{"id":19139,"date":"2026-09-26T11:42:13","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T08:42:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/residence-estate.ge\/?p=19139"},"modified":"2026-09-26T11:42:16","modified_gmt":"2026-09-26T08:42:16","slug":"how-to-change-the-land-classification-in-georgia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/residence-estate.ge\/en\/all\/how-to-change-the-land-classification-in-georgia\/","title":{"rendered":"How to change the land use designation in Georgia"},"content":{"rendered":"

You have found a plot of land classified as agricultural at an attractive price and want to find out whether it can be used to build a house, a villa or a commercial property. The seller assures you that \u2018the status can be changed easily\u2019. This claim needs to be verified, rather than simply taken at face value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Georgian legislation does indeed provide for a procedure for changing the designated use of a plot of land \u2014 from agricultural to non-agricultural. This is governed by The Georgian Law \u2018On the Designation of Land Use and the Sustainable Management of Agricultural Land\u2019<\/a> \u0438 Decree No. 396 of the Government of Georgia dated 1 July 2020<\/a>. However, the procedure does not automatically guarantee a favourable outcome: the result depends on the specific plot of land, its location, its intended use and the supporting documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A change of use should not be confused with planning permission.<\/strong> These are two different administrative procedures. A plot of land with non-agricultural status does not automatically become suitable for the construction of any building \u2014 to determine this, it will be necessary to ascertain the functional zone and the parameters of permissible development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article provides a practical guide, from checking the property\u2019s current status to obtaining an up-to-date extract from the register. It avoids generalisations about Georgia\u2019s appeal and focuses solely on the information a property owner or buyer needs to make an informed decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to change the land use designation in Georgia: a brief guide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To change the designated use of a plot of land from agricultural to non-agricultural, it is necessary to check the current details of the plot, determine the purpose of the change, assess any town planning restrictions, and submit an application to the National Agency for the Public Register (NAPR). The change is possible provided there is a justified need, and is not automatically granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you need to know<\/th>Short answer<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Where to go<\/td>National Public Register Agency \u2014 NAPR<\/td><\/tr>
What\u2019s changing<\/td>Agricultural \u2192 Non-agricultural<\/td><\/tr>
Is it possible to alter part of a plot?<\/td>Yes, the law permits a change of use for the whole plot or part of it<\/td><\/tr>
Registration fee<\/td>150 GEL \u2014 4 working days; 270 GEL \u2014 1 working day; 350 GEL \u2014 on the day of application<\/td><\/tr>
Information on the post\/category<\/td>13 GEL \u2014 4 working days; 26 GEL \u2014 1 day; 39 GEL \u2014 on the day of application<\/td><\/tr>
Compensation in Batumi and Tbilisi<\/td>34,001 GEL per hectare<\/td><\/tr>
Area subject to special regulations<\/td>100,000 GEL per hectare<\/td><\/tr>
Is it always necessary to change the status of a detached house?<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Does the new status grant the right to start building straight away?<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Is approval guaranteed?<\/td>No \u2014 a justified need is required<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The main thing is: do not buy agricultural land simply because the seller promises that it will be \u2018easy to change its status\u2019. You must first check the specific cadastral object, the functional zone, the proposed development and the cost of the procedure.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The law does indeed permit a change of use for the whole plot or part of it where there is a justified need, and the decision is taken by NAPR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you found a plot yet? Start with these 7 steps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Ask the seller for the cadastral code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Check the latest information about the plot in the NAPR.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Select the category: Agricultural or Non-Agricultural.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. If the plot is agricultural land, check its category.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Identify the functional zone and the permitted development parameters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Determine whether your project actually requires a change of use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Before paying the deposit, work out the cost of the changes and set out in the agreement who will carry out the procedure and what happens in the event of cancellation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    If the seller does not provide a cadastral code or asks you to pay a deposit before the legal and town-planning checks on the plot have been carried out, do not assume that the land use designation can definitely be changed at a later date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    What does the designation of a plot of land mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    In Georgia, every plot of land has an officially registered purpose<\/strong> \u2014 details of the plot are contained in the national property register, which is maintained by the National Agency for the Public Register (NAPR). It is this status that determines how the plot may be lawfully used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Act sets out two main types of appointment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n