Armenia Residence Permit Through Business: New Requirements in 2026

Armenia Residence Permit Through Business: New Requirements in 2026

Armenia allows foreign nationals to conduct business and, subject to the requirements established by law, obtain residence status on the basis of entrepreneurial activity.

Important changes take effect on November 1, 2026. Foreign entrepreneurs planning to establish a company or register as an Individual Entrepreneur (IE) in Armenia should therefore consider the new requirements before structuring their business.

Who Can Apply for Residence Through Business?

Entrepreneurial activity is one of the legal grounds for obtaining residence status in Armenia.

A foreign national may conduct business, among other options:

• as a participant or shareholder of an Armenian commercial organization;

• as an Individual Entrepreneur.

However, simply registering a company or an IE does not automatically result in an Armenian residence permit.

What Changes From November 1, 2026?

The new rules introduce more specific requirements.

For a foreign national who is a participant, shareholder or securities holder in a commercial organization, the legislation establishes investment requirements. These include an investment of at least AMD 2,000,000 in the charter capital of the commercial organization or the acquisition of shares or other securities of the required value.

Different criteria apply to an Individual Entrepreneur. The IE must have at least AMD 1,000,000 in the relevant accounts or generate at least AMD 1,000,000 in business turnover during the 60 days preceding the residence application.

Eligibility should always be assessed on the basis of the applicant's individual circumstances and supporting documents.

Is Registering a Company Enough?

No.

Company registration and obtaining Armenian residence status are separate legal procedures.

A certificate showing that a company has been registered does not by itself guarantee that its foreign owner will receive residence status.

If obtaining Armenian residence is one of the purposes of establishing the business, the ownership structure, charter capital and supporting documentation should be planned before registration.

Individual Entrepreneur or LLC?

The decision should not be based solely on immigration requirements.

Foreign entrepreneurs should also consider:

• the nature of the planned activity;

• applicable taxation;

• liability;

• number of business partners;

• expected turnover;

• contractual and banking requirements.

The appropriate structure depends on the particular business and the entrepreneur's objectives.

Residence Applications Are Becoming Digital

From November 1, 2026, services related to obtaining residence status in Armenia will be digitized and applications will be processed through a new electronic system.

Foreign nationals planning to apply after this date should take the new procedure into account.

Legal Assistance from LEGAL C

LEGAL C Law Firm assists foreign nationals with business establishment and residence matters in Armenia.

Our team can assist with company or IE registration, preparation of legal documents, selection of an appropriate business structure and preparation of residence applications.

Each case is assessed individually based on the applicant's citizenship, business activity, documents and legal grounds for staying in Armenia.