In 2023, as much as 90% of the venture capital in Central Asia and South Caucasus was invested in Armenia. With its freedom of economic competition, transparent legal framework, attractive benefits and profits, Armenia is rapidly gaining recognition as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors. The information technology sector alone is recording an annual growth rate of 20%. Due to legal transparency, setting up a business in Armenia has become accessible and easier than ever. Yet, careful planning and research are necessary to navigate legal and procedural details that might lead to mistakes or losses.
Choose the corporate form (LLC/JSC/PE)
The first step in registering a company is choosing the right corporate form. The most common corporate forms in Armenia are Limited Liability Companies (LLC), Joint Stock Companies (JSC), and Private Entrepreneurship (PE). Check out this guide to help you choose the best option for your company.
Required Documents and Application Submission
After choosing an appropriate corporate form, the required documents need to be prepared and submitted to the State Register Agency of Legal Entities of Armenia either online, or in-person.
To register a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Joint Stock Company (JSC), the founders shall submit the following documents:
- Application Form
- Company Charter 2 copies
- Resolution (LLC) or Meeting Minutes (JSC) by Founder(s) on the establishment of the legal entity,
- Passport or ID Copies of all founders and the appointed director (with Armenian translation and notarization if foreign documents)
- State duty payment receipt
- Announcement on the ultimate beneficiary owner (UBO),
- Legalized Foreign Documents, if applicable
- If the founder of the legal entity is a foreign legal entity, a document confirming the legal status of the foreign legal entity (e.g. an extract from the commercial register of the respective country), as well as its founding documents, with Armenian translation and notarization.
To register a PE, the required documents are:
| Limited Liability Company | Joint Stock Company | Private Entrepreneurship |
| 1. Application Form 2. Company Charter (2 copies) 3. Resolution by Founder(s) on the establishment of the legal entity 4. Passport or ID Copies of all founders and the appointed director (with Armenian translation and notarization if foreign documents) 5. State duty payment receipt 6. Announcement on the ultimate beneficiary owner (UBO) 7. Legalized Foreign Documents, if applicable 8. If the founder is a foreign legal entity, a document confirming the legal status of the foreign legal entity, and its founding documents, with Armenian translation and notarization. | 1. Application Form 2. Company Charter (2 copies) 3. Resolution by Founder(s) on the establishment of the legal entity 4. Passport or ID Copies of all founders and the appointed director (with Armenian translation and notarization if foreign documents) 5. State duty payment receipt 6. Announcement on the ultimate beneficiary owner (UBO) 7. Legalized Foreign Documents, if applicable 8. If the founder is a foreign legal entity, a document confirming the legal status of the foreign legal entity, and its founding documents, with Armenian translation and notarization. | 1. Passport or ID 2. Registration application 3. State duty payment receipt |
Timeline and State Duty Fees
Normally, a legal entity (LLC and JSC) is registered within two working days; however, state registration based on standard documents is carried out immediately. In contrast, the PE is registered on the day of submission.
Commercial organisations do not pay any state duty fees for registration. The cost of company registration of non-commercial organisations (NGOs and Foundations) comprises AMD 10,000, which shall be paid upon the submission either online or on site.
After registering the legal entity, you should select a tax regime within 21 days: either VAT or turnover tax. This choice can significantly impact the company’s tax burden and should be made on time.
FAQs
- What are the main corporate forms in Armenia?
The most common corporate forms in Armenia are Limited Liability Companies (LLC), Joint Stock Companies (JSC), and Private Entrepreneurship (PE). Check out this guide to help you choose the best option for your company.
- Can I register a company in Armenia if I am a foreign citizen?
Yes, foreign citizens and foreign legal entities can register companies in Armenia, but some documents require notarized translations and apostille/legalization.
- How long does it take to register a company in Armenia?
It usually takes 1-2 days to register a company in Armenia.
- Is there a minimum capital required to register a company in Armenia?
No, you can open an LLC, a JSC, or a PE with no minimum capital requirement.
- Do I need a local address to register a company in Armenia?
Yes, every company must provide a legal address in Armenia.
- How much does company registration cost in Armenia?
Registering commercial organizations (LLCs, JSCs, or PEs) in Armenia are fully free of charge. Non-commercial organizations (e.g. NGOs, foundations) pay a state duty of 10,000 AMD.
- Can I register a company in Armenia online?
Yes, the registration process can be completed either online through the e-registration portal of the State Register of Legal Entities or in-person at the registration office.
Armenia is slowly becoming a hotspot for company development and growth due to the rising attention by entrepreneurs and investors, as well as the growing sector of tourism. If you want to register your company in Armenia and need further individual guidance, our team at Retrieve Legal and Tax will be glad to be of service in case of any inquiries. You can contact us via email: info@retrieve.am; or telephone: +374 41 777 332.