Business Law · Georgia
Company formation in Georgia with expert legal guidance
Setting up a business in Georgia involves registering with the National Agency of Public Registry and complying with the Civil Code. Understanding the local legal framework helps you avoid costly mistakes. We connect you with lawyers who focus on Georgian company law.
- Registration via NAPR and Public Service Halls
- Civil-law system based on the Civil Code
- Legal representation in Georgian courts
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Introduction
Understanding company formation in Georgia
Company formation in Georgia is a structured process governed by the Civil Code and administered by the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR). Whether you are establishing a local enterprise or expanding from abroad, the legal steps involve choosing the right business form, preparing constitutional documents, and completing registration through Public Service Halls or territorial offices. Because Georgia follows the continental civil-law tradition, written codes rather than judicial precedent shape the rules. A lawyer familiar with Georgian business law can guide you through notarial requirements, tax registration, and compliance duties. They can also advise on dispute resolution before the common courts, where proceedings are conducted in Georgian and representation before appeal courts requires a licensed advocate. Matching you with the right lawyer for company formation in Georgia is our role—at no cost to you.
Local framework
Company formation in Georgia: legal essentials
Georgia’s business environment is regulated by a comprehensive civil-law framework. Registration of companies and property rights is centralised under the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR), which operates through Public Service Halls and Community Centres. Understanding these local structures helps you plan a compliant setup.
NAPR and Public Service Halls
The National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR), a Legal Entity under Public Law within the Ministry of Justice, administers business registrations and property rights. Services are delivered through Public Service Halls, Community Centres and territorial offices, enabling centralised and efficient registration. For company formation, this is the primary authority you will interact with.
Civil-law framework
Georgia follows the continental civil-law tradition. The Civil Code, adopted in 1997, governs private-law relations including commercial entities. Court decisions do not create binding precedent, but Supreme Court jurisprudence guides uniform interpretation. When forming a company, your lawyer will rely on written codes and statutes rather than case law.
Notarial authentication
Georgia operates a Latin-type notariat. Public notaries, united in the Notary Chamber of Georgia, perform acts required for many transactions. Notarial authentication is mandatory or customary for important acts, including transfers of immovable property. If your company formation involves real estate contributions or share transfers, a notary may need to certify documents.
Court structure and disputes
Ordinary justice is administered by common courts: district (city) courts at first instance, courts of appeal, and the Supreme Court as cassation instance. Civil cases are heard by district courts, with magistrate judges for property disputes up to GEL 2,000. Commercial disputes arising from company formation would follow this hierarchy.
Language and representation
Judicial proceedings are conducted in Georgian, and court decisions are made in the name of Georgia. Parties who do not command Georgian require translation or interpretation. In civil proceedings before first-instance courts, parties may appear in person, but representation before appeal and cassation courts requires a licensed advocate (GBA member).
Legal costs and aid
Court fees are fixed by the Civil Procedure Code. For a property claim, the fee is 3% of the value, but not less than GEL 100; non-property claims attract GEL 100. Lawyers’ fees are freely agreed. State-funded legal aid exists for eligible persons under the Law of Georgia on Legal Aid, administered by the Legal Aid Service and the GBA.
Key time limit — Commercial & Corporate Law
Contractual claims — 3 years. Shorter limitation period applicable to claims arising from a contract.
Data compiled from official Georgian sources and legal databases, as of 2025.
Common concerns
Challenges in company formation in Georgia
Navigating a foreign legal system can be daunting. Here are typical issues clients face.
Language barrier
Court proceedings and official documents are in Georgian. Without translation, you may struggle to understand registration requirements or contractual terms. A local lawyer can bridge the gap and ensure compliance.
Complex registration steps
Choosing the right legal form, preparing constitutional documents, and interacting with NAPR involves several formalities. Missing a step can delay your business launch. Expert guidance keeps you on track.
Dispute resolution uncertainty
If a commercial dispute arises, you need to know which court has jurisdiction and what deadlines apply. Georgian civil procedure has specific rules, and representation before higher courts requires a licensed advocate.
Benefits
Why get matched with a lawyer for company formation in Georgia
Access specialised legal support tailored to your business needs.
Local expertise
Lawyers on our platform specialise in Georgian business law. They know the Civil Code, NAPR procedures, and notarial requirements, helping you avoid common pitfalls during company formation.
Cost transparency
Legal fees are agreed freely with your advocate. We help you compare profiles so you can choose a lawyer whose fee structure fits your budget, with no hidden costs from us.
Efficient matching
Tell us your needs and we connect you with up to three lawyers who handle company formation in Georgia. You save time and can focus on your business.
Ongoing support
From registration to dispute resolution, your lawyer can assist at every stage. If a conflict arises, they can represent you before the common courts, including appeal and cassation.
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We cover a wide range of European jurisdictions. If you need help outside Georgia, explore our other country pages.
FAQ
Company formation in Georgia: frequently asked questions
What is the first step for company formation in Georgia?
Start by choosing a legal form and reserving a company name. Registration is handled by the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) through Public Service Halls. A lawyer can help you prepare constitutional documents and meet notarial requirements, ensuring a smooth submission.
Do I need a lawyer to form a company in Georgia?
While not mandatory for registration, legal advice is highly recommended. A lawyer ensures compliance with the Civil Code, assists with notarial acts, and can represent you if disputes arise. For court appearances before appeal or cassation, a licensed advocate is required.
What language are legal proceedings conducted in?
Judicial proceedings in Georgia are conducted in Georgian. If you do not speak the language, you will need translation or interpretation. Your lawyer can communicate with authorities on your behalf and explain documents in your language.
How much does company formation cost in Georgia?
Legal fees are freely agreed between you and your lawyer; there are no fixed tariffs. Court fees for civil claims are set by the Civil Procedure Code, e.g., 3% of the claim value for property disputes, but not less than GEL 100. Registration fees are separate.
What are the deadlines for appealing a civil judgment?
An appeal against a first-instance civil judgment must be filed within 14 days. A cassation appeal to the Supreme Court must be lodged within 21 days. These short deadlines make timely legal advice crucial.
Can foreign nationals form a company in Georgia?
Yes, foreign nationals can register companies in Georgia. The process is open to non-residents, but you must comply with documentation and identification requirements. A local lawyer can guide you through the steps, including any notarial formalities.
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