What is the Public Registry and Why is It Important When Buying or Selling Real Estate?

When you’re planning to buy or sell real estate, one of the first and most crucial steps is verifying the accuracy of the information in the Public Registry.

The Public Registry is a state system that stores information about all real estate properties in Georgia — including land, apartments, commercial spaces, and more.

​

📌 What Kind of Information is Stored in the Public Registry?

• Who the official owner of the property is

• What type of ownership it is (ownership, usage, lease, etc.)

• The exact location, size, and cadastral code of the property

• Whether the property is mortgaged, restricted, or involved in a legal dispute

• Whether the property is encumbered in favor of a third party (e.g., rented out or seized)

This information determines whether the property is safe to purchase. But most importantly — correctly reading, analyzing, and identifying risks in these records is a lawyer’s job.

​

🏠 Stages of Real Estate Registration in Georgia

Here is a step-by-step overview of the registration process for real estate in Georgia:

1. Identification Document
   A foreigner is required to have a valid passport or identity card during the property registration process.

2. Contract
   The real estate contract must be submitted to the registration authority in two languages: Georgian and the language understood by the buyer or seller (for foreigners).

3. Registration Fee
   The registration fee is usually paid by the buyer (unless agreed otherwise). The registration service is provided within:

   • ✅ Same-day service (before 6 PM): 350 GEL

   • ✅ 1 business day: 270 GEL

   • ✅ 4 business days: 150 GEL

   Expedited service allows you to register the property on the same day if submitted before 6 PM.

4. Certificate/Extract
   This official document confirms the new owner's property rights. It is issued in Georgian, but an official translation with apostille can also be prepared upon request.