Obtaining a residence permit in Armenia by registering a business as an individual entrepreneur or LLC is one of the most popular legalization methods for foreigners, especially freelancers. Armenia offers residence permits on various grounds, including ethnic origin, employment, and entrepreneurial activity.
- Ethnic-based RP – granted to individuals of Armenian descent.
- Employment-based RP – available to foreign specialists with employment contracts in Armenia.
- IE-based RP – among the most convenient and accessible options for entrepreneurs.
Foreign citizens can register as individual entrepreneurs, conduct business, and apply for a temporary residence permit based on that activity.
Armenia has a favorable tax regime for small businesses, making this pathway particularly attractive for freelancers, IT specialists, and investors. After several years of running a business, applicants can qualify for permanent residence and eventually citizenship.
Advantages of Getting a Residence Permit Through IE or LLC Registration
Simple and Fast Procedure
- IE registration takes just 1–3 days with minimal documentation.
- After registration, applicants can apply for a 1-year RP, usually renewable.
- In some cases, it’s possible to apply for a 5-year RP immediately, although there’s a risk of rejection.
No Complex Requirements
- No need to prove high income or large investments.
- Only basic documents are required – passport, application form, and minor formalities.
- Application is reviewed within 30–60 days.
Attractive Tax Regime for Individual Entrepreneurs
One of the key advantages of doing business in Armenia is its simplified taxation system:
- Microbusiness (0% tax) – for annual income up to AMD 24 million (~$60,000).
- Simplified system (5% turnover tax) – for IE income up to AMD 115 million (~$280,000).
- For IT, starting 2025, a 1% special tax rate applies.
- General system (18% profit tax) – for large-scale businesses.
Freedom of Movement and Comfortable Living
A residence permit in Armenia allows visa-free stay in the country and freedom of movement within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
- No minimum stay requirement – residents are not obliged to remain in Armenia for a set number of days.
- No restrictions on entry or exit – free to come and go as needed.
- Access to free public healthcare.
- Opportunity to rent or buy property.
Simplified Path to Armenian Citizenship
After 3 years of living with a residence permit (or even earlier in special cases), one can apply for Armenian citizenship.
- No strict residency requirement – just maintain valid RP status.
- No language or exam obligations.
- Simple naturalization process – with minimal paperwork.
Ease of Working with International Payments
Registering as an Individual Entrepreneur (IE) or LLC in Armenia allows you to easily receive payments from abroad — an advantage for freelancers, programmers, designers, and other remote professionals.
- Opening a business bank account comes with no strict requirements or currency limitations.
- Free transfers in USD, EUR, and other currencies.
- Integration with international payment platforms (Payoneer, Wise, SWIFT, etc.).
- Armenian banks do not impose strict currency controls, unlike many other jurisdictions, making them ideal for international financial operations.
Steps to Obtain a Residence Permit Through IE Registration
Step 1: Register as an Individual Entrepreneur (IE) or LLC
Required documents:
- Original passport
- Notarized Armenian translation of the passport
- Social number (SSN), issued by the Passport and Visa Department (OVIR)
- Legal address
Registration process:
- Choose the authority: the State Registry Agency or the Unified Center for Civil-Legal Transactions
- Use a terminal to take a queue number — select Russian language and “Register a legal entity”
- Fill out the application: an officer will assist with the activity type and registration address
- Pay a state fee of 3,200 AMD via the terminal
- Receive your IE registration certificate
After registration:
- Within 20 days, submit a request to switch to the simplified tax system (STS) to avoid being taxed under the general system with higher rates.
Note: Remote IE and LLC registration in Armenia is available
Step 2: Open a Business Bank Account
Armenia has 17 private banks with over 500 branches. There are no state-owned commercial banks.
Required documents:
- Original passport
- Notarized translation of the passport
- SSN
- IE registration certificate
- Lease agreement or other proof of residence
- Client contracts or a business plan (if needed)
Step 3: Submit a Residence Permit Application
Required documents:
- Completed application in Armenian, stating personal details and grounds for applying
- Passport + notarized Armenian translation
- 3 color matte photos (35×45 mm)
- Medical certificate proving absence of contagious diseases
- Proof of entrepreneurial activity (IE certificate, company registry extract)
- SSN and tax ID
- Receipt of state duty payment
Procedure:
- Schedule an appointment via e-request.am
- Visit the Passport and Visa Department at:
Yerevan, Davtashen, 4th District, Tigran Petrosyan St. 31/2 - Submit the full set of documents
- Pay the state duty of 105,000 AMD
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
After submitting the documents, the authorities will review your case. The process may include an interview with the National Security Service. The review takes approximately 30 to 90 days.
Step 5: Collect Your Residence Permit
If approved, visit the Passport and Visa Department again to collect your residence card. Bring your ID and the state fee receipt.
Recommendations:
- Maintain active business activity supported by financial transactions and tax reports
- For renewal, submit updated documents confirming ongoing entrepreneurship and residence
- After three years of holding a residence permit, you may apply for Armenian citizenship
How to Obtain Armenian Citizenship with a Residence Permit Through Individual Entrepreneurship?
To qualify for Armenian citizenship after obtaining a residence permit (RP) via Individual Entrepreneurship (IE), the following conditions must be met:
- Reside in Armenia on a regular basis (being outside the country for more than 6 consecutive months per year may complicate the process)
- Have a legal source of income, confirmed by tax declarations
- Possess at least a basic level of Armenian language (you will need to pass an interview at the police department)
- Have no criminal record or outstanding tax debts, as these may lead to rejection
How to Apply for Armenian Citizenship
- The application is submitted to the Passport and Visa Department of the Armenian Police
- The review process takes 6 to 12 months, after which a presidential decree is issued granting citizenship
- Once approved, you must take an oath of allegiance and receive your Armenian passport
Note: Ethnic Armenians may be eligible for citizenship through a simplified procedure without the need to hold a residence permit first.
Assistance with Residence Permit in Armenia
Our company offers a comprehensive service package for obtaining a residence permit through IE registration in Armenia.
We support clients throughout the entire process, ensuring legal compliance, minimal time involvement, and convenient execution.
We also assist with business registration, accounting services, and everything related to relocation to Armenia.
With us, the RP process becomes simple and comfortable.
Submit a request, and our specialist will contact you to discuss the details!
