2026-09-22 · Markets & Rates
Economic freedom 2026: Georgia ranks 35th, well ahead of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey — but property rights slipped
Heritage Foundation's 2026 index still puts Georgia at the top of its region on taxes, trade and public finances. The sub-score that matters most to a property buyer went the other way.
The ranking
In the Heritage Foundation's 2026 Index of Economic Freedom, published in March, Georgia scored 69.6, up 0.6 points, and held 35th place out of 184 economies, classed as 'moderately free'. Its neighbours sit well behind: Armenia 52nd and Azerbaijan 67th, both also 'moderately free', while Turkey is 117th and rated 'mostly unfree'. The top three are Singapore, Switzerland and Ireland.
Where Georgia scores well
Eurasianet summarises Georgia's strengths as low taxes, open trade and sound public finances. Georgia Today reports that the fiscal-health component jumped from 75.9 to 89.1 thanks to a lower debt-to-GDP ratio — the main reason the overall score edged up. For a foreign business owner or investor, these are the parts of the index that translate most directly into day-to-day costs.
The weak spot: property rights
The property-rights component fell sharply, from 62.3 to 53, the biggest decline of any indicator, Georgia Today reports. Eurasianet adds that judicial effectiveness and government integrity also lag well behind the economic scores. Georgia's overall score has come down from a peak of 76 in 2021, when it ranked 12th in the world.
What it means if you are comparing countries
On the things that decide running costs — tax, trade, public debt — Georgia still compares well with Armenia, Azerbaijan and especially Turkey. The falling property-rights score is not a reason to avoid buying, but it is a reason to do the paperwork properly: a clean Public Registry extract, a registered contract from day one, and independent legal advice rather than relying on the seller's lawyer.
Source: Georgia Today — Georgia remains 35th in 2026 economic freedom index · Also see: Eurasianet — Annual economic freedom survey gives South Caucasus states good grades, Heritage Foundation — 2026 Index of Economic Freedom: Türkiye
#comparison #Armenia #Azerbaijan #Turkey #business climate
Written by us from the source linked above, not investment, legal or tax advice. Figures and rules change — confirm anything that matters before acting on it.
Ask us about this
Every post here is general. Send the city, the budget or the dates and we will answer for your case.
WhatsApp NewsRead next