Access 180+ Million Consumers in EAEU and GSP+ Markets with Zero Tariffs
Discover Your Gateway to Eurasian MarketsArmenia: A Strategic Gateway to Global Markets
Armenia stands at a unique crossroads between Europe and Asia, offering businesses an exceptional opportunity to access multiple major markets through a single strategic location. As a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and a beneficiary of the EU's Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+), Armenia provides exporters with preferential or zero-tariff access to markets comprising hundreds of millions of consumers.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of establishing an export company in Armenia, detailing the strategic advantages, step-by-step procedures, and key considerations to maximize your business potential across these lucrative markets.
Armenia provides a unique opportunity for businesses seeking to expand their market reach. With its dual access to EAEU and global markets through preferential trade arrangements, companies can establish operations in Armenia and leverage significant competitive advantages.
Key Benefits of Establishing an Export Company in Armenia
EAEU Market Access
Gain duty-free access to a market of over 180 million consumers across Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The EAEU's combined GDP exceeds $2.6 trillion as of 2024, offering vast business opportunities with zero customs duties for Armenian-based exporters.
GSP+ Trade Benefits
Armenia benefits from GSP arrangements with multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, and more. These arrangements provide preferential duty treatment, significantly reducing export costs and enhancing competitiveness in these markets.
Streamlined Business Environment
Company registration in Armenia takes just 2-5 business days with no minimum capital requirements. The business-friendly regulatory environment makes it one of the most efficient places in the region to establish operations quickly and cost-effectively.
Strategic Geographic Location
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Armenia serves as a natural bridge between major markets. This strategic position facilitates trade flows between Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and Central Asia.
Tax Advantages
Armenia offers competitive tax rates and special economic zones with preferential tax treatment. IT companies may qualify for reduced profit tax rates, while certain industries benefit from specific incentives, creating an attractive tax environment for exporters.
Single Certification Process
Products certified in Armenia gain automatic recognition across all EAEU member states. This unified certification process significantly reduces bureaucratic hurdles and costs associated with market entry across multiple countries.
Step-by-Step Guide: Establishing Your Armenian Export Company
Choose Your Business Structure
The most common business structures in Armenia are:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC/OOO) - Popular for most businesses due to limited liability protection and flexible management structure.
- Joint Stock Company (JSC) - Suitable for larger operations planning to attract investment through shares.
- Individual Entrepreneur - Appropriate for small-scale operations run by a single individual.
For export operations, the LLC structure is typically recommended due to its balance of liability protection, operational flexibility, and relatively simple compliance requirements.
Company Registration Process
Registering a company in Armenia is streamlined and efficient, typically taking 2-5 business days. The process includes:
- Prepare and submit an application to the State Register Agency of Legal Entities
- Provide founder's decision on establishing the company
- Submit the company charter
- File an announcement identifying the real beneficiary
- Provide passport copies of all founders and directors
No minimum capital requirement exists for establishing an LLC in Armenia, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.
Obtain Tax Registration and Numbers
Upon registration, your company will automatically receive:
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- VAT registration (if applicable - mandatory for businesses exceeding 58.35 million AMD in annual turnover)
- Social security registration for employees
Additionally, you'll need to register with the tax authorities to establish tax reporting obligations and understand applicable tax incentives for exporters.
Open Corporate Bank Accounts
To facilitate international transactions, you'll need to:
- Open accounts with local Armenian banks that have strong correspondent banking relationships
- Establish multi-currency accounts (AMD, USD, EUR, RUB) to facilitate transactions across different markets
- Set up international payment processing capabilities
Major banks in Armenia such as Ameriabank, ACBA Bank, and HSBC Armenia offer specialized services for export-oriented businesses.
Secure Necessary Export Licenses and Certifications
Depending on your industry and products, you may need:
- EAEU Conformity Certificates - Required for products to be sold within the EAEU market
- Certificates of Origin - To benefit from preferential tariff treatment under GSP+ and other arrangements
- Industry-Specific Certifications - For food, pharmaceuticals, electronics, etc.
- Export Licenses - For certain regulated or strategic goods
Armenia's Chamber of Commerce and the National Institute of Standards can assist with obtaining these certifications.
Develop Export Documentation Systems
Establish systems for managing critical export documentation:
- Commercial invoices and packing lists
- Bills of lading or air waybills
- Certificates of origin
- Customs declarations
- Insurance certificates
- Inspection certificates
Consider using specialized export management software or working with customs brokers to ensure compliance with all documentation requirements across target markets.
Establish Logistics and Supply Chain Networks
Develop efficient logistics solutions for your export operations:
- Partner with freight forwarders experienced in Eurasian logistics
- Evaluate transportation options (road, rail, air, and sea via Georgia's Black Sea ports)
- Consider establishing warehousing facilities in strategic locations
- Develop relationships with customs brokers in destination markets
Armenia's membership in the EAEU facilitates streamlined logistics to Russia and Central Asian markets while also offering access to European routes via Georgia.
Leverage Support Organizations and Resources
Take advantage of support systems available to exporters:
- Enterprise Armenia (investment promotion agency)
- Armenian Chamber of Commerce
- Export Insurance Agency of Armenia
- Industry-specific business associations
- Export Development Bank of Armenia services
These organizations offer services ranging from market research and export promotion to financing and risk mitigation tools specifically designed for exporters.
High-Potential Export Industries from Armenia
IT and Software Development
Armenia's tech sector has experienced remarkable growth, with IT companies benefiting from tax incentives and a skilled workforce. Software services exported from Armenia can enter EAEU markets with zero restrictions and benefit from preferential treatment in GSP+ markets.
Growth Rate: 25%+ annually
Food Processing and Agriculture
Armenian food products, particularly organic produce, processed fruits, wines, and brandies, have strong export potential. EAEU membership facilitates access to the Russian market, while GSP+ arrangements reduce tariffs for exports to developed economies.
Key Products: Wine, brandy, dried fruits, organic produce
Textiles and Apparel
Armenia's textile sector benefits from skilled labor and competitive production costs. By manufacturing in Armenia, companies can export textile products to the EAEU without tariffs and benefit from reduced duties to other global markets.
Opportunity: Near-shoring for European brands
Jewelry and Diamond Processing
With a traditional strength in jewelry making and diamond processing, Armenian companies in this sector can leverage duty-free access to EAEU markets while benefiting from Armenia's established reputation in fine jewelry.
Export Markets: Russia, UAE, Europe, USA
Pharmaceuticals
Armenian pharmaceutical companies benefit from a single EAEU certification process, allowing products certified in Armenia to be sold across all member states without additional testing or certification requirements.
Advantage: Unified regulatory framework across EAEU
Light Manufacturing
Companies manufacturing electronic components, machinery parts, and industrial products in Armenia gain cost advantages while accessing the large EAEU market without customs duties, creating significant competitive advantages.
Benefit: Lower production costs with premium market access
Market Entry Success Stories
These examples illustrate potential benefits based on market conditions and typical business outcomes.
European Electronics Manufacturer
A European electronics manufacturer established production facilities in Armenia, allowing them to:
- Export products to all EAEU countries with zero customs duties
- Reduce production costs by 30% compared to their European operations
- Complete one certification process for all EAEU markets
- Increase market share by 22% within the first year
Food & Beverage Distribution Company
An international food and beverage company established a distribution hub in Armenia, resulting in:
- Seamless distribution to Russia and Central Asian markets
- Elimination of import duties worth approximately $2.5M annually
- Optimized logistics routes reducing delivery times by 40%
- Access to new markets with 35% revenue growth
Pharmaceutical Distribution Operation
A pharmaceutical company established operations in Armenia to distribute across the EAEU, achieving:
- Streamlined registration of pharmaceutical products across all EAEU countries
- Duty-free export of products to EAEU markets
- Reduced regulatory compliance costs by 45%
- Expanded market reach by over 180 million potential customers
Navigating EAEU and GSP+ Requirements
EAEU Market Access Requirements
Technical Regulations and Standards
The EAEU has established unified technical regulations (TRs) for various product categories. Products must meet these standards and obtain the appropriate conformity certification to circulate freely within the EAEU.
EAEU Certification Process
- Identify applicable technical regulations for your product
- Prepare technical documentation and product samples
- Apply to an accredited certification body in Armenia
- Undergo product testing and facility inspection (if required)
- Receive EAC certification mark for approved products
Country of Origin Requirements
To qualify for duty-free treatment within the EAEU, products must meet country-of-origin requirements, typically involving:
- Substantial transformation in Armenia
- Local content requirements (varying by product category)
- Proper documentation and certificates of origin
Leveraging GSP+ Benefits
GSP+ Eligibility and Documentation
Armenia benefits from GSP arrangements with various countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, and others. To take advantage of these preferential arrangements, exporters must:
- Ensure products meet specific rules of origin for each GSP scheme
- Obtain appropriate certificates of origin from the Armenian Chamber of Commerce
- Maintain detailed records of production processes and material sourcing
- Correctly complete all customs documentation for the destination market
Armenia's 2025 Export Support Program
Since February 1, 2025, Armenia has implemented a customs duty compensation program for exporters to EU markets, providing additional advantages:
- Compensation for customs duties paid when exporting to EU markets
- Expected 15-20% growth in exports to the EU
- Enhanced competitiveness for Armenian products in European markets
- Support for expanding export product range and market coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)?
The EAEU is an economic union of five member states: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. It provides for free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor across member states with a combined market of over 180 million people and a GDP of over $2.6 trillion as of 2024.
What are the main benefits of establishing a business in Armenia?
Key benefits include duty-free access to the EAEU market, a strategic geographic location between Europe and Asia, competitive operational costs, a skilled workforce, favorable tax conditions, and a business-friendly regulatory environment with streamlined company registration procedures.
How does Armenia provide zero-tariff access to markets?
As a member of the EAEU, goods produced in Armenia can be exported to other member countries without customs duties or tariff barriers. Additionally, Armenia benefits from GSP arrangements with various countries, providing preferential access to these markets with reduced or eliminated tariffs.
How long does it take to establish a business entity in Armenia?
The standard company registration process in Armenia can be completed within 2-5 business days, making it one of the most efficient in the region. There is no minimum capital requirement for establishing an LLC, which is the most common business structure for export operations.
What documentation is required for product certification in the EAEU?
EAEU product certification typically requires technical documentation, safety test reports, manufacturing information, and product samples. Requirements vary by product category, and certification granted in Armenia is valid across all EAEU member states without additional procedures.
Are there any tax incentives for foreign investors in Armenia?
Yes, Armenia offers various tax incentives, including preferential tax regimes in special economic zones, IT sector tax benefits (reduced profit tax rates), and investment incentives for specific industries. Additionally, Armenia has double taxation agreements with numerous countries.
How can I protect my intellectual property across the EAEU?
Intellectual property rights can be protected through registration with the Intellectual Property Agency of Armenia. For broader protection, companies can utilize the Eurasian Patent Organization to secure patent rights across all EAEU member states through a single application process.
What industries have the most export potential from Armenia?
Industries with strong export potential include IT and software services, food processing (especially wines, brandies, and organic products), textiles and apparel, jewelry and diamond processing, pharmaceuticals, and light manufacturing. Each sector benefits from specific advantages tied to Armenia's position and trade agreements.
Unlock Your Business Potential in Eurasian Markets
Expand your business to 180+ million consumers with zero tariffs through Armenia's strategic market position.
Discover Your Gateway to Eurasian MarketsAdditional Resources
Official Resources
- Ministry of Economy of Armenia: www.mineconomy.am/en
- Eurasian Economic Commission: eec.eaeunion.org/en/
- Enterprise Armenia: enterprisearmenia.am/en
- Armenian Chamber of Commerce: armcci.am/en/
Expert Support
For specialized legal guidance on establishing your export business in Armenia:
Vardanyan and Partners - Market Access SpecialistsComprehensive legal services for market entry, certification, tax optimization, and export compliance.