For a private buyer in Georgia the tax burden is usually modest: individuals generally have no separate purchase tax; the annual property tax applies above a set income threshold; rental and sale are taxed with caveats. Exact rates and thresholds change — confirm with a tax advisor and rs.ge as of your transaction date.
1. The big picture
For a private property buyer in Georgia the tax burden is usually modest, and some taxes arise only under certain conditions (for example, above a set income threshold, or when selling before a set holding period). That is why it matters less what a rate is in general and more when a given tax actually applies to you.
2. At purchase
For an individual buying residential resale property there is generally no separate purchase tax — you pay a state fee for registering the transfer of title at the Public Service Hall, on the tariff you choose (speed affects the amount). Specific situations (buying from a company, commercial property, VAT nuances) need separate checking.
3. Annual property tax
The annual property tax for individuals in Georgia does not apply to everyone: it is tied to the household annual income and arises only if that income exceeds a threshold set by law. The rate is a small percentage of the property value, within set limits. Confirm the current threshold and rate as of your ownership date — the figures change.
4. Tax on rental income
Income from renting out residential property is taxable. Individuals usually have a choice between a preferential regime with a reduced rate on rental income and the standard personal income tax; the choice and conditions depend on the situation. Confirm the rate and eligibility for the preferential regime with a tax advisor — it directly affects net yield.
5. Tax on sale
Income from an individual selling residential property may be exempt if the property was held for longer than a set period; if sold earlier, the difference between the purchase and sale price is taxed. Confirm the holding period and the calculation in advance — it shapes the exit strategy.
6. Ownership, residence permit and tax residency
Buying property and obtaining a residence permit do not by themselves make you a Georgian tax resident — tax residency has its own criteria. If you pay tax in another country, factor in that jurisdiction rules and any double-taxation treaties. We cover residence permits through property in a separate guide.
What the buyer representative does
GeoTrust does not replace a tax advisor, but structures the deal so the tax consequences are clear in advance: it helps assemble the right documents, includes rental tax in the net-yield calculation, and brings in a specialist where needed. You get the final figures before the deal, not after.
Related questions
Do I have to pay annual property tax on an apartment in Georgia?
Not always. For individuals it is tied to the household annual income and arises above a set threshold. Confirm the current threshold and rate with a tax advisor as of your ownership date.
What is the tax on rental income?
Individuals usually choose between a preferential regime with a reduced rate and the standard personal income tax. Confirm eligibility and the exact rate with a specialist — it changes net yield.
Is there tax when reselling an apartment?
Income from selling residential property may be exempt if held longer than a set period; if sold earlier, the gain between purchase and sale is taxed. Confirm the period and calculation in advance.
Does buying property make me a Georgian tax resident?
No. Tax residency is set by its own criteria, not by ownership or a residence permit. Also account for the rules of the country where you pay tax.
Sources and official resources
Legal and tax details are confirmed by a specialised lawyer under the law in force on the transaction date.
Revenue Service of Georgia (rs.ge)A Georgian residence permit through real estate