This guide is aimed at US residents. It covers fund transfers, local and Georgian taxation, treaties, contract language, mortgage financing, permanent residency and crypto payment.
SWIFT via Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citi ($25-50) or Wise, Revolut USA. No exchange controls. FBAR (FinCEN 114) and Form 8938 required for foreign accounts above $10,000. Real estate itself is not FBAR-reportable.
Crypto payments (USDT, USDC, BTC, ETH) are accepted by most of our partner developers. Conversion to GEL or USD is processed by a regulated Georgian on-ramp provider, with a legally compliant invoice. This avoids SWIFT fees and international wire delays.
In Georgia, non-resident rental income is taxed at a 5% flat withholding rate. No wealth tax, no inheritance tax on Georgian assets. Capital gains on real estate are fully exempt after 2 years of holding. The 18% VAT is already included in developer prices.
No active US-Georgia tax treaty. US citizens and green card holders are taxed on worldwide income (IRS, up to 37%) with Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) for the Georgian 5%. FIRPTA does not apply (property located outside US). Watch federal estate tax above $13.6M per person.
Purchase contracts are drafted in Georgian (official cadastre language) with a certified English translation systematically provided. On request, a French, Russian or Arabic version can be annexed. All signatures happen before a Georgian notary, in person or via a power of attorney legalised in your home country.
Georgian banks (TBC Bank, Bank of Georgia, Credo Bank) grant mortgages to foreigners with a 30-40% minimum down payment, over 10 to 15 years, at rates of 11-14% in GEL or 8-10% in USD. A local bank account and 3 months of proof of income are required.
Any real estate investment of $150,000 or more entitles the investor, their spouse and minor children to Georgian permanent residency. Applications are processed in 30-45 days, with no effective residency requirement. After 6 years, naturalisation becomes possible.
Georgia is a strategic destination for Americans looking to diversify outside USD and FATCA-native jurisdictions.