Georgia property residency: the 2026 guide

The current property-based short-term residence permit requires ownership of qualifying non-agricultural real estate whose appraised market value exceeds $150,000 equivalent in GEL. The permit may be extended one year at a time while the qualifying ownership is maintained. This is separate from the $300,000 investment residence route, which may be issued for five years and has its own route to indefinite stay.

The two property-related residence routes

Georgia’s property-based short-term residence threshold changed from more than $100,000 to more than $150,000 on 1 March 2026. The value must be established by a certified assessor accredited through the Georgian Accreditation Centre. The official wording is exceeding $150,000 equivalent in GEL, so a valuation of exactly $150,000 does not clear the stated threshold.

Route	Financial requirement	Initial permit	Key distinction
Property-based short-term permit	Property value > $150,000	Up to 1 year, renewable	Requires qualifying registered property and an accredited appraisal.
Investment residence permit	Investment at least $300,000, or property value > $300,000	Up to 5 years	Separate route with additional requirements and a possible indefinite-stay route after five years.

What the short-term property permit requires

The official requirements include lawful stay in Georgia, title to qualifying non-agricultural immovable property, and a market-value report from an accredited certified assessor. The route may also cover the property owner’s spouse and child or children. Agricultural land is excluded.

The official guidance refers to qualifying immovable property. Do not assume that several lower-value properties can automatically be combined unless the State Services Development Agency confirms that treatment for your specific application in writing.

Application routes, processing times and fees

Applications may be submitted in person, through an authorised representative, or electronically under the procedure established by Georgian law. The State Services Development Agency currently publishes the following processing fees for the short-term permit:

Processing target	Official fee
30 calendar days	GEL 300
20 calendar days	GEL 450
10 calendar days	GEL 600

Appraisal, translation, notarisation, representation and residence-card costs are separate and can vary. Confirm the current document list and fees before filing.

Renewal and permanent-status limits

The short-term property permit can be extended one year at a time, and it ends if the qualifying ownership ends. It is not the same as the $300,000 investment residence permit.

Ordinary permanent residence based on temporary residence generally requires ten years under the current law. The separate five-year route to indefinite stay applies to qualifying holders of the $300,000 investment residence permit who satisfy the relevant investment, property-holding or turnover conditions.

Practical risks

Stronger position when

The property is completed and ownership is registered
An accredited appraisal leaves a sensible margin above $150,000
The application route and family documents are confirmed before purchase

Watch out for

Exactly $150,000 does not exceed the official threshold
A sales price is not a substitute for the accredited appraisal
An off-plan contract may not provide the registered ownership required for the application
Buying before a rule-change date is not automatically the same as already holding a permit under the earlier rules

If residency is part of the purchase decision, late handover and delayed registration become immigration risks as well as investment risks. Review the developer’s record in the Batumi Delivery Index and obtain case-specific legal advice before committing funds.

FAQ

Does a value of exactly $150,000 qualify?

The official wording requires the appraised market value to exceed $150,000 equivalent in GEL. Exactly $150,000 does not exceed that threshold.

Can I combine several properties?

Do not assume this. The official guidance refers to qualifying immovable property. Obtain written confirmation from the State Services Development Agency for a multi-property application before relying on combined values.

I bought before 1 March 2026. Does the old threshold automatically apply?

Not necessarily. Purchase or registration before the effective date is not identical to already holding a permit. Existing permit renewals may be treated under extension rules, but the result depends on the permit and ownership record. Confirm the specific case with the Agency or a licensed Georgian immigration lawyer.

Does the $150,000 property permit lead to permanent residence after five years?

No automatic five-year route is stated for the short-term property permit. Ordinary permanent residence based on temporary residence generally requires ten years. The five-year indefinite-stay route belongs to the separate $300,000 investment residence permit and has additional conditions.

Can I apply online?

The law allows electronic submission under the established procedure, and the State Services Development Agency provides an online application route for the short-term residence permit.

Primary sources

Last reviewed 2026-07-15

This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules, procedures and interpretations can change. Confirm the current requirements with the State Services Development Agency and a licensed Georgian immigration lawyer before committing funds.