Free One-Year Land Registration Program Launches in Georgia

The Georgian Land Registration Law came into full effect from August 1. Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili estimated this issue as one of most important for the population, and one which will contribute to the development of agriculture and the land market.

According to the law, mediation, obtaining certificates or other notary services will be completely free of charge for citizens. Minister of Justice Thea Tsulukiani stated that the population would benefit from this project for a year. “During one year, everyone should register land that they were unable to previously as a result of various barriers,” she said.

PM Kvirikashvili said that, to date, only 25 percent of land is registered- a big problem for the private sector in particular because the population cannot capitalize on land which is actually available for possession and for full use in economic activities.

“It’s good the land registration system has been simplified,” the PM said. “The State is significantly helping the population in the registration process, including in financial instruments. Following the conclusion of the program we will have a much healthier and complete picture,” he claimed, adding that it is also a social issue – more than 50 percent of the population are still involved in agriculture. As such, this is expected to be a very important project for the strengthening of the rural population.

Additionally, the Georgian Prime Minister has asked the Minister of Justice to create a mechanism that will eliminate the risk of abuse of the law. “It is important to have a correct and transparent mechanism during land registration,” Kvirikashvili said.

Eka Karsaulidze