Opening a Georgian bank account for a property purchase

Separate opening an account from arranging the property payment. A working card does not settle the contract currency, beneficiary details, fees or documents needed for a large transfer. Address those points before the payment deadline.

What a bank confirms publicly

TBC has a dedicated non-resident page describing branch account opening with a passport and mobile number, a multi-currency account and additional services. Its FAQ specifies an original identification document and discusses additional verification. This describes one bank rather than a guaranteed procedure everywhere. Source: TBC: For non-residents, checked 30 October 2026.

Ask whether the bank serves your circumstances and which documents it needs. State citizenship, residence, tax residency, account purpose and expected payment. Another customer’s experience is not a reason to book a non-refundable journey or rush document preparation.

Prepare the payment file

Gather the purchase agreement or draft, seller information, beneficiary details and a clear explanation of the source of funds. Evidence for salary, a property sale, dividends or accumulated savings will differ; agree the list and relevant period with the bank. These are preparation examples, not a claim that every bank requires the same file.

Match the sending account holder to the buyer. If someone else will pay, show that arrangement to the bank and lawyer beforehand. Independently verify any changed beneficiary details using a contact channel you already trust, rather than relying only on a new email containing account information.

Understand the transfer cost

Ask the banks about sending, receiving and possible intermediary fees, the crediting currency, conversion and transfer evidence. Agree with the seller which net amount satisfies the contract and how a delayed or returned transfer is handled.

Do not divide payments to avoid questions about funds. Arrange a clear, documented transaction in advance. Keep transfer records, conversion evidence and the recipient’s confirmation together with the contract and property extract.

Account access after completion

Test the app, access recovery from abroad, phone-number availability and the passport-update process. Include account service charges, transfers and currency conversion in the ownership budget using the actual tariff. This guide does not quote a universal account-opening fee because no single offer covers all buyers.

TBC publishes a separate power-of-attorney form for banking services. Do not assume that authority to purchase property automatically meets the bank’s needs: request its form and requirements first. Source: TBC: Banking Services with a Power of Attorney, checked 30 October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a photograph of my passport?

TBC’s FAQ requires the original identification document rather than a copy or photograph. Confirm the current procedure for your chosen service channel. Source: TBC non-resident FAQ, checked 30 October 2026.

Should I open an account before choosing the apartment?

First establish the payment route and each participant’s requirements. Coordinate onboarding, transfer review and signing dates; avoid promising a deadline the bank has not confirmed.

Does an account mean mortgage approval?

These are separate requests. Obtain a lending offer for the borrower and collateral; follow the mortgage preparation guide.