How a foreigner can register a company electronically in Armenia using Mobile ID

Armenia is one of the few jurisdictions where a foreign founder can open a company fully online with a legally valid electronic signature. Whether you use a SIM‑based Mobile ID or a remote certificate, you can complete Armenia company registration online quickly and securely.

Why Mobile ID Matters for Foreign Entrepreneurs in Armenia

Armenia's Electronic State Register allows founders to submit all incorporation documents online; an LLC can be formed in roughly 20 minutes on e‑Register.am. A state‑accredited electronic signature is the key to logging in, signing your charter, and filing the application. EKENG CJSC (the government e‑gov infrastructure operator) issues legally valid Armenian e‑signatures that are accepted across public e‑services, including company formation, banking, and filings.

For foreigners, a SIM‑based Mobile ID is the most convenient way to authenticate and e‑sign from a phone. If you do not have Armenian residency, you can still obtain an Armenian e‑signature remotely via EKENG and complete foreigner company setup in Armenia entirely online.

Eligibility and Prerequisites for Obtaining Mobile ID (Residents and Non-Residents)

Mobile ID is available to foreign nationals who hold Armenian residency (or other legal residence certificate) and have a Public Service Number (PSN). Identity verification is performed in person at the Migration and Citizenship Service before Mobile ID can be issued by a mobile operator. After that verification, eligible foreigners visit any Armenian mobile operator store with their passport, residency document, and PSN to get a Mobile ID SIM and activate their e‑signature.

Non‑residents (those without Armenian residency/PSN) can obtain a legally valid Armenian e‑signature remotely through EKENG's ARX Cosign service by email; this certificate enables full online interaction with Armenian e‑services, including company registration.

If you are exploring Armenian residency to simplify ongoing filings and banking, see our guide to residence permits in Armenia, and for broader planning around structure and compliance, our pages on business registration and Armenia taxes.

Required Identity Documents

• Valid foreign passport — identity page, for both Mobile ID and EKENG e‑signature processes.
• Armenian residency card or legal residence certificate — required for Mobile ID eligibility and in‑person identity verification at the Migration and Citizenship Service.
• Public Service Number (PSN) — required to activate Mobile ID at the mobile operator.
• For EKENG ARX Cosign (remote) — submit your identification documents by email to [email protected] per EKENG's instructions; a 3‑year certificate can be issued remotely.

Verification Steps and Costs (Mobile ID SIM)

Identity verification for Mobile ID starts at the Migration and Citizenship Service for foreigners holding residency: this in‑person step is the prerequisite enabling Mobile ID issuance by mobile operators. Once verified, you complete activation at any operator store — they replace your SIM with a Mobile ID SIM after checking your passport, residency document, and PSN.

Costs at a Glance

Item	Amount
Mobile ID SIM replacement	AMD 500
Annual Mobile ID e‑signature service	AMD 3,000
Remote e‑signature (EKENG ARX Cosign, 3‑year)	~AMD 30,000
Online LLC registration time on e‑Register	~20 minutes

How to Obtain Mobile ID Through Armenian Mobile Operators: Step‑by‑Step Procedure

1. Confirm eligibility: you must hold Armenian residency (or other legal residence certificate) and a PSN, and complete in‑person identity verification at the Migration and Citizenship Service.
2. Visit any operator store in Armenia: bring your passport, residency document, and PSN for Mobile ID issuance.
3. Request a Mobile ID SIM swap: the operator will replace your current SIM with a Mobile ID SIM; fee is about AMD 500.
4. Activate Mobile ID/e‑signature service: pay the annual service fee (around AMD 3,000) and follow the operator's activation steps (you'll receive PINs for signing).
5. Test your signature: use any state portal requiring e‑sign (e.g., e‑Register) to confirm successful activation.

Remote E‑Signature Options for Non‑Residents (EKENG ARX Cosign and Email Submission)

If you do not have Armenian residency or cannot visit a mobile operator, EKENG's ARX Cosign lets you obtain an Armenian e‑signature remotely:

1. Email your application and identification documents to [email protected] following EKENG's instructions.
2. Undergo remote verification as directed by EKENG (they will confirm identity and issue the certificate).
3. Pay the service fee; a 3‑year certificate costs about AMD 30,000.
4. Use the issued e‑signature for online company registration on e‑Register.am and other state e‑services.

Registering a Company Online via e‑Register.am: A Practical Step‑by‑Step Walkthrough

After your Armenian Mobile ID or EKENG e‑signature is active, you can register a limited liability company (LLC) entirely online via the Ministry of Justice's Electronic State Register. The core flow is straightforward and fast — the platform indicates that an LLC can be registered in around 20 minutes.

1. Access the portal: go to e‑Register.am and choose the incorporation service (LLC).
2. Authenticate: select the e‑signature method (Mobile ID or EKENG‑issued certificate) and log in.
3. Check the company name: run an availability check and reserve within the portal if available.
4. Fill company details: registered address, scope of activities, charter capital (if applicable), and details of founders and directors (beneficial owner details can be completed within the forms).
5. Upload documents: attach the charter (template is available on the portal), passport/residency scans for founders/directors if requested, and any consents required by the system.
6. E‑sign and submit: sign the application and charter electronically using your Mobile ID or EKENG certificate and submit for processing.
7. Receive registration extract: the portal issues the digital registration certificate/extract when approved; you can download and use it immediately for next steps.

After incorporation, plan your operational steps such as tax registration, accounting setup, and banking. For planning and compliance, see our pages on taxes in Armenia and investing in Armenia. If you expect to spend significant time in Yerevan or hire locally, also consider your residency options.