Georgia Glossary

Concise, sourced answers about Georgia, Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, arrival and property purchases — with key considerations, useful links and official sources.

53 terms · Last checked: · Editorial responsibility: Vladi Morai, Livo Property.

53 entries

A

Living & cities

Adjara

Adjara is an Autonomous Republic in south-western Georgia, on the Black Sea and bordering Turkey. Its capital is Batumi. Known for its subtropical climate and tourism, the region includes resorts such as Kobuleti and Gonio. Property searches should distinguish the wider region from its individual cities and resorts.

What to watch out for

  • Confirm the property's specific location rather than relying on the regional label.
  • Consider the subtropical climate when inspecting building condition and maintenance needs.
  • Assess each city or resort on its own characteristics.

Read more:Property in Batumi

Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Property & buying

Agricultural land

Agricultural land is land classified for agricultural use. Under the Organic Law on Agricultural Land Ownership, acquiring agricultural land is generally restricted for foreign nationals, with narrow exceptions defined in the law. Apartments and non-agricultural plots are not covered by this restriction, making the registered land category important.

What to watch out for

  • Check the land category in the registry extract.
  • Do not assume an exception applies; check the conditions defined in the law.
  • Distinguish agricultural land from apartments and non-agricultural plots when assessing ownership restrictions.

Read more:Buying an apartment in Georgia

Digital assets

AML/CFT

AML/CFT means anti-money laundering / countering the financing of terrorism, covering requirements to prevent misuse of financial services. Banks, VASPs and other obliged entities must verify customers, monitor transactions and report suspicious activity. These obligations explain why banks and exchanges ask for documents showing the source of funds.

What to watch out for

  • Be prepared to provide documents explaining the source of your funds.
  • Customer verification and transaction monitoring are compliance requirements, not guarantees of account opening or transaction approval.

Read more:Guide: bank account & banking

B

Business, tax & banking

Bank account

A bank account is an arrangement with a bank for holding and transferring money. Georgian commercial banks can open accounts for non-residents, often in GEL, USD, EUR. Each bank decides individually under KYC/AML rules and may request income-source documents. Account opening is not guaranteed. Banks are supervised by the National Bank of Georgia.

What to watch out for

  • Be prepared to provide documents about the source of your income.
  • Account opening remains an individual bank decision.
  • Check which currencies the bank offers for your account.

Read more:Guide: bank account & bankingDocuments for financing

Living & cities

Batumi

Batumi is a city on the Black Sea and the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. It has an international airport and a property market associated with tourism, seaside apartments and many high-rise new-build projects. Rental demand is more seasonal than in Tbilisi.

What to watch out for

  • Account for strong seasonality when assessing rental demand.
  • Check the completion status and building quality of new-build projects.
  • Visit the surrounding area rather than judging a property only by its sea views.

Read more:Property in BatumiBatumi districts

Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Property & buying

Black frame

Black frame is a common developer delivery condition in Georgia: a shell with walls, a roof, windows and a main entrance. It usually excludes plaster, screed, interior doors, wiring finishes and sanitary fittings. Definitions vary by developer, so the contract specification determines what is included.

What to watch out for

  • Check the written specification rather than relying on the label.
  • Confirm whether plaster, screed, interior doors, wiring finishes and sanitary fittings are included.

Read more:Black, white & green frame explainedNew-build projects

Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

C

Living & cities

Childcare

Childcare in Georgia includes municipal public kindergartens, private kindergartens and care provided by nannies. Private kindergartens and nannies are common, especially in Tbilisi. The language of care is mostly Georgian, although international and bilingual options exist in bigger cities. Availability, waiting lists and hygiene standards should be checked locally.

What to watch out for

  • Ask about available places and waiting lists.
  • Confirm the language used in day-to-day care.
  • Visit in person to assess hygiene standards.

Read more:Guide: living in Georgia

Official sources: Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia · Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Property & buying

Closing costs (Nebenkosten)

Closing costs are expenses associated with completing a property purchase, beyond the purchase price. In Georgia, they may include NAPR registration fees, translation and notary costs if used, legal or advisory fees, and bank transfer fees. NAPR registration fees depend on the service speed selected.

What to watch out for

  • Ask for an itemised list rather than relying on an assumed percentage.
  • Check which translation, notary, legal or advisory services are included.
  • Consider ownership costs separately: property tax may apply under the Tax Code depending on your circumstances.

Read more:Property taxes in GeorgiaHow buying property in Georgia works

Living & cities

Cost of living

Cost of living is the amount needed to cover everyday expenses in a particular place. In Georgia, it depends heavily on the city, district, lifestyle and the GEL exchange rate. Geostat publishes official consumer price (inflation) statistics, but these do not establish a fixed personal monthly budget.

What to watch out for

  • Treat general budget estimates as orientation, not a promised monthly cost.
  • Allow for exchange-rate changes if your income is in another currency.
  • Check imported goods and international school fees separately, as they can be expensive.

Read more:Living in GeorgiaGuide: living in Georgia

Official sources: National Statistics Office of Georgia · Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Digital assets

Crypto regulation in Georgia

Crypto regulation in Georgia includes NBG supervision of VASPs through a registration regime in force since 1 July 2023, with FATF-aligned AML/CFT requirements. An amendment in force 1 January 2026 requires displaying the registration. Tax treatment of crypto income is governed by the Tax Code and depends on the case.

What to watch out for

  • Rules evolve, so check current NBG sources.
  • Check whether a provider is registered and displays its registration.
  • Do not assume the same tax treatment applies to every type of crypto income.

Read more:Guide: bank account & bankingGuide: taxes & tax residency

Digital assets

Crypto wallet

A crypto wallet is software or hardware that holds the keys to virtual assets. With a self-custody wallet, you control those keys; with a custodial wallet, a provider holds them. Providing custodial wallet services for others is a VASP service requiring NBG registration in Georgia.

What to watch out for

  • Check the provider’s NBG registration when using a custodial wallet service.
  • Back up your keys securely if you use self-custody.
  • Beware of scams targeting wallet users.

Read more:Guide: bank account & banking

D

Business, tax & banking

Double taxation agreements

Double taxation agreements are treaties between countries intended to avoid double taxation. Georgia has these treaties with many countries, and the Revenue Service publishes the list. Which state may tax particular income depends on the relevant treaty and your circumstances, rather than the existence of a treaty alone.

What to watch out for

  • Check the Revenue Service list for the relevant treaty.
  • Discuss your circumstances with a tax advisor in both countries.

Read more:Guide: taxes & tax residencyProperty taxes in Georgia

G

Business, tax & banking

Georgian lari (GEL)

The Georgian lari (GEL, ₾) is Georgia’s official currency, issued by the National Bank of Georgia. 1 lari = 100 tetri. Property prices are often quoted in USD, but payments in Georgia are generally made in GEL, exposing buyers to exchange-rate risk between the quoted and payment currencies.

What to watch out for

  • Check the currency used to quote the price and the currency required for payment.
  • Allow for exchange-rate movements when assessing the cost in your own currency.

Read more:Guide: bank account & bankingProperty prices in Georgia

Official sources: National Bank of Georgia · Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Living & cities

Getting around Georgia

Getting around Georgia involves urban public transport, taxis, ride-hailing services and rail connections between cities. Tbilisi has a metro, buses and cable cars, while apps such as Bolt are widely used. Georgian Railway connects Tbilisi and Batumi. Batumi is compact, with buses and taxis; traffic in Tbilisi can be heavy.

What to watch out for

  • Consider Tbilisi traffic when planning journeys.
  • Compare public transport and ride-hailing options for your route.
  • Check Georgian Railway services for travel between Tbilisi and Batumi.

Read more:Living in GeorgiaTbilisi vs Batumi compared

Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Property & buying

Green frame

Green frame is a near-finished property delivery condition, generally described as white frame plus most finishing works. These may include flooring, painting, sanitary items and sometimes doors, but usually not furniture or a kitchen. The term is used inconsistently, so the specification needs a line-by-line review.

What to watch out for

  • Compare the specification line by line rather than relying on the label.
  • Confirm whether doors, sanitary items and final finishes are included.
  • Check whether furniture and the kitchen are excluded.

Read more:Black, white & green frame explained

Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Property & buying

Gross vs net rental yield

Gross rental yield is annual rent divided by the purchase price; net rental yield deducts rental costs before making that calculation. These costs include management, maintenance, vacancy, utilities not paid by tenants, taxes and furnishing. Only net figures allow a meaningful comparison, and results depend on location and occupancy rather than being guaranteed.

What to watch out for

  • Check which costs have been deducted from any quoted net figure.
  • Include vacancy and utilities that tenants do not pay.
  • Compare net figures on a consistent basis, not gross and net figures interchangeably.

Read more:Rental yield calculatorInvesting in Georgian property

Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

H

Living & cities

Health insurance

Health insurance is cover for medical expenses under the terms of a policy. Georgia's state universal healthcare programme is aimed at citizens, while foreign residents typically rely on private health insurance from local or international insurers. Private clinics exist in larger cities, but policy coverage and exclusions need individual checking.

What to watch out for

  • Check coverage and exclusions rather than assuming all treatment is included.
  • Verify whether emergency evacuation is covered.
  • This is general information, not medical or insurance advice.

Read more:Guide: living in Georgia

Official sources: Ministry of Health of Georgia · Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

I

Business, tax & banking

IBAN and SWIFT/BIC

An IBAN identifies a bank account, while a SWIFT/BIC code identifies the bank for international transfers. Georgian IBANs start with GE and have 22 characters. International transfers also need the bank’s SWIFT/BIC code, alongside accurate beneficiary details and attention to the account currency and intermediary bank fees.

What to watch out for

  • Check the beneficiary name and all bank details before sending funds.
  • Confirm the currency of the receiving account.
  • Check whether intermediary bank fees may apply.

Read more:Guide: bank account & banking

Official sources: National Bank of Georgia · Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Business, tax & banking

Individual entrepreneur

An individual entrepreneur is a natural person registered for business activity in the entrepreneurs registry (NAPR) under the Law on Entrepreneurs. Tax registration is with the Revenue Service. This registration is often combined with an application for small-business status, but the entrepreneur remains personally liable with their own assets.

What to watch out for

  • Personal assets are exposed to business liabilities.
  • Small-business status requires an application; it is not automatic.
  • Distinguish registration with NAPR from tax registration with the Revenue Service.

Read more:Guide: starting a company

Living & cities

International school

An international school is a private school offering a foreign curriculum, such as IB, British or American programmes. In Georgia, these schools are mostly in Tbilisi, with some in Batumi. General education institutions need authorisation, and the Ministry of Education provides information. Curriculum accreditation should be verified directly with the relevant body.

What to watch out for

  • Check the school's authorisation status.
  • Verify claimed curriculum accreditation directly with the curriculum body.
  • Assess the curriculum's suitability for your child rather than relying on the international label.

Read more:Guide: living in Georgia

Official sources: Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia · Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

K

Living & cities

Kutaisi

Kutaisi is a historic city in the Imereti region in western Georgia. It has an international airport served by low-cost airlines. Landmarks include Bagrati Cathedral and nearby Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its property market is smaller than those of Tbilisi or Batumi.

What to watch out for

  • Assess local property options rather than assuming the same market depth as Tbilisi or Batumi.
  • Check current airline routes directly if airport access is important to your plans.

Read more:Property in Kutaisi

Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Business, tax & banking

KYC (know your customer)

KYC (know your customer) is the process banks and other obliged entities use to identify customers, beneficial owners and the source of funds under AML/CFT rules. Expect questions about the account’s purpose, your income and business activity. Incomplete answers can delay or prevent account opening.

What to watch out for

  • Be ready to explain the account’s purpose and your business activity.
  • Provide complete information about beneficial owners and the source of funds.
  • Completing KYC does not guarantee account opening.

Read more:Guide: bank account & banking

L

Residence & work

Labour law

Labour law governs employment relations, including contracts, working time, leave and termination. In Georgia, these matters are governed by the Labour Code of Georgia (organic law). Working remotely for a foreign employer raises separate questions about tax and residence, which should not be treated as employment-law questions alone.

What to watch out for

  • Check the applicable rules when reviewing employment terms.
  • Consider tax and residence questions separately when working remotely for a foreign employer.
  • This is general information, not legal advice.

Read more:Residence through propertyGuide: starting a company

Living & cities

Lease agreement

A lease agreement is a contract setting out the terms for renting a property, governed in Georgia by the Civil Code of Georgia. It is usually in writing, with rent often stated in GEL or USD. Deposits and advance rent are common, making the payment terms important to review.

What to watch out for

  • Check the lease term, notice requirements and responsibility for utilities.
  • Record the inventory and property condition in writing.
  • Make sure you understand the contract language and obtain a translation if needed.

Read more:Living in Georgia

Business, tax & banking

LLC (limited liability company, shps)

An LLC is a company form under the Law on Entrepreneurs, with the Georgian abbreviation shps. It is registered at NAPR/Public Service Hall, and its partners are generally not personally liable for company debts. The company needs a legal address and director; opening a bank account is a separate bank decision.

What to watch out for

  • The company needs both a legal address and a director.
  • Company registration does not guarantee a bank account.
  • Limited liability is a general rule, not an absolute statement about every situation.

Read more:Guide: starting a company

Property & buying

Long-term vs short-term rental

Long-term rental means letting a property for months or years under a lease contract governed by the Civil Code; short-term rental means nightly or weekly stays, often booked through platforms. Short-term letting involves greater management effort and seasonality. Rental income is taxable in Georgia under the Tax Code, with the applicable regime depending on the individual situation.

What to watch out for

  • Check whether building rules restrict short-term rentals.
  • Account for management effort and seasonality, especially in Batumi.
  • Check which tax regime applies to your circumstances.

Read more:Investing in Georgian propertyProperty taxes in Georgia

N

Property & buying

National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR)

The National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) is the agency under the Ministry of Justice that keeps Georgia’s public registry of immovable property and registry of entrepreneurs, including companies and individual entrepreneurs. Registry data is public. Registration fees and processing terms are published on napr.gov.ge; faster service costs more.

What to watch out for

  • Check napr.gov.ge for registration fees and processing terms.
  • Distinguish property records from company or individual entrepreneur records.
  • Account for the higher fee if choosing faster service.

Read more:How buying property in Georgia worksHow to check a developer

Business, tax & banking

National Bank of Georgia (NBG)

The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) is Georgia’s central bank, responsible for monetary policy and issuing GEL. It supervises commercial banks, microfinance and payment providers, and registers virtual asset service providers. It also publishes official exchange rates, providing a reference for currency comparisons.

What to watch out for

  • Consult NBG sources for official exchange rates.
  • Distinguish between the NBG’s role as central bank and the services offered by commercial banks.
  • Check virtual asset service provider registration through current NBG sources.

Read more:Guide: bank account & bankingFinancing property in Georgia

Living & cities

New Boulevard

New Boulevard is a newer seafront development area in Batumi that extends the city along the coast. It contains many high-rise residential and hotel projects. When assessing a property here, completion status, building quality, distance to amenities and seasonal occupancy are important considerations.

What to watch out for

  • Verify the project's actual completion status and inspect building quality.
  • Check the distance to everyday amenities rather than relying on the seafront address.
  • Consider seasonal occupancy when assessing the building and surrounding area.

Read more:Batumi districtsProperty in Batumi

Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

O

Property & buying

Ownership registration

Ownership registration is the recording of the buyer as owner at NAPR, filed by the parties or an authorised representative with the purchase agreement. Fees and processing time depend on service speed. Off-plan buyers are often registered only after completion; some contracts allow a right to be registered in advance.

What to watch out for

  • Clarify which right is being registered and when, especially for off-plan purchases.
  • Agree who files the application: the parties or an authorised representative.
  • Check the NAPR fees page for the chosen service speed.

Read more:How buying property in Georgia works

P

Property & buying

Payment plan

A payment plan is a contractual arrangement for paying a developer in instalments during construction, rather than a bank loan. Bank financing is a separate lender decision based on its own assessment. The developer’s contract sets the payment schedule, currency and consequences of missed payments or construction delays.

What to watch out for

  • Check whether payments are linked to construction milestones.
  • Review what happens to payment obligations if construction is delayed.
  • Confirm the payment currency and any penalties; do not assume interest-free terms or bank approval.

Read more:Developer instalment plansFinancing property in Georgia

Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Property & buying

Power of attorney (Vollmacht)

A power of attorney is a document that authorises a representative to sign or register on your behalf. A document issued abroad usually needs notarisation, an apostille and a certified Georgian translation for use in Georgia. Georgia is party to the Hague Apostille Convention.

What to watch out for

  • Identify the property and define the permitted acts narrowly.
  • Specify how long the authority remains valid.
  • Check the notarisation, apostille and translation requirements for a document issued abroad.

Read more:How buying property in Georgia worksBuying an apartment in Georgia

Property & buying

Price per square metre

Price per square metre is a common measure for comparing apartment prices by area. Geostat publishes a price index for new apartments in Tbilisi based on asking prices in GEL; in Q2 2026 it was 4.9% above the previous year. There is no such official index for Batumi.

What to watch out for

  • Check whether the apartment is offered in black, white or green frame condition.
  • Confirm whether the calculation uses total area or living area.
  • Distinguish asking prices from transaction prices when comparing properties.

Read more:Property prices in GeorgiaMarket data

Official sources: National Statistics Office of Georgia · Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Property & buying

Property developer (Bauträger)

A property developer is a company that builds and sells new apartments, often off-plan. Checks before buying include company registration in the NAPR entrepreneurs registry, land ownership, the construction permit and completed projects. The contract should also be reviewed for payment arrangements, deadlines and penalties.

What to watch out for

  • Verify company registration, land ownership and the construction permit.
  • Review completed projects rather than relying only on plans.
  • Clarify who holds the payments and check contractual deadlines and penalties.

Read more:How to check a developerNew-build projects

Official sources: National Agency of Public Registry · Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Property & buying

Property due diligence

Property due diligence is the process of checking a property and its seller before buying. It covers the registry extract, encumbrances, the developer’s permits and track record, construction stage, contract terms and payment security. This is a practical checklist, not legal advice; complex cases need an independent Georgian lawyer.

What to watch out for

  • Check both the property records and the seller.
  • Review permits, construction progress and payment security alongside the contract.
  • Use an independent Georgian lawyer for complex cases.

Read more:How to check a developerNew-build projects

Official sources: National Agency of Public Registry · Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Property & buying

Property management

Property management is a service in which a company handles tenants, cleaning, maintenance and payouts, mainly for rental properties. The written management contract should explain the company’s responsibilities, fees and reporting arrangements. For short-term rentals, it should also clarify how bookings are handled.

What to watch out for

  • Check the company’s licence or registration.
  • Confirm who holds tenant deposits and how payouts are reported.
  • Review fees and responsibilities in writing; management services do not guarantee returns.

Read more:Investing in Georgian propertyRental yield calculator

Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Residence & work

Public Service Development Agency (SDA / PSDA)

The Public Service Development Agency is the Ministry of Justice agency responsible for civil registry matters, identity documents and residence permits for foreigners. Referred to as SDA or PSDA, it handles these administrative responsibilities, while applications are usually submitted via Public Service Halls or online.

What to watch out for

  • Distinguish the responsible agency from the Public Service Hall where you submit an application.
  • Check whether an online application is available for your service.

Read more:Residence through property

Residence & work

Public Service Hall

A Public Service Hall is a one-stop service centre of the Ministry of Justice where people can apply for many public services. These centres operate in many Georgian cities and cover services such as residence permits, property and company registration, and notary-related services. Appointments and online services are available.

What to watch out for

  • Check whether your intended service is available online or requires a visit.
  • Check appointment options at the centre you plan to use.

Read more:Residence through propertyHow buying property in Georgia works

Property & buying

Purchase agreement (Kaufvertrag)

A purchase agreement is a written contract for buying property. Under the Civil Code of Georgia, ownership of immovable property passes when the buyer is registered as owner in the Public Registry (NAPR) on the basis of that agreement. There is no separate German-style 'Auflassung' before a notary.

What to watch out for

  • Check the exact property ID (cadastral code), price and payment terms.
  • Specify the handover condition and contractual penalties.
  • Clarify who files the ownership registration.

Read more:How buying property in Georgia worksBuying an apartment in Georgia

R

Residence & work

Registered address (Meldeadresse)

A registered address is an address supplied for an administrative registration or application. Georgia has no direct equivalent to the German Anmeldung for short visa-free stays. An address in Georgia is typically provided when applying for a residence permit or registering a company or individual entrepreneur, with requirements depending on the procedure.

What to watch out for

  • Do not assume the German Anmeldung system applies in Georgia.
  • Check the address requirements for your specific procedure with SDA.

Read more:Residence through propertyGuide: living in Georgia

Property & buying

Registry extract

A registry extract is a record from the Public Registry showing a property’s owner, cadastral code, area and registered encumbrances, such as mortgages, liens or seizures. Comparable to a land register excerpt, it can be obtained online via NAPR and forms part of the checks before buying.

What to watch out for

  • Request a fresh extract right before signing and payment.
  • Compare the owner, cadastral code and area with the purchase agreement.
  • Review any registered mortgages, liens or seizures.

Read more:How to check a developerHow buying property in Georgia works

Residence & work

Residence permit

A residence permit authorises a foreign national to reside in Georgia under a defined legal category. Types include work, study, family, investment and permanent residence, as defined in the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons. Applications are handled by the Public Service Development Agency (SDA) via Public Service Halls.

What to watch out for

  • Check current criteria, thresholds and required documents for the relevant category.
  • Decisions are individual, and approval is not guaranteed.

Read more:Residence through property

Business, tax & banking

Revenue Service

The Revenue Service is Georgia’s tax authority under the Ministry of Finance. Its responsibilities include tax registration, declarations, the taxpayer portal and customs. Its website, rs.ge, also provides information on tax treaties, making it a reference point for tax administration and cross-border tax questions.

What to watch out for

  • Use rs.ge to find tax registration, declaration and taxpayer portal information.
  • Treaty information needs to be considered in light of your circumstances.

Read more:Guide: taxes & tax residency

S

Living & cities

SIM cards and eSIMs

SIM cards and eSIMs connect a mobile phone to a mobile network through a physical card or a digital profile. In Georgia, prepaid SIMs are sold in shops and at airports, usually with a passport. Main operators include Magti; several operators and international providers offer eSIMs. Available offers change.

What to watch out for

  • Check current offers rather than relying on older package details.
  • Expect to need your passport when buying a prepaid SIM.
  • Check that your phone supports eSIM before choosing that option.

Read more:Guide: living in Georgia

Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Business, tax & banking

Small business status

Small business status is a status that an individual entrepreneur can apply for under the Tax Code of Georgia (Articles 89–90). It provides for 1% tax on taxable income. If income from economic activity exceeds GEL 500,000, 3% applies from that month until the end of the year. Excluded activities and conditions apply.

What to watch out for

  • Check whether your activity is excluded and whether you meet the conditions.
  • Monitor income from economic activity against the GEL 500,000 threshold.
  • This is general information, not personal tax advice.

Read more:Guide: taxes & tax residencyGuide: starting a company

T

Business, tax & banking

Tax residency

Tax residency is a person’s resident status for tax purposes. Under Article 34 of the Tax Code, a natural person is generally a Georgian tax resident if actually present in Georgia for 183 days or more in any continuous 12-month period ending in the tax year. Home-country tax obligations do not automatically end.

What to watch out for

  • The presence test uses a continuous 12-month period ending in the tax year.
  • Check continuing tax obligations in your home country separately.

Read more:Guide: taxes & tax residency

Living & cities

Tbilisi (Tiflis)

Tbilisi is Georgia’s capital and largest city, its political and economic centre, and the location of most of the country’s residential construction. Its districts, including Vake, Saburtalo and Old Tbilisi, differ greatly. Rental demand comes from locals, students and expats throughout the year.

What to watch out for

  • Compare individual districts rather than treating Tbilisi as a uniform property market.
  • Consider whether a property suits local residents, students or expats.
  • Year-round rental demand does not guarantee occupancy or a particular price.

Read more:Property in TbilisiTbilisi districts

Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

V

Living & cities

Vake

Vake is an established residential district in Tbilisi, known for Vake Park, cafes and schools. Property prices are higher than the city average, and housing includes both Soviet-era buildings and new builds. Traffic and limited parking are practical considerations when comparing properties in the district.

What to watch out for

  • Check traffic and parking around the specific building.
  • Compare building condition as well as location across Soviet-era properties and new builds.
  • Assess the asking price against comparable local properties.

Read more:Tbilisi districtsProperty in Tbilisi

Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Digital assets

Virtual asset

A virtual asset, as defined by the NBG, is a digital representation of value that is interchangeable and non-unique, can be traded or transferred digitally, and can be used for investment or payment. The definition excludes digital fiat, securities and other financial instruments. Legal treatment and taxation depend on the case.

What to watch out for

  • Treat virtual assets as high-risk; this definition is not investment advice.
  • Do not assume every digital financial product falls within the virtual asset definition.
  • Check the legal and tax treatment of the specific transaction.

Read more:Guide: bank account & banking

Digital assets

Virtual asset service provider (VASP)

A virtual asset service provider (VASP), as defined by the NBG, is a person providing virtual asset services for others, including exchange, transfer, custody, portfolio management, trading platforms, lending or ICO services. VASPs must register with NBG under the registration rule in force since 1 July 2023 and comply with AML/CFT requirements.

What to watch out for

  • From 1 January 2026 a VASP must visibly display its NBG registration act.
  • Check registration before using a provider; NBG warns against unregistered providers.
  • Registration should not be read as a promise of returns or protection from virtual asset risk.

Read more:Guide: bank account & banking

Residence & work

Visa-free stay

A visa-free stay allows eligible foreign citizens to enter and remain in Georgia without a visa under the applicable conditions. Citizens of many countries, including EU member states, qualify; for many nationalities, the permitted stay is up to one year. The Government sets the list and conditions, which are published on the MFA consular website.

What to watch out for

  • Check the rules for your own nationality on the MFA consular website.
  • Buying property does not by itself create a right of residence.

Read more:Residence through property

W

Property & buying

White frame

White frame is an intermediate property delivery condition, typically including plastered walls, screed, basic wiring and plumbing connections, and windows. It generally excludes final flooring, painting, fixtures and a kitchen. The scope varies by developer, so the written specification is the basis for checking what the apartment includes.

What to watch out for

  • Check exactly which wiring and plumbing connections are included.
  • Confirm the exclusions for flooring, painting, fixtures and the kitchen.
  • Compare written specifications when assessing different developers’ offers.

Read more:Black, white & green frame explained

Practical guidance based on local experience; not a legal source.

Residence & work

Work permit

A work permit is an authorisation to work where the applicable rules require it. Work by foreigners in Georgia is regulated by the Law on Labour Migration, amended several times, including in 2025 and 2026. Whether a permit is needed depends on the person's status, employer and activity.

What to watch out for

  • Check the current consolidated version of the Law on Labour Migration.
  • Confirm the requirements with the competent authority before starting work.

Read more:Residence through property

Questions about your situation in Georgia?

Livo Property offers personalised advice to international buyers, independently of any single project.

Back to the guide