<article> <h1>Urgent Alert: Georgia Raises Real Estate Residency Threshold by 50%</h1> <p>In a decisive move to regulate its booming property market and tighten immigration control, the Government of Georgia has confirmed a major policy shift: the minimum real estate investment required for a short-term residence permit will jump from $100,000 USD to <strong>$150,000 USD</strong>.</p> <p>This new regulation officially takes effect on <strong>March 1, 2026</strong>.</p> <p>For investors eyeing one of the world’s most accessible residency programs, the window of opportunity to lock in the lower rate is now measured in weeks, not months.</p> <hr> <h2>The New Math: $150,000 Starting March 1st</h2> <p>For years, Georgia has been a favorite among digital nomads and global investors due to its high-yield real estate market and low barrier to entry. Until now, purchasing a property valued at $100,000 secured a renewable one-year residency permit for the owner and their family.</p> <p>Starting March 1, 2026, that entry ticket increases by 50%.<br> Here is the breakdown of the changes:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Old Threshold:</strong> $100,000 USD (Valid until Feb 28, 2026)</li> <li><strong>New Threshold:</strong> $150,000 USD (Effective Mar 1, 2026)</li> </ul> <p><blockquote><strong>Valuation Rule:</strong> The threshold is based on market value as determined by an accredited appraiser, not strictly the purchase price. This means finding a "deal" on a property won't help you if the official appraisal doesn't meet the new $150k standard.</blockquote></p> <h2>Why the Hike?</h2> <p>This increase is part of a broader legislative overhaul we are seeing roll out across Georgia this year. Alongside this price hike, new mandatory work permit laws for foreigners are also coming into force on March 1st.</p> <p>The government’s signal is clear: Georgia is maturing. It is moving away from quantity-based immigration toward quality-based investment. They are seeking investors who are committed to making more substantial financial contributions to the economy.</p> <hr> <h2>What About the $300,000 Investor Visa?</h2> <p>It is important to note that the Investment Residence Permit, which requires a $300,000 investment and offers a faster track to permanent residency (5 years), remains unchanged for now.</p> <p>The hike specifically targets the Short-Term Residence Permit—the most popular route for entry-level investors. This creates a fascinating dynamic: the gap between the "starter" permit and the "permanent" track has narrowed, potentially pushing more serious investors toward the $300k option to secure long-term stability immediately.</p> <h2>Critical Advice for Investors</h2> <p>If you have been sitting on the fence about purchasing property in Tbilisi or Batumi, the time to act is <strong>immediately</strong>.</p> <ul> <li><strong>The "Grandfather" Window:</strong> Applications submitted and processed before March 1, 2026, should legally fall under the current $100,000 requirement. However, with bureaucratic processing times, submitting at the last minute is risky.</li> <li><strong>Appraisal Risks:</strong> If you buy a property for $110,000 today hoping to apply next month, you are safe. If you delay until March, that same property will no longer qualify you for residency, leaving you with an asset but no visa.</li> <li><strong>Market Reaction:</strong> We anticipate a flurry of transaction activity in February as investors rush to close deals under the old limit.</li> </ul> <hr> <h2>The Verdict</h2> <p>Georgia remains a top-tier destination with a territorial tax system, high safety scores, and a strategic location between Europe and Asia. Even at $150,000, it is competitively priced compared to European Golden Visas. However, the days of the $100k "easy entry" are officially ending.</p> <h3>Beat the Deadline with CIVITAS</h3> <p>The rules are tightening, and the clock is ticking. You have less than 30 days to capitalize on the $100,000 threshold before it disappears.</p> <p>Do not risk your residency on a delayed appraisal or a paperwork error. Whether you are looking at Georgia or searching for a different corner of the globe to call "home," <strong>CIVITAS</strong> is your strategic partner. We ensure your application is flawless, compliant, and optimized for success regardless of the jurisdiction.</p> <p><strong>Lock in your residency at the legacy rate.</strong><br> <a href="https://www.globalcitizenship.co/contact">Contact CIVITAS today to get started.</a></p>
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