Clarification: Foreigners Must Have Residence Documents Only When Driving in Armenia

There were reports circulating that all individuals who purchase and import cars to Armenia for the purpose of selling them to other country citizens are obligated to sell only to foreign individuals who possess a residence document confirming legal residency in the Republic of Armenia – either a permanent residence card, a temporary residence card, or a special passport of the Republic of Armenia.

The panic arose due to the incomplete interpretation of the government’s decision. It is important to note that the law only applies to those foreigners who intend to drive the purchased vehicle within Armenian territory (this does not pertain to leaving the territory of Armenia with the purchased vehicle).

According to the government’s new decision, in order to sell vehicles to foreign citizens, the latter must present a passport or travel document issued by a foreign state or international organization (recognized internationally) along with a document confirming legal residency in Armenia – a permanent residence card, a temporary residence card, or a special passport of the Republic of Armenia.