Georgia Plans to Increase Property-Based Investor Visa Threshold

Georgia will raise the minimum property investment required for its real estate–based residence permit to $150,000, with the revised threshold set to take effect on March 1, 2026, according to official regulations.

The permit grants renewable one-year residency to foreign nationals who own qualifying real estate in Georgia.

The new threshold represents a 50 percent increase from the previous $100,000 requirement, which had been in place since 2019.

Authorities confirmed that investors may combine multiple properties to meet the $150,000 minimum, provided all holdings are properly registered and valued by accredited assessors.

Eligibility will be determined based on market valuations, not purchase prices.

Other Investor Residency Routes

Georgia continues to offer a separate $300,000 Investor Visa, which grants immediate five-year temporary residency to the main applicant, spouse, and minor children.

This route accepts investment types beyond real estate and allows applicants to qualify for permanent residency after five years, rather than the standard ten-year period.

In addition, a three-year IT residence permit, introduced in September 2025, targets technology professionals with at least two years of experience and annual income exceeding $25,000.

Policy Context

The property threshold increase forms part of a broader immigration policy overhaul launched in late 2025.

The reforms introduced tighter documentation requirements for foreign workers and entrepreneurs, along with mandatory employment authorizations across several residence categories.

Unlike work-based permits, the property route does not impose income requirements. However, residency may be revoked if the property is sold or if its total market value falls below the required threshold.

EU Context

The reforms are unfolding amid growing tensions between European Union and Georgia.

In December, the European Commission warned that Georgia could face suspension of its Schengen visa-free access, citing democratic concerns and misalignment with EU visa policy.

A revised EU visa suspension mechanism introduced in December 2025 lowered the threshold required to revoke visa-free travel, increasing scrutiny on partner countries.