Armenia has become one of the most popular destinations for business relocation and temporary residence. The country’s simple migration procedures, flexible tax system, convenient geographic position, and friendly attitude toward foreigners make it especially attractive for IT specialists, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and investors. One of the most frequently requested legal documents that confirms your legal stay in Armenia is the rental agreement. In this guide, we will explain what a rental contract is, why you need it, how to prepare it correctly, and how our team can help you with every step of the process.
What Is a Rental Agreement in Armenia?
A rental agreement is an official document concluded between a landlord (property owner) and a tenant (the person renting a residential or commercial property). It confirms the legal use of a specific real estate object under agreed conditions.
The agreement can be signed both between Armenian citizens and foreigners. It serves as a legal basis for temporary residence, bank account opening, company registration, and even for obtaining a residence permit in Armenia.
Why Do You Need a Rental Agreement in Armenia?
1. Legal Residence
If you plan to stay in Armenia for more than 90 days, you must provide proof of address. The rental contract is the main document confirming that you legally reside at the stated address. It is usually required by the Migration Service when applying for registration or residence status.
2. Opening a Bank Account
Most Armenian banks require a rental agreement (or proof of property ownership) to confirm your address in addition to your social card in Armenia.
This requirement applies to both residents and foreigners who open:
- a personal account,
- an account for a sole proprietorship,
- a corporate account for a company,
- or an account for salary payments and business operations.
For more on banking, see our guide: Best banks in Armenia.
3. Temporary Registration and Residence Status
To obtain temporary registration, a residence permit, or tax residency, you will need a valid rental agreement as part of your application package.
It confirms that you are physically located within the country. This address verification is often required by foreign partners and payment systems — especially for citizens of Russia or Belarus who need to prove they operate outside their home countries.
You can learn more about residence options in our full guide on tax residency.
4. Legal Address for a Company
If you are planning to register a company in Armenia, you will need a legal address.
This address can be registered at your rental property or based on a separate contract with an office owner. For limited liability companies (LLC / ՍՊԸ), the legal address is mandatory for the state registration process.
What Does a Rental Agreement Look Like?
A rental agreement in Armenia can be:
- Oral (for short-term rent less than one month);
- Written (for any period longer than one month, or when a foreigner is involved).
A standard written contract includes:
- Full name and passport details of both parties;
- Address of the rented property;
- Rental term;
- Amount of rent and payment method;
- Rights and obligations of both sides;
- Termination conditions;
- Signatures of the parties;
- Optional notarization.
For most purposes (banks, residence permits, company registration), notarization is not mandatory but may add extra reliability and legal weight to the document.
What Should Foreigners Pay Attention To?
- The landlord must agree to officially sign the contract — some property owners prefer “unofficial” rent.
- Verify that the property really exists and is registered in the landlord’s name (you can check via e-register.am).
- Ensure that the main version of the contract is in Armenian (it is the only legally valid language), even if a translation is attached.
- When renting for a family or group, all family members can be listed as residents.
How We Can Help
Navigating rental agreements may seem complicated if you don’t speak Armenian or aren’t familiar with local requirements. Our team can help you quickly and remotely at every stage.
Selecting Verified Properties
We find reliable landlords who are ready to provide official documents accepted by banks and government offices.
Drafting and Formalizing the Agreement
We prepare a legally correct contract that meets the requirements of banks, residence permit offices, and company registration authorities.
Registration Support
We assist in submitting your residence registration application at the Passport offices or migration service.
Remote Company and Bank Account Setup
You don’t need to be in Armenia physically — we can register your LLC or sole proprietorship and open a corporate bank account under a power of attorney.
Visa, Residence, and Citizenship Consulting
We can design a personal relocation plan for you — from a temporary residence permit to permanent residence or citizenship.
Who Needs This Service Most?
- Freelancers, digital nomads, and IT specialists;
- Companies opening a branch in Armenia;
- Investors starting a new business;
- Families relocating with children;
- Students enrolling in Armenian universities;
- Anyone planning to obtain tax residency or permanent residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign a rental contract without being in Armenia?
Yes. We can act as your intermediary and prepare everything remotely.
Is notarization required?
Not necessarily. However, a notarized translation into English or Russian may be helpful for banks or foreign institutions.
What if the landlord refuses to sign an official contract?
We can connect you with a cooperative property owner or offer an address for legal registration even if you don’t need to rent a physical property.
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