Money transfers from Russia in 2026

It is possible to transfer money from Russia abroad — the Bank of Russia has lifted the previously imposed general limits for Russian citizens and certain other categories of individuals. This does not override other requirements under foreign exchange legislation, nor does it remove restrictions imposed by banks and payment systems. The problem lies elsewhere: the actual feasibility of a transfer depends on the specific bank, the route, the sanctions status of the parties involved in the chain, and the current correspondent banking network. For Georgia, the situation changed further in the summer of 2026 — one of the popular services ceased operating on this route. If you are planning to send money to a relative, pay rent or buy a flat in Batumi, Tbilisi or Gonio, you will need to give careful consideration to the method you choose and the documents you need to prepare.

This information was verified as at October 2026.

Transfers from Russia to Georgia remain available via several channels: bank transfers via IBAN/SWIFT, card and payment services, and cash. From the end of July 2026, the ‘Russia–Georgia’ route via KoronaPay will be closed. The availability of the remaining routes is inconsistent and depends on the specific sending and receiving banks; therefore, the status of the route should be checked directly before each transfer.

Money transfers from Russia in 2026: methods, limits and fees

In October 2026, Russian citizens will be able to transfer money abroad without being subject to the Bank of Russia’s overall limit. However, restrictions imposed by individual banks, payment systems and recipient organisations will remain in place. For transfers to Georgia, specific banking and card channels are available.

The fact that the Bank of Russia does not impose an overall limit does not mean that any bank will transfer an unlimited amount. Conditions vary depending on the transfer method, currency, recipient and purpose of the payment. Please check the current fees and availability of the transfer route before carrying out the transaction.

What transfer options from Russia will be available in 2026?

Since 2022, international bank transfers from Russia have become considerably more complicated, though they have not ceased. The key distinction that is worth understanding from the outset is: Legal authorisation for a transfer and the bank’s technical readiness to carry out the transaction are two different matters. The absence of a legal ban does not mean that your bank will find a viable solution.

From 8 December 2025 The Bank of Russia has lifted the restrictions on foreign currency transfers abroad for Russian citizens and non-resident individuals from friendly countries. Previously, monthly limits were in place. There is now no limit on the amount that Russian citizens can transfer, as set by the regulator.

For non-resident individuals from unfriendly countries who are not employed in Russia, the ban on transferring funds abroad remains in place. However, the Bank of Russia provides for certain exceptions, including for specific transactions carried out by foreign investors. The restrictions are in force until 7 December 2026 inclusive.

Meanwhile, the removal of the overall limit does not guarantee that a particular bank will process a payment to a specific Georgian bank. In practice, the situation is as follows: most of the largest Russian banks have been disconnected from SWIFT or are operating with a drastically reduced number of correspondent banks. Georgian banks carry out sanctions screening and AML/KYC checks on incoming payments. Some specialised payment systems have ceased operations in this area. Others continue to operate, but their service is unreliable.

Georgia is not on the list of countries subject to Western sanctions, and has not itself imposed restrictive measures against Russia. However, the absence of a general ban on transfers between countries does not mean that a Georgian bank will accept a specific transaction: each bank independently applies sanctions screening and AML/KYC procedures in accordance with regulatory requirements. Each bank decides independently on the volume of transactions from Russia it is prepared to handle, what documents to request and under what conditions to credit funds. This policy may change without public notice.

Important: The availability of transfer routes is subject to change. A route that was available in August may not be available in November. Always check the status of your transfer with your bank or service provider before sending it.

As well as transfers to Georgia, bank transfers from Russia are available to a number of other destinations — Armenia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Serbia, the UAE and others. The terms and conditions vary for each route and should be checked individually.

To which countries can money be transferred from Russia in 2026?

The availability of international transfers depends on the specific bank, currency and recipient. In addition to Georgia, Russian banks and payment service providers may support specific routes to Armenia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Turkey, Serbia, the UAE and other countries.

There is no universal list of countries to which transfers are guaranteed from any Russian bank. Before making a transfer, you should check the available destinations and the terms and conditions of your chosen provider.

This article takes a detailed look at Georgia, as when purchasing property, it is not only the transfer of funds that is important, but also their receipt, documentary evidence and the fulfilment of obligations to the seller.

How remittances from Russia to Georgia changed in 2026

Following the imposition of sanctions against the operator ‘Zolotaya Korona’, the volume of money transfers from Russia to Georgia fell sharply.

In August, the volume of transfers was at its lowest level in more than 20 years. In September, the figure recovered somewhat, but remained approximately 80% below the level recorded in September 2025.

These statistics reflect remittances by individuals as recorded by the National Bank of Georgia. They do not indicate the availability of a specific banking route and should not be used to assess the likelihood of an individual transaction being processed.

Ways to transfer money to Georgia

Bank transfer using the account details

A bank transfer using account details to a Georgian bank account may be convenient for documenting large payments, but its availability, processing times and risks depend on the banks involved and the correspondent banking chain. Bank transfers using account details can be carried out via various settlement mechanisms. A standard international SWIFT transfer uses bank details and, where necessary, a correspondent banking chain. Some Russian banks offer direct transfers via IBAN using their own available routes. The presence of an IBAN does not necessarily mean that the transaction will be processed via SWIFT. The specific mechanism, currency and restrictions must be confirmed with the sending bank.

IBAN (International Bank Account Number) — a standard account number used in Georgia. For most transfers to a Georgian bank, it is sufficient to provide the recipient’s IBAN, the bank’s name and the SWIFT/BIC code — the bank’s unique identifier within the international network. Intermediary (correspondent) banks may be involved in the transaction if the sending bank does not have a direct correspondent account in the required currency. Each intermediary may charge its own commission.

Before making a transfer, there are a few things you need to check. Firstly, does your bank support SWIFT transfers to Georgia in the chosen currency? Secondly, which recipient bank in Georgia accepts incoming transfers via this route? Thirdly, are the bank details correct? An error in the IBAN will lead to a delay or a return of the transfer, incurring additional costs.

In 2026, SWIFT transfers to Georgia are only available through a limited number of Russian banks. The transfer route must be confirmed with both the sending and receiving banks in relation to the currency, amount and account details; there is no universal, confirmed list of banks for all transfers. The situation is subject to change, and the success of the transaction depends on the specific pair of banks involved.

A transfer to your own overseas account (if you already have an account with a Georgian bank) does not exempt you from checks on the source of funds, the economic rationale behind the transaction and foreign exchange requirements. However, such a transfer often has a clearer payment purpose compared to a transfer to a third party. A transfer made directly to the seller of the flat or the property developer will require a clear payment purpose and additional documentation from both parties.

The currency of the transfer and the currency in which the funds are credited depend on the sender, the payment scheme and the recipient’s account. The currency conversion and the currency in which the funds are ultimately received must be confirmed for each specific route.

How to transfer money from Russia to Georgia via T-Bank: a step-by-step guide

According to T-Bank’s published terms and conditions, direct transfers via IBAN are available to accounts at five Georgian banks: Bank of Georgia, TBC Bank, Credo Bank, Liberty Bank and Basisbank.

Procedure:

1. Open the T-Bank app and go to the ‘Payments’ section.
2. Select ‘Transfers’ → ‘To another country’.
3. Select the ‘By account number’ option → ‘Directly via IBAN’.
4. Please provide the Georgian IBAN and the recipient’s first name and surname.
5. Please select the purpose of the transfer and fill in the required details.
6. Enter the amount in roubles, check the exchange rate and the commission.
7. Confirm the transfer and keep a copy of the bank statement.

The transfer is made from a rouble account, and the recipient receives lari. To make a transfer yourself, you will need a supported version of the mobile app. As of the date of this check, the bank specifies a minimum amount of 3,500 ₽ and a maximum of 550,000 ₽ per transaction.

For property purchases: before sending the payment, please check separately whether this payment method allows for settlement with a specific seller or developer. The description of transfers to individuals does not automatically confirm that a commercial payment to a legal entity is permitted.

Is it possible to transfer money via a Russian intermediary bank?

Some international payments may be processed via a Russian bank in which the foreign beneficiary bank holds an account.

For example, T-Bank describes a specific method of making a transfer via a Russian intermediary bank. To use this method, you must first obtain the intermediary’s bank details and the agreed payment reference from the foreign bank.

This method differs from a direct IBAN transfer. It does not guarantee that the funds will be credited, and intermediary banks may charge fees.

Before making the transfer, check with the receiving bank to ensure that the transfer method is permitted for the required amount and purpose. When buying a flat, also agree on the recipient and the necessary documents with the seller.

Transfer to a card or via a service

For small transfers, you can check which card services are available.

Avosend — As of October 2026, the service lists Georgia as one of the destinations for transfers from Russia. According to information from Avosend, transfers from Russia to Georgia are sent from a rouble card and credited in USD to the recipient’s card; Information on different pages of the website may vary — please check the availability of a specific destination, limits and fees directly with the operator before sending a transfer.

MultiTransfer — according to Banks.ru for September 2026, the service offered a route to Georgia; please check the terms and availability directly with the service at the time of booking.

KoronaPay (‘Golden Crown’) — According to reports from July 2026, transfers from Russia to Georgia are no longer available. Before attempting a transfer, please check the current list of destinations directly on KoronaPay — the service status may have changed.

Exchange services via the SBP — an alternative method whereby the sender transfers roubles via the Fast Payment System (FPS) to the currency exchange service’s account details, and the service then credits lari or dollars to the recipient’s Georgian account. Without first verifying the legal status, licensing and terms and conditions of a specific provider, this channel should not be considered available or permissible. It is essential to check: who is a party to the contract; where and how the provider is licensed; how the payment is made; and how the origin of the funds is verified.

Card transfers are convenient for regular small payments — such as financial support for relatives, rent and day-to-day expenses. For property transactions, card transfers are generally less convenient due to limits and the complexity of documentation; the suitability of a particular method should be agreed with the bank and the parties to the transaction.

Just because the service you’ve chosen is working today doesn’t guarantee it will be available in a week’s time. Before each transfer, check the status of the route on the service’s official website or in the app.

Which banks and services transfer money from Russia to Georgia?

T-Bank’s fees and Avosend’s limits are taken from official statements. Data for MultiTransfer, Alfa-Bank and Avosend’s fees are taken from a Banki.ru publication dated September 2026. These should be confirmed with the operators before sending. A zero commission does not mean there are no conversion costs.

Cash and other options

Taking cash out of the country is the simplest method to understand, but it is subject to physical limits. It is prohibited to take foreign currency out of Russia in an amount exceeding the equivalent of 10,000 USD per person. Declaration procedures and requirements for supporting documents are regulated separately; making a declaration does not override this ban. Rouble cash: from 29 September 2026 Decree No. 706 limits the amount of cash in roubles that individuals may take out of the country to the EAEU member states, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to 1 million roubles, subject to the specified exceptions. Georgia is not included in the list. When transiting through the countries listed, travellers must check whether the rules apply to their route.

Taking cash out of Russia and bringing it into Georgia: what’s the difference?

The ban on taking foreign currency out of Russia and the obligation to declare cash are separate rules. A customs declaration does not allow you to circumvent the ban. When travelling through another country, you must also take into account the rules of the countries along your route.

At the Georgian border: when carrying cash in lari and foreign currency, cheques and certain securities across the border, totalling more than 30,000 GEL (or the equivalent), a declaration is required. The absence of a general ban on imports does not exempt you from this obligation or from a possible enquiry regarding the origin of the funds. It is important to bear in mind that Russian customs regulations for exports and Georgian customs regulations for imports are subject to different legal regimes; both must be complied with.

Transporting a large sum of cash in person carries obvious risks: loss, theft or seizure. Furthermore, cash deposited into a Georgian bank account may require documentary proof of its source — particularly if the sum is sufficient to purchase property.

Cryptocurrency As a means of transferring value, this is technically used by a number of market participants (such as USDT on the TRC-20 network and others). However, the transfer of digital assets and payment for property are not one and the same. In Georgia, payment for goods and services using virtual assets is generally prohibited, except where the regulator has provided for exceptions. For any exchange, it is necessary to verify the VASP’s registration, the origin of the funds and the possibility of subsequent bank crediting. Following the exchange of virtual assets via an authorised provider, a Georgian bank may request confirmation of the origin of the fiat funds or refuse to credit them in accordance with the applicable rules. Transactions involving cryptocurrency carry legal risks (Russian legislation regulates the circulation of digital currencies) and operational risks (an error in a wallet address is irreversible). It is incorrect to describe cryptocurrency as a guaranteed way of circumventing restrictions — it is a distinct instrument with its own set of risks.

A comparison of methods for transferring money from Russia to Georgia

Fees, courses and translation turnaround times

The actual cost of an international transfer is not the same as the fee quoted by the bank or service provider. The final amount credited to the recipient’s account is made up of several components, and overlooking even one of them means you’ll be in for a surprise when the funds are credited.

Commission charged by the sending bank — the most obvious part of the costs. It is usually charged as a percentage of the amount or as a fixed fee. Specific rates vary considerably — please ask your bank for an up-to-date quote.

Correspondent Bank Commission — intermediaries in the chain. The correspondent bank deducts its commission from the transfer amount, and the sending bank is often unable to guarantee the exact amount of this commission. As a result, the final amount credited to the recipient’s account is less than expected.

Fee charged by the receiving bank — A Georgian bank may also charge a fee for crediting an incoming international transfer.

Currency conversion — If your itinerary involves currency exchange, this could be the most significant hidden cost. The bank converts roubles into dollars or euros at its own internal exchange rate, which differs from the Central Bank’s official rate. The difference (spread) can be substantial — please check the exact terms and conditions for your specific route. Two services with the same advertised commission but different conversion rates will result in the recipient receiving different amounts.

Delays This adds another factor — changes in the exchange rate whilst the payment is being processed. SWIFT bank transfers can take several working days; the exact timeframe depends on the route and the checks carried out. If a weekend or bank holiday falls within this period, the processing time will be extended. If payment is delayed, the cost of the flat, as specified in the contract in US dollars, may require an additional payment due to changes in the rouble exchange rate on the sender’s side.

A tutorial example of a calculation. Let’s say you’re sending 300,000 roubles to Georgia. These figures are for illustrative purposes only — they are intended to demonstrate the principle, not actual rates.

How to compare translation costs

The total amount in Scenario A is ≈ 3,257 USD, and in Scenario B it is ≈ 3,358 USD. The difference is ≈ 101 USD. This is a provisional calculation; the commission is deducted from the amount sent.

Practical conclusion: Don’t compare the commission as a percentage; instead, compare the amount the recipient will receive. The correct way to phrase your question to a bank or service provider is: ‘How many dollars (lari) will the recipient receive if I send X roubles right now?’

The time taken for a standard bank transfer to be credited depends on the route and the checks involved. The time taken for funds to be credited via a payment service depends on the service’s terms and conditions, the recipient’s bank and any additional checks; please refer to the timeframe provided by the operator for the specific transaction. However, the stated processing time does not guarantee that the funds will be transferred without further verification by the Georgian bank.

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Restrictions and bank checks

Restrictions on international transfers apply at several levels simultaneously, and it is important not to confuse them.

Level 1: Bank of Russia regulations. From December 2025, there will be no overall limits on the amounts that Russian citizens can transfer abroad. For non-residents from unfriendly countries, the restrictions will remain in place.

Level 2: restrictions on a specific Russian bank. Each bank decides for itself to which countries and via which routes it is prepared to make transfers. A bank connected to SWIFT may nevertheless refuse to process a transfer to Georgia — if it does not have a suitable correspondent bank or if the transaction contravenes its internal risk policy. A bank may refuse to carry out a transaction on grounds provided for by law or contract; the extent of the explanations provided to the customer depends on the circumstances and the applicable regulations.

Level 3: sanctions monitoring. A number of Russia’s largest banks — Sberbank, VTB and Alfa-Bank — are subject to international sanctions. Sanctions against the sending bank may result in the correspondent bank refusing the transaction, or in a specific SWIFT route being blocked or rendered unavailable. Check for restrictions on all parties involved in the transaction.

Level 4: AML/KYC on the part of the Georgian bank. National Bank of Georgia regulates anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) procedures. Georgian banks apply risk-based verification procedures: they check the economic rationale behind incoming payments, establish the source of funds and, where there are grounds provided for by law, carry out enhanced due diligence. This is not at the discretion of an individual operations officer — it is a requirement of the regulator, which banks are obliged to follow.

The bank may request documentation regarding the source of funds, regardless of the amount, if it considers the transaction to be unusual. There is no universal threshold above which such checks become automatic.

Delay means that the bank is processing the transaction and may request further information. Refusal to comply means that the bank will not carry out the transaction. Returns means that the receiving bank has returned the money to the sender — with any associated return charges.

Checklist: what to check before sending a transfer

1. Does your Russian bank currently support transfers to Georgia? Please check with customer support or via the app.
2. Does the Georgian recipient bank accept incoming transfers from Russia in the selected currency?
3. Have the bank details been entered correctly: IBAN, SWIFT/BIC, and the recipient’s full name?
4. Does the payment reference correspond to the nature of the transaction: a transfer to a relative, payment for services, or payment for property?
5. Are you prepared to provide the documents requested by the bank — bank statements, contracts and proof of the source of funds?
6. Do you understand the full cost of the transfer, including currency conversion and intermediary fees?
7. Do you have a time buffer in case of delays, if the operation is subject to the terms of the contract?

How to transfer a large sum of money

A large-scale transfer is, first and foremost, a matter of having the necessary documentation in order. Banks on both sides operate with a heightened level of scrutiny: not because they suspect you of breaking the law, but because that is simply how international controls on the movement of large sums of money are organised.

There are various sources of funding, and the set of documents required will differ for each one. It is worth finding out in advance which documents you already have and which ones you are missing.

For large transfers, you should check with the recipient’s Georgian bank before sending the money — to clarify what documents will be required and whether the bank accepts such transactions. Checking in advance reduces the likelihood of unexpected requests for documents, but does not guarantee that the funds will be credited.

Documents required for large transfers

The fact that you have the necessary documents does not guarantee automatic approval. The bank assesses a range of factors: whether the amount is consistent with your financial history, whether there are any signs of splitting payments, and whether the purpose of the transfer is clear. If the recipient bank asks questions, this is standard procedure, not a sign of a problem. It is in your best interests to provide a full and prompt response.

It is also useful to know the difference between what a bank entitled to to request, and the fact that adopted request in a specific situation. The bank may request the documents and information necessary to properly verify the customer and the transaction in accordance with the applicable AML/KYC regulations. Exactly which ones will depend on the amount involved, the history of the customer relationship and the nature of the transaction.

For more information on how to prove the source of funds when buying property in Georgia, please read the article: ‘Proof of the origin of funds in Georgia“.

Money transfers for the purchase of property

Paying for a property is not simply a matter of transferring a large sum of money. It is a legally significant transaction with specific deadlines, parties involved and documentation requirements. A mistake here is more costly than with an everyday money transfer.

What is important to understand right from the start. The contract of sale specifies the amount to be paid by the buyer, to whom it is to be paid, and by when. A bank transfer is the means by which this obligation is fulfilled. However, it may take several working days between the submission of the payment order and the funds actually being credited to the seller’s or developer’s account. If the contract specifies a strict payment deadline, you should send the money in good time. Before transferring the funds, consult an independent solicitor regarding the sequence of events: signing the contract, registering the transfer of title, making the payment and confirming receipt of the payment; the timing of the fulfilment of the financial obligation must comply with the terms of the contract and applicable law.

Example: how to transfer 9 million roubles to buy a flat in Batumi

Let us assume that a buyer has 9 million roubles in a Russian bank and is considering a flat in Batumi costing $100,000.

Assuming an exchange rate of 90 ₽ to the dollar, the rouble equivalent of the price is 9 million ₽. However, if the exchange rate changes or additional fees are charged, this amount may not be sufficient.

This is an illustrative example, not the bank’s current exchange rate.

If we consider a payment method with a maximum transaction limit of 550,000 ₽, transferring 9 million ₽ would, in theory, require at least 17 transactions. However, this does not mean that the bank will authorise 17 payments for the purchase of property: it is necessary to check the purpose of the payment, the recipient’s restrictions, the bank’s compliance requirements and whether payment in instalments is permitted.

Before signing the contract, the buyer should obtain confirmation of the correct payment schedule for the full amount, not just for the first small instalment.

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What should I do if my money is in Russia but I need to buy a flat in Georgia?

If the customer has not yet chosen a payment method, a sensible sequence of steps would be as follows:

1. Specify the price of the flat, the currency of the contract and the recipient of the funds.
2. Check with the Russian bank to see if it is possible to transfer the required amount for the stated purpose.
3. Obtain preliminary confirmation from a Georgian bank that the payment can be accepted.
4. Prepare the documents detailing the source of funds and the contract of sale.
5. Consult an independent solicitor regarding the procedure for signing, paying for and registering the property.
6. Check the final amount that the recipient should receive after conversion and fees.
7. Send the money in accordance with the agreed procedure, keep the bank statements and obtain confirmation of receipt.

Key point: you should not pay a deposit or sign a contract with a strict payment deadline until you have checked that the payment method is available and understood the consequences of any potential delay.

Scenario A: buying a flat in a completed block of flats

The buyer agrees the terms with the property owner, through an estate agent if necessary; before making payment, they verify the seller’s identity and their authority to sell. A contract of sale is signed. The funds are transferred to the seller’s bank account — whether the seller is an individual or a company.

Approval procedure:

1. Obtain the seller’s full bank details: IBAN, SWIFT/BIC, the name of the bank, and the full name or company name of the recipient.
2. Please check with your Russian bank to see if it is able to process a transfer to these account details in the specified currency. Ask for a quote for the cost of the transaction.
3. Contact the Georgian recipient bank (or ask the seller to do so) and confirm that the bank accepts incoming transfers of this amount from individuals in Russia. Check which documents will be required.
4. Please prepare documents proving the source of the funds — a contract for the sale of property, bank statements and other supporting documents.
5. Please check the payment reference: it must clearly state the purpose of the transfer.
6. Keep a copy of the payment order, the SWIFT message (MT103, if available) and the unique transaction identifier (UETR) — you will need all of these if the money is delayed.

How to specify the purpose of the transfer when buying a flat

The payment reference must be consistent with the contract, the actual purpose of the transaction and the bank’s requirements.

Example for approval by the bank:

Payment for the flat under Sale and Purchase Agreement No. 15 dated 15 October 2026

If the instalment is being paid in instalments:

Instalment payment under Agreement No. 15 dated 15 October 2026

Please provide the actual details of your contract. If the bank offers standardised payment references, use an acceptable option and check whether you can add your contract number to it.

What documents do I need to prepare to pay for a flat in Georgia?

This list does not constitute a standard, mandatory set of documents. The specific documents required are determined by the banks’ requirements, the contract and the circumstances of the transaction.

Scenario B: buying a new-build property on an instalment plan

The buyer enters into a contract with the developer — usually a legal entity registered in Georgia. Payment is made in several instalments: an initial deposit upon signing the contract, followed by periodic payments in accordance with an agreed schedule.

Features of this scheme:

• Recipient’s details — a legal entity. Payments made to a property developer’s account are processed differently from those made to an individual. Please ensure that the bank details in the contract and on the invoice are the same.
• Instalment payments must be made in accordance with the agreed schedule. You should check with your bank whether automatic or recurring payments are possible. The payment reference for each transaction must allow it to be linked to a specific stage of the contract.
• The payment reference must correspond to the contract. It is standard practice to refer to the contract number, date and property.
• The exchange rate is changing. If the contract is denominated in US dollars but you pay in roubles, the rouble amount will be converted at the current exchange rate for each payment. The difference between the instalments may be significant.

Example: how to set up instalment payments from Russia

Let’s assume that a flat in a new-build development in Batumi costs $80,000. Under a provisional contract, the buyer pays 30% up front, with the remaining 70% to be paid over 24 months.

This is a hypothetical example; the final payment is adjusted to take account of rounding.

When making regular payments from Russia, it is important to take into account exchange rate fluctuations and any changes to the banks’ terms and conditions. It is important for the buyer to check whether the contract permits payments to be made from multiple accounts, how the receipt of each instalment is confirmed, and what the consequences are in the event of a delay.

For more details on how instalment plans for new-build properties in Georgia work, read here: “How do property instalment plans work in Georgia?“.

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General rules for both scenarios:

• Never transfer money using bank details that have only been provided to you verbally or via a messaging app without verification. Fraudulent schemes involving the substitution of bank details do happen.
• A payment confirmation does not in itself constitute confirmation of receipt. Bank documents confirm the transfer and receipt of funds; the point at which the obligation is fulfilled and the sufficiency of such evidence are determined by the contract and the applicable law.
• If the money has not been received by the expected date, do not make a second payment until you have checked the status of the first one.
• If the delay is due to a bank verification, it is important to record the date of dispatch and the date on which the bank was contacted. The consequences of the delay are determined by the contract and the applicable law — before entering into the transaction, it is advisable to set out the procedure for notification, confirmation of payment and any possible extension of the deadline.

Which method of payment should you choose when buying a property?

Regardless of the method chosen, you should check who the recipient’s account belongs to, when the payment is deemed to have been made, and how the settlement relates to the registration of title.

Are you planning to buy a flat in Batumi, Tbilisi or Gonio and would like to find out the price and payment terms in advance? Find suitable properties based on your budget and the purpose of your purchase: Property selection at The Residence.

A detailed step-by-step guide to the transaction can be found in the article: ‘How to buy property in Georgia“.

What to do if a transfer is delayed

Delays in international transfers are not uncommon. There are various reasons for this: additional checks by the sending bank, delays at the correspondent bank, requests for documents from the receiving bank, technical issues, or public holidays. If there is a delay, the outcome may vary: the funds may be credited, the transfer may be returned, documents may be requested, or the transfer may be subject to a lengthy verification process. It is important to take a systematic approach.

Please do not send a second transfer until you have received official confirmation of the status of the first one. A duplicate payment causes further confusion and incurs additional costs in the event of a refund.

Procedure to follow in the event of a delay:

1. Check the status in your account your bank. Sometimes the payment is still being processed — it’s just taking longer than expected.
2. Ask the sending bank for confirmation of the transaction — payment order, proof of transfer. If the transfer was made via SWIFT, please check the UETR (unique transaction identifier) or MT103 — the availability of these documents depends on the transfer method.
3. Please contact the sending bank and ask them to check the payment status and, if necessary, to initiate a trace or make an enquiry through the correspondent banking chain.
4. Please check the status with the receiving bank — either directly, if you have an account there, or via the payee.
5. Please provide the requested documents as soon as possible. If the recipient bank requests confirmation of the source of the funds, any delay in replying will prolong the waiting time.
6. Keep a record of all expenses and correspondence. If the transfer is ultimately returned, this will be useful for assessing the losses.

What to do if a Russian or Georgian bank has refused to process a transfer

If the transfer relates to the purchase of a flat, you must simultaneously notify the seller of the delay and, if necessary, agree on a change to the payment deadline in writing.

If a refund is issued: the total amount refunded and any associated charges depend on the banks involved, the currency and the terms of the transaction. The time taken for the refund also depends on the route; you should not make any specific promises regarding the timeframe, either to yourself or to the seller.

When paying for a property, the situation is complicated by the fact that the contract period may expire whilst the money is in transit. If the delay is not your fault, it is important to keep a record of the date of dispatch and the date you contacted the bank.

Errors in payment details are one of the most common reasons for a transfer being returned. An incorrect IBAN, a typo in the recipient’s name, or an incorrect bank SWIFT code – any of these errors can result in the transfer being held up or returned. Before sending a transfer, always double-check the details against an official source, rather than a screenshot in a chat.

Overseas accounts, taxes and security

Opening an account with a Georgian bank makes it much easier to receive money transfers: you know your account details, can check the bank’s terms and conditions in advance, and, if necessary, manage the account yourself. Georgia’s main banks — TBC Bank, Bank of Georgia, Liberty Bank and Credo Bank — serve foreign customers; however, whether a Russian citizen can open an account and whether a specific payment from Russia can be accepted depends on an individual assessment and the bank’s current policy.

For more details on this: “Opening a bank account in Georgia: step-by-step instructions“.

Is it necessary to notify the Federal Tax Service when opening a bank account in Georgia?

Individuals who are currency residents of the Russian Federation are generally required to notify the Federal Tax Service of the opening, closure or change of details of a foreign bank account. The standard notification period is one month from the date of the relevant event.

There may also be a separate obligation to submit a statement showing the movement of funds in a foreign account. For individuals, the standard deadline for submitting the annual statement is 1 June of the year following the reporting year.

However, the legislation provides for exceptions. In particular, the relevant provisions of Article 12 of Law No. 173-FZ do not apply to resident individuals who have spent a total of more than 183 days outside the Russian Federation in a calendar year. There are also other special conditions and exceptions which you should check in relation to your status and account.

Citizenship, currency residency and tax residency should not be equated.

Tax implications. In itself, transferring money abroad is not subject to tax. Tax liabilities arise depending on the nature of the transaction and the status of the parties involved: income from the sale of property, income received from a foreign source, dividends, and so on. Each case must be considered on its own merits.

Safety during transport:

• Check the details against official documents, not messages on messaging apps.
• Do not transfer money via unknown intermediaries without verifying their legal status. Check whether the chosen supplier requires a licence or registration, and whether they are listed in the relevant register maintained by the regulator in the country where the service is provided.
• Do not agree to schemes that ‘bypass’ banks via third parties — even if they seem quicker and cheaper.
• Please keep all documents relating to the dispatch, payment details and confirmation of receipt.
• When paying for a property, please ensure that the bank details in the contract match those to which you are transferring the money.

Fraudulent schemes do exist in property transactions: falsification of details, and bogus intermediaries posing as banks or law firms. If anything seems out of the ordinary, stop and check.

Common mistakes when transferring money

Translation errors and how to avoid them

Conclusion

Transferring money from Russia to Georgia in 2026 is a manageable task, but not an automatic one. The choice of method depends on several key factors: the amount, the purpose of the payment, the sending bank, the receiving bank, the availability of the necessary documents, the currency and the timeframe.

For day-to-day expenses and small transfers to relatives, you might want to consider payment services — compare the final amount, the processing time and the provider’s legal status. For large transfers, particularly those relating to property transactions, a bank transfer using the recipient’s bank details is usually considered the most reliable option; the specific method of payment should be agreed with the bank, the seller and an independent solicitor.

When paying for a flat, it is important to bear in mind not only the method of payment but also the timeframes involved: a bank transfer takes several working days, whilst a contract with the seller or developer is, as a rule, strictly tied to a specific date. Such a discrepancy can pose a significant risk when making payments for property from Russia.

If you are planning a transaction in Georgia, it is wise to discuss the payment arrangements in advance — whilst you are still in the negotiation phase regarding the property — rather than leaving financial matters until the last minute.

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This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for advice from a bank or a specialist in the relevant field regarding a specific transaction.