Amid heightened tensions with the EU, Georgia is reforming its immigration system to formalize the shadow economy, while simultaneously raising the real estate investment threshold by 50%.
Starting March 1, 2026, when the revised threshold for real estate investor visas officially comes into effect, foreign investors seeking residency in Georgia through real estate ownership will face higher entry requirements.
Georgia's short-term residency permit, which provides renewable one-year permits to foreigners purchasing real estate in the country, will require ownership of real estate valued at or above $150,000, a 50% increase from the previous threshold of $100,000 in effect since 2019.
The real estate value threshold applies to the total value of ownership, not to the purchase of individual properties. Investors can combine multiple properties to reach a minimum value of $150,000, provided all properties are properly registered and appraised by accredited appraisers.
Georgia also offers a separate investor visa for $300,000, granting immediate temporary residency for five years to the main applicant, spouse, and minor children. This pathway allows for various types of investments beyond real estate and leads to permanent residency after five years, rather than the standard ten years.
In September 2025, the government also introduced a specialized three-year residency permit for IT specialists, targeting technology professionals with at least two years of industry experience and an annual income exceeding $25,000.
The increase in the property threshold is part of larger changes to Georgia's immigration system that began in September 2025.
The reforms introduced new requirements for foreign workers and entrepreneurs, including mandatory work permits and stricter documentation requirements for all categories of citizens.
An investor visa, issued based on real estate ownership, remains one of the simplest options for obtaining a residence permit in Georgia. Applicants must provide certified appraisals from organizations accredited by the Unified National Accreditation Body of Georgia. The permit applies to the property owner and members of their immediate family.
Unlike work permits, which require extensive documentation including employment contracts and company turnover, a residence permit based on real estate ownership has no income requirements other than proof of ownership.
Authorities may revoke the permit if the property is sold or its total market value falls below a threshold.
Real estate investors must obtain official appraisals from organizations accredited by the National Accreditation Body of Georgia. Market value, not the purchase price, determines visa eligibility. This requirement is intended to prevent property price inflation.
If you're planning to obtain a residence permit, invest in a country's economy, or purchase foreign real estate, we invite you to a consultation with our company. During a personal online meeting, we'll discuss your questions in detail and create a step-by-step action plan for you.
Starting March 1, 2026, when the revised threshold for real estate investor visas officially comes into effect, foreign investors seeking residency in Georgia through real estate ownership will face higher entry requirements.
Georgia's short-term residency permit, which provides renewable one-year permits to foreigners purchasing real estate in the country, will require ownership of real estate valued at or above $150,000, a 50% increase from the previous threshold of $100,000 in effect since 2019.
The real estate value threshold applies to the total value of ownership, not to the purchase of individual properties. Investors can combine multiple properties to reach a minimum value of $150,000, provided all properties are properly registered and appraised by accredited appraisers.
Georgia also offers a separate investor visa for $300,000, granting immediate temporary residency for five years to the main applicant, spouse, and minor children. This pathway allows for various types of investments beyond real estate and leads to permanent residency after five years, rather than the standard ten years.
In September 2025, the government also introduced a specialized three-year residency permit for IT specialists, targeting technology professionals with at least two years of industry experience and an annual income exceeding $25,000.
The increase in the property threshold is part of larger changes to Georgia's immigration system that began in September 2025.
The reforms introduced new requirements for foreign workers and entrepreneurs, including mandatory work permits and stricter documentation requirements for all categories of citizens.
An investor visa, issued based on real estate ownership, remains one of the simplest options for obtaining a residence permit in Georgia. Applicants must provide certified appraisals from organizations accredited by the Unified National Accreditation Body of Georgia. The permit applies to the property owner and members of their immediate family.
Unlike work permits, which require extensive documentation including employment contracts and company turnover, a residence permit based on real estate ownership has no income requirements other than proof of ownership.
Authorities may revoke the permit if the property is sold or its total market value falls below a threshold.
Real estate investors must obtain official appraisals from organizations accredited by the National Accreditation Body of Georgia. Market value, not the purchase price, determines visa eligibility. This requirement is intended to prevent property price inflation.
If you're planning to obtain a residence permit, invest in a country's economy, or purchase foreign real estate, we invite you to a consultation with our company. During a personal online meeting, we'll discuss your questions in detail and create a step-by-step action plan for you.