Key rules
- Required document: a valid foreign passport is needed to close the deal.
- No limits: a foreigner may register an unlimited number of properties into ownership.
- Important restriction: foreign citizens cannot own agricultural land. When buying a townhouse or a house, check the plot status: it must be «non-agricultural».
2. Money transfer methods and currency rules in 2026
Transferring funds to buy property requires accounting for current banking restrictions and the requirements of Georgian law.
The «On the National Currency» law
All public contracts, price tags and primary settlements inside Georgia are fixed in the national currency, the lari (GEL). A sum in dollars (USD) may be stated in the contract for reference as an equivalent, but legal settlements are made in lari at the National Bank of Georgia rate on the payment day.
Current money transfer channels
- SWIFT transfers from Russian banks. Russian side: the technical ability to send is retained by UniCredit Bank, OTP Bank, BCS, Gazprombank and a number of regional institutions. Fees are roughly 8–10% plus a fixed charge of $15–$30; terms from 1 to 5 days. It is recommended to send funds in dollars. Georgian side: Liberty Bank and Credo Bank are lenient to incoming payments from Russia (amounts up to a few thousand dollars pass without strict checks). TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia trigger a review for receipts above 10,000 lari. Also verify the details (IBAN in the format GE + 20 digits).
- Money transfer systems. Suitable for small amounts and initial payments. Limits reach $10,000 per month. Collection is available at bank branches and payout points without opening an account.
- Cryptocurrency transfers (USDT). A fast alternative route. Rubles are converted to USDT on a Russian platform, the stablecoin is transferred to Batumi and exchanged for cash USD/GEL at a licensed exchange office. Fees 1–6%.
Important Russian requirement: Russian residents must notify the Federal Tax Service (FTS) about opening accounts in foreign banks and report on the movement of funds annually. Transfers via systems without opening an account do not create such obligations.
| Transfer method | Speed | Fee | Specifics and limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWIFT (via non-sanctioned Russian banks) | 1–5 days | 8–10% + charge | Requires checking the receiving bank (Liberty/Credo easier, TBC/BoG stricter for amounts above 10k GEL). |
| Cryptocurrency (USDT) | 1–3 hours | 1–6% (exchange) | Bypasses banking filters, cash collection in Batumi. |
| Transfer systems | From a few minutes | 0.5–2% | Limit up to $10,000/month, collection by code without an account. |
3. Taxation: reliefs, RS.ge registration and VAT risks
Georgia offers foreigners a comfortable tax environment, but requires strict compliance with the rules:
- Purchase tax: the acquisition tax itself is 0%. However, when registering ownership at the House of Justice a mandatory state fee is paid.
- Sale tax: the sale of property (a residential unit) owned for more than 2 years is taxed at 0%. If sold earlier than 2 years, the capital gains rate is 5%.
- Reduced rental tax (5%): income from renting out housing is taxed at 5%. The right to this rate arises only after the individual officially registers on the tax service portal (RS.ge) as a landlord.
- VAT risk (18%): if your total gross turnover from rent or other commercial activity in Georgia exceeds 100,000 GEL over 12 consecutive months, mandatory VAT registration arises with an 18% charge.
4. Deal safety and checks in the Public Registry
The foundation of a foreigner's protection in Georgia is the Public Registry (NAPR), which runs on blockchain.
Before the deal, an extract from the Public Registry is checked by the property's unique cadastral code. The document reflects:
- the current owner and the exact area;
- the absence of encumbrances (mortgages, seizures, court disputes).
5. Step-by-step purchase procedure (in person and remotely)
Option 1: in person
- Choosing the property, fixing the terms and paying a deposit.
- Signing the sale contract with the amount fixed in lari.
- A joint visit to the Batumi House of Justice, submitting documents and paying the fee.
- Receiving the ready registry extract.
Option 2: remote deal (apostille is mandatory)
If you buy property remotely, a notarised power of attorney is issued for your representative in Georgia, or, by agreement, for a DT Realty representative.
Legal nuance: a power of attorney issued by a Russian notary is accepted in Georgia only with an «Apostille» stamp. Without it the House of Justice will reject the documents.
The original with the apostille is sent by courier to Batumi, where a lawyer makes a notarised translation into Georgian and registers the deal.
Buying property in another country, especially remotely, consists of dozens of small details: from choosing the receiving bank to the status of the land under the house. One mistake in the transfer chain or in the power of attorney can drag the deal out for weeks.
The legal department of DT Realty Batumi guides the client at every stage: we check the property in the Public Registry, help choose a reliable transfer channel, arrange the deal (including remotely by apostille) and register you with the tax service. Leave a request and we will look into your situation.
