Armenia, a diminutive realm nestled in the meridional Caucasus expanse of Eurasia, has of late emerged as a sought-after locale for external financiers yearning to procure a habitation sanction through capital infusion. Armenia occupies the 47th berth in the most recent "Commerce Facilitation" ledger of 2020, yet it exemplifies some of the globe's preeminent modalities for initiating enterprises (10th) and inscribing estates (13th). The 2023 "Liberty of Commerce" enumeration ascribed Armenia as the 2nd most unfettered economy in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia precinct. A habitation endorsement in Armenia bestows transient and enduring entry visas, serving as a conduit to nationality within a triad of solar cycles.
Armenia – a nation whose administration fosters external capital infusion, cultivating a propitious fiscal atmosphere, instituting inducements, and enacting amendments directed at enhancing the investment milieu. These endeavors encompass streamlined protocols for initiating and managing enterprises, fiscal leniencies, and assurances of asset entitlements, rendering Armenia alluring to global commerce.
Bearers of a domicile certification within the Commonwealth of Armenia may avail themselves of facilitated entry to fiscal utilities and an extensive array of speculative prospects. This encompasses, though is not confined to, entitlements to perpetual possession of immovable properties and terrain. The juridical foundation for domicile certification in Armenia is governed by the Statute "Concerning Extraneous Capital Influx."
In bygone epochs, this realm has emerged as a foremost haven for the influx of denizens from the Commonwealth of Independent States. This renown stems from a plethora of elements, including a modest expenditure for sustenance, streamlined protocols for procuring migratory credentials, and a commendably elevated standard of safety. In this discourse, we shall scrutinize with precision the paramount stipulations for acquiring domicile sanction in Armenia.
What are advantages of obtaining a residence permit in Armenia?
A domicile sanction in Armenia grants its bearer an extended sojourn within the nation, conferring admission to sundry entitlements and prerogatives, including engagement in labor, erudition, healthcare provisions, and the facilitation of any lawful mercantile pursuit. Armenia holds a preeminent rank among the foremost destinations enticing commerce migration from proprietors hailing from the Commonwealth of Independent States. Armenia secured a position among the upper decile of nations per the findings of the World Population Review 2024 inquiry.
Armenian domicile authorization unlocks vast prospects for experts and enterprises within the realm of informatics. Upon acquiring residency authorization in Armenia, they are able to utilize global software, nebulous data repositories, services, and various informational assets unfettered.
Specialized heed is bestowed upon fiscal advantages for accredited practitioners and information technology enterprises in Armenia. Enterprises and practitioners possessing requisite certifications are liberated from levies (0%). For experts whose yearly revenue does not surpass $230,000, the levy rate fluctuates between 1.5% and 10%.
Other benefits obtaining a residence permit card in Armenia:
- Perhaps procuring a domicile authorization in Armenia from afar, with a minimal assemblage of paperwork. To finalize the petition, one shall necessitate assembling a dossier of documents, which encompasses the petitioner’s passport; substantiation validating the lawful justifications for lodging the petition; corroboration of adequate monetary reserves.
- Universal commerce amplification. With a habitation authorization in this nation, you possess the prospect to augment your enterprise to novel transnational markets. This is attributable to the facility of ingress to diverse territories and the diminishment of administrative procedures owing to the merits of Armenia's diplomatic and fiscal affiliations with alternate nations. Specifically, the Republic of Armenia sustains entrenched associations with the EU and the USA, alongside a visa-exempt arrangement with China.
- Facilitated vocational stipulations. By acquiring a domicile authorization, you are emancipated from the necessity to procure supplementary licenses for formal labor within the nation.
- Initiating accounts and executing global transactions. The residence authorization of Armenia renders it feasible to establish both individual and corporate accounts and perform international currency exchanges. This facilitates the adept administration of your fiscal resources and broadens your investment prospects.
Phases of the procedure of procuring a domicile authorization in Armenia
The registration of a residence permit is as follows:
- Preliminary colloquy with commercial immigration savants to deliberate conditions for procuring a domicile permit in Armenia and your particular contingencies.
- Compilation of a comprehensive assemblage of paperwork.
- * Prepared documents are proffered to governmental entities in Armenian.
- Transmitting a petition and credentials to the accredited governmental bureau.
The whole procedure might endure for 2–3 lunations (contingent upon particular contingencies). These phases necessitate meticulous compliance with juridical stipulations and the furnishing of all requisite papers in entirety. Hence, it is advised to solicit assistance from adept experts and petition for aid in procuring domicile authorization in Armenia.
Domicile authorization in Armenia is conferred upon non-dwelling individuals who, pursuant to the statutes of this polity:
- inscribed your enterprise herein;
- function as principal/originator of a preexisting corporation;
- pursuant to the labor agreement.
Corporate proprietors may solicit for provisional (1 year), enduring (5 years), extraordinary (10 years) domicile status. If we converse regarding the proprietors of a recently inscribed corporation, then such individuals are advised to initially proffer a petition for acquiring a provisional domicile authorization in Armenia.
If the enterprise possesses a favorable tax remittance chronicle, it might contemplate petitioning for a quinquennial authorization. Decennial passports are procurable to proprietors of substantial enterprises that have rendered a noteworthy contribution to the national economy and engendered a considerable multitude of employment opportunities.
Business visa of 1 year |
Business visa of 5 years |
Business visa of 10 years |
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Investments: |
Does not require a minimum investment. |
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Document type: |
Temporary resident card. |
Permanent Resident Card. |
Special passport. |
State duties: |
210 USD. |
280 USD. |
300 USD. |
Citizenship: |
In 3 years. |
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Eligibility to receive: |
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Armenia permanent resident card issued to a foreigner on the terms of conducting commercial activities in the Republic. |
Large companies. |
Renewal: |
To renew the permit, the request must be submitted at least 30 days in advance. until the card expires. |
It is recommended to apply for an extension 60 days in advance. until expiration. |
If we contemplate the category of asset, then ephemeral domicile permit in Armenia attainable by both individual entrepreneurs and progenitors/co-progenitors of enterprises (we are referencing LLCs, JSCs, associations). Sovereign statutes do not delineate a minimal capital infusion/proprietorship benchmark.
Domicile credential in Armenia initiators of ventures are granted not at the phase of commercial strategizing, but subsequent to its formalization and commencement of activity. If the petition is proffered at the commercial strategizing phase, then the entreaty for procuring a domicile credential in Armenia will be declined.
There are no minimal turnover/income stipulations. However, the gain from the enterprise must be ample for the proprietor to defray the preliminary expenditures. There are likewise no compulsory conditions for a specific quantity of openings that must be established by an aspirant for a domicile permit.
What may cause a refusal to an applicant who wishes to apply for a business visa in Armenia?
Denial to bestow a domicile credential may be warranted for the ensuing justifications:
- Erroneous fulfillment of the petition form or deficient assemblage of manuscripts. Should the petition encompass inaccuracies or lack significant manuscripts requisite for deliberation, this shall constitute a basis for rejection.
- Furnishing fallacious or erroneous intelligence. If amid the petitioning procedure it is ascertained that the petitioner has imparted spurious intelligence, this shall culminate in an unfavorable resolution. Inaccurate intelligence can markedly pervert the adjudication process and engender misgivings regarding the probity of the petitioner.
- Disobedience to prescribed stipulations. To procure a domicile authorization in Armenia, adherence to specific parameters must be upheld; for instance, the presence of competencies aligning with the objectives of sojourn. If an aspirant fails to fulfill these conditions, their petition may be dismissed.
- Inadequate pecuniary security. One of the principal criteria for procuring a domicile permit is that the petitioner possesses ample financial assets to autonomously guarantee his/her habitation in the nation. Inability to validate fiscal viability results in repudiation to bestow a domicile permit.
* In the event of disavowal, the petitioner possesses the prospect to re-plead for procuring a domicile license in the Republic of Armenia one (1) annum subsequent to the conferment of the relinquishment.
Official employment
To procure a transitory habitation authorization in Armenia, the expatriate necessitates to institute an occupational rapport with an indigenous enterprise. Individuals possessing a transitory habitation authorization possess the entitlement to reside in the precincts of the polity for the interval delineated in the accord with the employer. Upon the culmination of this interval or in the circumstance of dissolution of the occupational rapport, the foreign national must prolong the tenure of the occupational accord, engage in a novel occupational accord with another enterprise established in Armenia, or vacate the nation.
Is it possible get a business visa in Armenia as a freelancer?
Freelancers and digital entrepreneurs possess the entitlement to procure a domicile authorization in Armenia. Furthermore, such petitioners are not obligated to furnish proof that their revenue is extracted from origins situated in the Republic. A petition for a domicile authorization shall be embraced if the freelancer or virtual commerce proprietor is inscribed as a fiscal contributor with the national revenue bureau. Additionally, the responsibilities of a freelancer desiring to acquire a domicile authorization in Armenia encompass submitting particulars regarding extraneous revenue to the fiscal officials of that nation.
Residence permit for investments in Armenia
Armenia proffers an extensive array of investment prospects. The nation furnishes an enhanced investment procedure, promoting augmented capital influxes. Endeavoring to cultivate a congenial investment milieu signifies the nation’s preparedness to collaborate with global associates and bolster its economic capability.
Investments in immovable assets. Armenia occupies one of the paramount positions in the globe according to the World Bank Property Registration Index, being in the 13th rank among 190 nations. There is a propitious tax doctrine here. Ascending property valuations, a proliferation in the quantity of real estate dealings, and burgeoning interest from overseas purchasers reflect the nation's economic dynamism and investor faith. The absence of bequest/inheritance levies promotes the transference of property and safeguards the sanctity of assets. Simultaneously, capital accretions from the sale of immovable assets by an individual are, as a generality, not levied, which fosters the evolution of the marketplace.
The levy ratio on immovable property herein is among the most minimal. Deviating from 0% to 1% of the cadastral worth, this levy is predicated on objective appraisal data, which is frequently considerably inferior to market worth. This fosters an equitable apportionment of the fiscal encumbrance among asset proprietors. Stamp duty is not remitted on immovable property dealings. Conversely, meager official fees are employed, contingent upon the worth of the asset, which alleviates bureaucratic hindrances and streamlines the process of immovable property dealings.
Progressive fiscal levies pertain to leasing earnings. Earnings not surpassing 155,000 USD annually are levied at 10%, which augments the evolution of the leasing marketplace and incites financiers; earnings transcending this figure are liable to a 20% levy.
Crucial! Possessing realty is insufficient to procure a domicile permit. However, should a non-native investor lease realty and garner revenue from it, he may acquire a domicile permit in the Republic of Armenia for a duration of 1 or 5 years as a commercial proprietor. The Armenian administration intends to institute legislative alterations in the forthcoming period to automatically confer a domicile permit for 1 year to all estate proprietors.
Expenditures in commerce. To adeptly tender a petition, the petitioner must establish an enterprise in Armenia and furnish corroboration of dynamic commercial undertakings. This stipulation pertains to both solitary proprietors and co-founders of restricted liability corporations, among others.
The statute does not delineate rigorous stipulations for the magnitude of commerce of the enterprise or the tally of personnel for procuring domicile authorizations. That is, the extent of your venture is not a pivotal determinant when evaluating a petition for transitory or enduring habitation.
Furthermore, to obtain a domicile permit in Armenia, it is not obligatory to establish a venture from inception. Alien entrepreneurs may solicit a domicile permit promptly following the enrollment of a nascent enterprise in Armenia, and subsequent to securing corporate entitlements in a pre-existing firm.
Corporations possess the prospect of enrolling digitally owing to the “solitary aperture” utility, which was inaugurated in 2011. This utility significantly streamlines the procedure of commencing a venture, permitting individuals and corporations to fulfill multiple essential stages concurrently. Specifically, via this forum, it is feasible to appropriate a corporate appellation, enroll a commercial entity, and acquire a taxonomical identification numeral.
In general, it should be observed that the administration has executed an abundance of endeavors to render its marketplace alluring to extrinsic financiers. This nation is characterized by a libertarian investment doctrine, adept practitioners, and comparatively modest operational expenditures. Armenia is an affiliate of the EEA, which bestows upon the nation ingress to the singular marketplace of approximately 185 million denizens and the unrestricted mobility of commodities, services, capital, and labor. Conversely, Armenia is cultivating an alliance with the European Union, associations with which are predicated on the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Accord. It is also significant that the nation is situated amidst two consequential economic hubs—the Middle East and North Africa.
Armenia has ratified a multitude of commerce pacts ameliorating collaboration (for instance, evasion of dual taxation) with numerous European nations. The fiscal structure fosters the advancement of novel technologies by proffering (for a specified duration) exemption from VAT and corporate revenue levies for nascent IT enterprises in Armenia.
By the way, LLC incorporation in Armenia - a prevalent method for external entrepreneurs to ingress the indigenous marketplace. This commercial framework is distinguished by absolute foreign proprietorship and null minimum capital stipulations. Initiating a corporation in Armenia, the LLC classification affords the originators limited indemnity and the prerogative to employ this configuration for asset safeguarding and fiscal optimization.
Vast magnates and financiers effectuating considerable capital allocations can attain exclusive domicile status. When deliberating requests from these classifications of petitioners, immigration entities contemplate diverse determinants. Among them are the magnitude of investments in the nation’s fiscal system, the essence of the enterprise, the quantity of positions engendered by this venture, and additional facets that augment the evolution of the economy and societal domain.
We would like to underscore that the administration accords precedence to perpetuating extensive overhauls of the commercial milieu. The administration's Armenian National Interest Fund proffers numerous inducement stratagems for extrinsic direct capital infusion.
How to obtain Armenian citizenship?
The statute permits an alien to tender a petition for procuring Armenian nationality subsequent to three years of possessing a domicile authorization. A non-inhabitant shall necessitate undertaking an examination pursuant to the Constitution. The Armenian passport occupies the seventy-fourth position in the Henley & Partners enumeration and facilitates visa-exempt journeying to sixty-nine nations.
The privileges it gives Armenian citizenship:
- Dual citizenship is allowed.
- Eligibility for an E-2 visa to enter the United States.
- With an Armenian passport, you can visit China and stay on its territory for 90 days without the need to obtain a visa.
- Armenian passport holders can freely use Visa, MasterCard and Payoneer payment systems and transfer funds via SWIFT. In addition, they can open bank accounts in EU countries, which facilitates the convenience of financial transactions and investment activities.
- Citizenship of Armenia allows you to develop your business in the EEA countries without paying double taxes.
Conclusion
There are three types of residence status available in Armenia: temporary, permanent, special. Each of these statuses has its own characteristics and registration conditions. Currently, national legislation does not define a specific amount of investment for obtaining a residence permit in the Republic of Armenia.
Our company’s specialists are ready to advise our clients in detail and provide comprehensive support in obtaining a residence permit in Armenia. Thanks to our specialized experience in this field and building a reliable partner network, we will support you through citizenship and residence programs. Contact us in a way convenient for you.
The information is provided for informational purposes only.
Residence permit in Armenia issued to non-resident persons in accordance with the provisions of the Law “On Foreign Investments”:
- after registering a business in the country;
- directors/founders of an existing company;
- according to the employment contract.
Yes, freelancers and online business owners can apply for a residence permit in Armenia, if they are registered as taxpayers in the Republic. In addition, they need:
- Open an account in an Armenian bank.
- Provide a certificate of no criminal record.
- Confirm that you have health insurance.
- Pay the state duty.
It is the responsibility of the freelancer/online business owner to report foreign income to the tax authorities of that country.
Options for obtaining an investment residence permit in Armenia:
- Investing in real estate. Investing capital in the purchase/construction of real estate, be it residential, commercial or land. This may include the acquisition of apartments, houses, office space or other properties that meet the established requirements.
- Investments in new/existing business. Financing existing businesses, including purchasing a stake in a company or investing in the development of a new business. This can cover a wide range of industries such as manufacturing, services, technology and others that contribute to the economic development of a country.