Legal Documents

Apostille for Georgia

An apostille for Georgia is a standardized legal certificate issued under the 1961 Hague Convention that authenticates foreign public documents—such as powers of attorney, corporate registries, civil certificates, and bank statements—for official legal use within Georgia. It eliminates the need for consular legalization between signatory states, allowing foreign investors to execute property and legal transactions efficiently.

Building Permit in Georgia

A building permit in Georgia is an official authorization issued by local municipal authorities, such as the Tbilisi Architecture Service, granting the legal right to construct, renovate, or demolish a property. Governed by the Code of Spatial Planning, Architectural and Construction Activity, permits are categorized into four complexity classes and typically follow a three-stage approval process.

Cadastral Extract

A Cadastral Extract is an official document issued by the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) in Georgia that serves as legal proof of real estate ownership. It details the property's unique cadastral code, registered owner, exact surface area, land status, and active encumbrances such as mortgages, tax liens, or court injunctions.

Certified Translation

A certified translation is an officially authenticated translation of a legal or administrative document from one language to another, executed by a qualified translator and verified by a public notary or government authority. In cross-border real estate and legal transactions, certified translations ensure foreign documents—such as passports, corporate charters, and powers of attorney—are legally recognized by local courts, registries, and financial institutions.

Commissioning Certificate (Act of Exploitation)

A Commissioning Certificate (colloquially referred to as an Act of Exploitation or Act 3) is an official document issued by municipal supervision authorities in Georgia certifying that a newly constructed building complies with all approved design plans, safety codes, and planning regulations, legally authorizing it for occupancy.

Developer License in Georgia

In Georgia, there is no standalone, general-purpose 'developer license' required to establish or operate a real estate development company. Instead, real estate development is regulated on a project-by-project basis through municipal construction permits (Classes I through V) issued under the Law on Licenses and Permits and local urban planning codes.

Encumbrance Certificate

An Encumbrance Certificate is an official government document verifying that a real estate property is free from legal liabilities, financial mortgages, tax liens, court attachments, or third-party usage rights. It provides conclusive evidence of clear title and current legal status prior to a sale.

Identity Verification (KYC)

Identity Verification (Know Your Customer or KYC) is the mandatory process by which financial institutions, legal professionals, and regulatory bodies confirm the identity, legal status, and source of funds of a buyer or seller. In real estate transactions, KYC ensures compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) laws, prevents fraud, and facilitates secure property registration and banking operations.

Notary in Georgia

A public notary in Georgia is a state-commissioned legal official authorized to certify legal documents, authenticate signatures, draft notarized powers of attorney, and verify property transaction contracts. While property title transfers can be executed directly at the Public Service Hall, a notary is essential for remote purchases, foreign document legalization, and translation certification.

Source of Funds

Source of Funds (SoF) refers to the specific origin and mechanism through which capital for a financial transaction—such as a real estate purchase or cross-border wire transfer—was derived. In Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance, investors must submit documentary evidence (e.g., employment income, business dividends, property sales) proving that capital originates from legitimate legal activities.

Sworn Statement / Affidavit

A sworn statement or affidavit is a written declaration of facts made voluntarily and confirmed by an oath or affirmation administered by an authorized legal authority, such as a notary public. In cross-border real estate and financial transactions, it serves as binding written evidence regarding source of funds, marital status, identity verification, or compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.