What counts as fraud

Taking someone's property or obtaining a property right by deception, with the aim of appropriating it. The key question is whether there was an intent to deceive from the start. Simply failing to perform an obligation is not always a crime.

The penalty depends on the damage

• Basic case — from a fine up to 2–4 years' imprisonment
• Significant damage (over GEL 150) or by a group — 4 to 7 years
• A large amount (over GEL 10,000), abuse of position, or repeat offences — 6 to 9 years
• By an organised group — 7 to 10 years

What we check in your defence

• Whether there was intent to deceive from the start
• Whether the damage was calculated correctly
• Whether this is really a civil dispute
• What correspondence, contracts and transfers show

What to do

1. Give no statement without a lawyer.
2. Keep all contracts, messages and payment records.
3. Compensating the damage can affect the sentence — decide this with your lawyer.

Is failing to repay a debt fraud?

Not necessarily. Fraud requires an intent to deceive from the start. If an obligation simply wasn't met, it is often a civil dispute.

What is the penalty for fraud?

Basic case — from a fine up to 2–4 years' imprisonment; damage over GEL 150 or by a group — 4 to 7 years; over GEL 10,000 — 6 to 9 years; by an organised group — 7 to 10 years.

Does compensating the damage help?

It can affect the sentence, but it doesn't end the case automatically. Decide when and how with your lawyer.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

Penalties

• Basic case — a fine, house arrest, or 1 to 3 years' imprisonment
• Significant damage (over GEL 150) or breaking into premises — 3 to 5 years
• By a group, repeatedly, breaking into a home, or stealing a vehicle — 4 to 7 years
• A large amount (over GEL 10,000) or by an organised group — 6 to 10 years

What matters for the defence

• A correct valuation of the property — it decides which part of the article applies
• Whether the taking was secret and aimed at appropriation
• Video footage, identification and seizure records
• Compensating the damage and reaching agreement with the victim

If you are arrested

Use your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. You must be charged within 48 hours of arrest, and within the following 24 hours a court decides on a preventive measure.

What is the penalty for theft?

Basic case — a fine, house arrest or 1 to 3 years' imprisonment. Damage over GEL 150, breaking into a home, acting as a group or a large amount make it stricter — up to 10 years.

Why does the value of the property matter?

It decides which part of the article applies: over GEL 150 is significant damage, over GEL 10,000 a large amount. So checking the valuation is an important part of the defence.

I was arrested for theft. What should I do?

Use your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. You must be charged within 48 hours, and within the next 24 hours a court decides on a preventive measure.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

Who counts as a family member

By law this includes not only a spouse and children, but parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, the spouse's parents, a partner in an unregistered marriage, and a former spouse.

What counts as domestic violence

Violence, systematic insults, blackmail or humiliation by one family member against another that caused physical pain or suffering.

Penalties

• Community service of 80–150 hours or imprisonment of up to 2 years
• Against a minor, a pregnant woman or a person with a disability, in front of a minor, against two or more people, by a group or repeatedly — 1 to 3 years
• In both cases the court may also restrict weapons-related rights

If you are accused

• Don't contact the victim — it can aggravate the charge or become a reason for detention
• Comply with any restraining or protective order
• Give no statement without a lawyer

If you are a victim

Call 112. The police can issue a restraining order against the abuser. A lawyer can help you apply for a protective order and protect your interests in the criminal case.

Who counts as a family member?

A spouse and children, and also parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, the spouse's parents, a partner in an unregistered marriage, and a former spouse.

What is the penalty for domestic violence?

Community service of 80–150 hours or imprisonment of up to 2 years; with aggravating circumstances, 1 to 3 years. The court may also restrict weapons-related rights.

I'm accused. Can I contact the victim?

Don't — it can aggravate the charge or become a reason for detention. Comply with any order and give no statement without a lawyer.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

Licence suspension

• 0.3 to 0.7 per mille — 6 months
• Over 0.7 per mille — 1 year
• Refusing a test — the same as over 0.7: 1 year

When it gets more serious

• Drunk driving during a suspension — GEL 2,000, administrative detention of 5–15 days and the suspension extended by 1 year
• Drunk driving that causes minor damage to a vehicle, property or health — GEL 2,000 and a 3-year suspension
• Repeat offences or driving without a licence — fines up to GEL 3,000 and administrative detention

When it is a crime

• Driving under the influence of drugs is a criminal offence (Article 276)
• A drunk driver causes less serious harm to someone's health — 2 to 5 years
• Serious harm — 4 to 6 years
• A death — 6 to 9 years

Much in these cases depends on how the test was done. A lawyer checks whether the test and the record were correct. Fines and suspensions can be appealed.

How long will my licence be suspended?

0.3 to 0.7 per mille — 6 months; over 0.7 per mille — 1 year.

Can I refuse a breath test?

Refusing is punished the same as over 0.7 per mille — a 1-year licence suspension.

When does drunk driving become a crime?

When the drunk driver injures someone or causes a death. Driving under the influence of drugs is a criminal offence in itself.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

When it is decided

A person must be charged within 48 hours of arrest, and within the following 24 hours the court decides on a preventive measure. The lawyer needs to start preparing for this hearing immediately.

Types of preventive measures

• Bail — at least GEL 1,000, or real estate
• An agreement not to leave and to behave properly
• Personal guarantee
• Detention

The court can also add obligations: reporting to the police, electronic monitoring, a ban on meeting certain people, or surrendering a passport.

Detention only as a last resort

By law, detention is used only when it is the only way to prevent the accused from absconding, interfering with evidence or committing a new crime. The prosecutor must justify why a milder measure is not enough. Total pre-trial detention may not exceed 9 months.

What the court considers

• The accused's character, age and health
• Family and financial situation, employment
• Compensation of damage
• Any earlier breach of a preventive measure

Appeal

The ruling can be appealed once to the Court of Appeals within 48 hours. So your lawyer must be ready as soon as the decision is made.

When does the court decide on a preventive measure?

Within 24 hours after the charge, which must be brought within 48 hours of arrest.

How much can bail be?

Bail cannot be less than GEL 1,000. It can be money or real estate.

Can a preventive measure be appealed?

Yes — once, to the Court of Appeals, within 48 hours of the ruling.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

Who can propose it

Either the accused or the prosecutor can propose an agreement. The accused may also agree to cooperate or to compensate the damage.

What to know before you sign

• It is a guilty verdict — you will have a criminal record
• The court no longer examines the evidence in detail
• It doesn't release you from civil liability — the victim can still claim damages in court
• The prosecutor must explain all the consequences to you

What the court checks

The court checks whether the charge is well-founded and whether the sentence is lawful and fair. If not, it can refuse to approve the agreement.

The victim

The prosecutor must consult the victim before the agreement. The victim cannot appeal the agreement but keeps the right to file a civil claim.

When it's worth it

It depends on the strength of the evidence and what is being offered. Sometimes an agreement is the right decision, sometimes defending at trial is. Don't sign until your lawyer has reviewed the case file.

Will I have a criminal record after a plea agreement?

Yes — it is a guilty verdict.

Who can propose a plea agreement?

Either the accused or the prosecutor.

Can the victim appeal the agreement?

No, but the victim keeps the right to file a civil claim. The prosecutor must consult the victim before the agreement.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

Your rights when arrested

• The right to remain silent — you don't have to give a statement without a lawyer
• The right to a lawyer from the moment of arrest
• The right to have a family member informed
• The right to read the record and add your comments

Search and seizure

Watch who is present at the search, what is taken and how it is packed. If the record doesn't match what happened, don't sign it — or add a note.

Drug testing

Police may ask for a test if they have sufficient grounds. Avoiding a test is itself an administrative offence — a fine of GEL 500–2,000 or administrative detention of up to 60 days.

Deadlines

You must be charged within 48 hours of arrest, and within the next 24 hours a court decides on a preventive measure. Your lawyer should already be involved by then.

Possible penalties

• First-time use or possession of a small amount — as a rule, an administrative penalty
• The same again after an administrative penalty — a criminal offence
• Buying and possession — imprisonment of up to 6 years; more for large amounts
• Sale and import — serious crimes with long sentences

Mistakes to avoid

• "Explaining" without a lawyer
• Signing a record without reading it
• Giving your phone password without legal advice
• Accepting a plea agreement without a lawyer's advice

I was arrested over drugs. Do I have to make a statement?

No — you have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer from the moment of arrest.

Can I refuse a drug test?

Avoiding a test is itself an offence — a fine of GEL 500–2,000 or administrative detention of up to 60 days.

I disagree with the record. What should I do?

Don't sign it, or add a note. Watch who is present at the search, what is taken and how it is packed.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

Small amounts: a fine

Buying, possessing, transporting or sending a small amount of marijuana is an administrative offence — a GEL 500 fine.

Where using it is punished

• In any building except a private home — GEL 500–1,000
• On the street, in parks, cafés, public transport and other public places — GEL 800–1,200
• In front of minors or near schools — GEL 1,000–1,500
• Repeat offences — higher fines

Under 18s

Use by a person under 18 is fined GEL 500–1,000, and more for a repeat offence.

When it becomes a crime

• A large or especially large amount
• Selling or giving it to someone — even for free
• Bringing it into or out of Georgia
• Growing the plant

The amounts are set in an annex to the law. If you were fined or a case was opened against you, contact a lawyer — fines can be appealed too.

What is the fine for a small amount of marijuana?

GEL 500 — it is an administrative offence.

What is the fine for using it in public?

On the street, in parks, cafés, transport and other public places — GEL 800–1,200; in front of minors or near schools — GEL 1,000–1,500.

When is it a criminal offence?

For a large amount, giving it to someone (even for free), bringing it into or out of Georgia, or growing the plant.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

Step 1: Ask for the written grounds

Ask your employer to explain the grounds for your dismissal in writing. This document matters, because it is exactly what gets examined later.

Step 2: Keep every document

• Employment contract and amendments
• The dismissal order
• Correspondence with your employer — emails, messages
• Salary statements

Step 3: Don't miss the deadlines

Deadlines for challenging a dismissal are short, so contact a lawyer as soon as possible — ideally as soon as you receive the written grounds.

What you can claim

• Reinstatement
• Pay for the period you were forced out of work
• Compensation if reinstatement is impossible or you don't want it

Mistakes to avoid

• Signing a "voluntary resignation" under pressure
• Deleting documents and correspondence
• Missing the deadline

What should I do first?

Ask your employer for the written grounds for dismissal, and keep every document and message.

What can I claim in court?

Reinstatement, pay for the period you were forced out of work, or compensation if reinstatement is impossible or you don't want it.

Should I sign a 'voluntary resignation'?

Not under pressure — it is one of the most common mistakes. Deadlines to challenge a dismissal are short, so contact a lawyer soon.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

The key point: the 6-month deadline

An inheritance must be accepted within 6 months of its opening — as a rule, the date of death. The application to the notary can be filed by your representative.

How to issue a power of attorney

• At a Georgian embassy or consulate — no further certification needed
• With a local notary — depending on the country, an apostille or legalisation may be needed, plus a certified Georgian translation
• Online with a notary in Georgia — if you have a Georgian passport: you join by video call, with two witnesses present at the notary

Prepare the text with your lawyer in advance so it covers all the powers needed.

Documents you'll need

• Death certificate
• Proof of kinship
• Your ID document
• Property documents or a Public Registry extract

If you missed the deadline

If you missed it for a valid reason, a court can extend it. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

What happens next

The notary issues a certificate of inheritance, and the property is registered in your name with the Public Registry. You can then sell or rent it out — also by power of attorney.

Within what time must I accept an inheritance?

Within 6 months of its opening — as a rule, the date of death.

Do I need to come to Georgia?

No — you can act by power of attorney: at an embassy or consulate, with a local notary, or, if you have a Georgian passport, online with a notary in Georgia.

What if I missed the 6-month deadline?

If you missed it for a valid reason, a court can extend it. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

The first hours: what to do

1. Contact your bank immediately — block the card and dispute the payment.
2. Change your passwords and turn on two-factor authentication.
3. Keep everything — messages, links, account numbers, transactions and screenshots.
4. Contact a lawyer — they will prepare the complaint to the police.

Common scams

• Fake online shops and listings
• A "bank employee" calling to ask for codes or card details
• Investment and crypto "opportunities"
• Fake links by SMS or messenger

Beware of "money recovery" services

After a scam, services often appear promising to recover your money for an upfront fee. As a rule, this is another scam.

Can the money be recovered?

Sometimes, yes — especially if you contact the bank quickly or the offender is identified. A lawyer helps you prepare the evidence correctly and protects your interests as a victim.

I was scammed online. What should I do first?

Contact your bank immediately to block the card and dispute the payment. Then change your passwords and keep all the evidence.

Can the money be recovered?

Sometimes — especially if you contact the bank quickly or the offender is identified.

Should I trust a 'money recovery' service?

No. Services that promise to recover your money for an upfront fee are, as a rule, another scam.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

Step 1: Read the decision carefully

The decision usually states who fined you, on what grounds, where it can be appealed and within what deadline. Note when you received it — the deadline runs from that day.

Step 2: Gather evidence

• Photos and video recordings
• Witnesses' contact details
• Receipts, tickets, permits — anything that supports your position

Step 3: File a complaint or lawsuit

Depending on the type of fine, it can be appealed to a superior body or in court. A lawyer will assess which route is faster and more effective.

Mistakes to avoid

• Missing the deadline — it's short
• Not recording the date you received the decision
• Complaining without evidence
• Ignoring notices

Where do I appeal a fine?

Depending on the type — to a superior body or in court. Where and by when is usually stated in the decision itself.

When does the appeal deadline start?

From the day you received the decision. Note that date — the deadline is short.

What evidence will I need?

Photos and video, witnesses' contacts, receipts, tickets, permits — anything that supports your position.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

1. Public Registry extract

Check who the owner is, the size of the apartment, and whether there is a mortgage, seizure or prohibition. Get an up-to-date extract.

2. The seller

• Check the seller's ID and that they are the owner
• If the apartment was bought during a marriage, the spouse's consent may be needed
• If there are several owners, all of them must agree
• If the seller acts under a power of attorney, check it

3. New builds

• Does the developer have a construction permit?
• What stage is construction at?
• In the contract: the completion date and liability for delays

4. Debts and payment

Check for utility debts. Pay in a way that is documented — and only after signing the contract or through a secure mechanism.

5. Registration

Ownership arises on registration with the Public Registry. Until registration is complete, the apartment isn't legally yours.

What should I check in the Public Registry extract?

Who the owner is, the size of the apartment, and whether there is a mortgage, seizure or prohibition. Get an up-to-date extract.

Is the spouse's consent needed?

If the apartment was bought during a marriage, the spouse's consent may be needed. If there are several owners, all must agree.

When does the apartment become mine?

Ownership arises on registration with the Public Registry. Until then, the apartment isn't legally yours.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

What you need

• A company name
• Details of the partners and the director
• A charter
• A legal address in Georgia — with the owner's consent

How registration works

The company is registered with the Public Registry, usually within one business day. It is registered as a taxpayer at the same time.

Can a foreigner do it?

Yes. Foreign individuals and companies can be an LLC's sole partner and director. Depending on the country, documents issued abroad may need an apostille or consular legalisation (documents from some countries need neither) and a certified Georgian translation.

After registration

• Opening a bank account
• Setting up accounting and understanding your tax obligations
• Signing a shareholder agreement if there are several partners

Mistakes to avoid

• Using a template charter without adapting it
• Having no written agreement between partners
• Mixing personal and company money

What do I need to register an LLC?

A company name, details of the partners and director, a charter, and a legal address in Georgia with the owner's consent.

How long does registration take?

Usually one business day at the Public Registry. The company is registered as a taxpayer at the same time.

Can a foreigner set up an LLC?

Yes — foreign individuals and companies can be the sole partner and director.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

The main types

• Work — for employment in Georgia
• Business — for running your own business in Georgia
• Property — if you own property whose value meets the legal threshold
• Family — to join a family member
• Study — for studying in Georgia
• Investment — for an investment of the amount set by law

How to choose the right type

The right type depends on why you need to live in Georgia and which documents can prove it. Choosing the wrong type is a common reason for refusal.

Where to apply

Applications are filed at the Public Service Hall. Depending on the country, documents issued abroad may need an apostille or consular legalisation (documents from some countries need neither) and a certified Georgian translation.

If you are refused

A refusal is an administrative decision and can be appealed. Deadlines are short, so contact a lawyer as soon as you receive it.

What types of residence permit are there?

Mainly: work, business, property, family, study and investment.

Where do I apply?

At the Public Service Hall.

Why are applications often refused?

Choosing the wrong type is a common reason. A refusal can be appealed — deadlines are short.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

On what basis is a search carried out

As a rule, a search is carried out on the basis of a court order. In urgent cases it can be done without one, but a court must then review whether it was lawful. You have the right to see the document on which the search is based.

Your rights during a search

• To see the basis for the search — the court order or decision
• To contact your lawyer and ask for them to come
• Not to give a statement — you have the right to remain silent
• To read the search record, write your remarks and receive a copy
• To have every item taken listed in the record

What to do

1. Stay calm and do not physically resist.
2. Ask for the document and read carefully which address it covers and what it is for.
3. Call your lawyer immediately.
4. Don't discuss the details of the case during the search.
5. Sign the record only after reading it; if anything is inaccurate, write your objection.

Mistakes to avoid

• Physically resisting — this creates separate liability
• Hiding or destroying items
• Giving "explanations" without a lawyer
• Signing the record without reading it

Is a court order needed for a search?

As a rule, yes. In urgent cases a search can be done without one, but a court then checks whether it was lawful.

Can I call a lawyer during a search?

Yes — you can contact a lawyer and ask them to come.

What are my rights regarding the record?

To read it, add comments, get a copy, and have every seized item listed.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

Who pays alimony

As a rule, the parent who doesn't live with the child pays alimony. Alimony can also be ordered for an adult child who is unable to work and needs support.

How the amount is determined

Georgian law doesn't set a fixed percentage. The amount is agreed by the parents or, if they can't agree, set by the court, taking into account the child's needs and the parents' financial situation.

• The child's age and needs — food, education, medical care
• Both parents' income and assets
• Other people the parent must support

Agreement or court

It's best if the parents agree on alimony themselves — the agreement should be put in writing. If they can't agree, you can ask the court to order alimony.

Can the amount be changed?

Yes. If the parent's or the child's situation changes significantly — for example, income drops or the child's needs grow — you can ask for the alimony to be increased or reduced.

What happens if alimony isn't paid

A court decision is enforced through the National Bureau of Enforcement, and evading alimony can also lead to criminal liability. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the easier it is to recover the debt.

Is there a fixed percentage for alimony?

No — Georgian law sets no fixed percentage. The amount is set by agreement or by the court.

What does the court consider?

The child's age and needs, both parents' income and assets, and any duty to support other people.

Who pays alimony?

As a rule, the parent who doesn't live with the child.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

Your key rights

• To be told why you are being detained and to be informed of your rights.
• The right to remain silent — you are not obliged to testify. Anything you say may be used against you.
• The right to a lawyer — you can demand a lawyer before any questioning. If you cannot afford one, in cases provided by law a lawyer will be appointed at the state's expense.
• The right to have a relative informed of your detention and whereabouts.
• The right to a free interpreter if you do not speak Georgian.
• The right to medical assistance.

How long can you be held?

A detained person must be charged within 48 hours of arrest and brought before a court — which decides on a preventive measure — within the following 24 hours. If this doesn't happen, they must be released immediately.

What to do

1. Stay calm and do not physically resist.
2. Say clearly: "I want a lawyer and will only testify in their presence."
3. Do not sign any document you do not understand. You can write your objections in the record.
4. Remember officers' names, times and circumstances.
5. Ask for a relative to be notified.
6. Contact a lawyer as quickly as possible.

If a relative has been detained

Find out which police unit or facility they are held at and contact a lawyer immediately. Prepare their ID documents and any information that may be relevant. Involving a lawyer early is often decisive.

How long can I be held?

You must be charged within 48 hours and brought before a court within the next 24 hours.

I can't afford a lawyer. What then?

In cases provided by law, a lawyer is appointed at the state's expense.

I don't speak Georgian. Do I get an interpreter?

Yes — you have the right to a free interpreter.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

1. Divorce at the Civil Registry

If both spouses agree to the divorce and there is no dispute about children or property, the divorce can be registered with the Civil Registry through the Public Service Hall. This is the fastest and least expensive route.

2. Divorce through the court

If one spouse does not agree to the divorce, or there is a dispute about the child's residence, alimony or property, the court decides. In family disputes the court may refer the parties to mediation.

Children and alimony

Parents agree between themselves where the child will live and how the other parent will keep in contact; if they cannot agree, the court decides in the child's best interests. Parents must support their minor children; the amount of alimony is set by agreement or by the court.

Division of property

Property acquired during the marriage is the spouses' joint property and is, as a rule, divided equally unless a marriage contract says otherwise. Property owned before the marriage, gifts and inheritance remain each spouse's personal property.

Documents to prepare

• ID documents of both spouses
• Marriage certificate
• Children's birth certificates
• Property documents (registry extracts, contracts)
• Marriage contract, if any

If one spouse is a foreign national or the marriage was registered abroad, additional rules may apply — get advice before you start.

Can we divorce without going to court?

Yes — if both spouses agree and there is no dispute over children or property, the divorce is registered with the civil registry through the Public Service Hall.

When does a court decide the divorce?

When one spouse doesn't agree, or there is a dispute over where the child lives, alimony or property.

Who will the child live with?

The parents agree on this; in a dispute, the court decides in the child's best interests.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.

The court system in Georgia

Judicial power in Georgia is exercised by the Constitutional Court and the courts of general jurisdiction. The courts of general jurisdiction consist of district (city) courts, courts of appeal and the Supreme Court.

• District (city) courts hear cases at first instance. Magistrate judges may also sit in these courts.
• Courts of appeal are the second instance and review appeals against decisions of district (city) courts.
• The Supreme Court is the highest and final instance of justice. It reviews cassation appeals against decisions of the courts of appeal.

Who can become a judge

A citizen of Georgia aged 30 or over may be appointed a judge of a court of general jurisdiction if they have a higher legal education and at least 5 years of professional experience, command of the state language, and have passed the judicial qualification exam.

A citizen of Georgia aged 35 or over with higher education and at least 10 years of professional experience may be appointed a judge of the Constitutional Court.

Independence

A judge must be independent and impartial. Any interference with a judge or attempt to influence their decision is prohibited and punishable by law.

What courts are there in Georgia?

The Constitutional Court and the common courts. The common courts are the district (city) courts, the courts of appeals and the Supreme Court.

What does the Supreme Court hear?

Cassation appeals against decisions of the courts of appeals — it is the highest and final instance.

What does a judge do?

Hears and decides cases in court — administrative, civil and criminal.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.