How do I register a charity in Armenia and legally accept foreign donations?

In Armenia a charitable initiative must be incorporated as a public organization (NGO) or a foundation under the Law on Public Organizations. The registration package includes:

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• a founding charter (in Armenian or officially translated),
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• a list of at least two founders (individuals or legal entities, Armenian or foreign),
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• copies of the founders’ passports or registration certificates,
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• a power‑of‑attorney if you use a local representative, and
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• proof of payment of the state fee (≈ 10 000 AMD for NGOs, a bit higher for foundations).
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Once the documents are signed, translated where required, and submitted to the State Register office (often via a local attorney), the entity receives a registration number and can open a bank account. Armenian banks will ask for the registration certificate, the founders’ IDs, and a resolution authorising the opening of the account and designating signatories. If you intend to receive foreign donations, the bank will also require a certificate of charitable‑program status (issued by the Governmental Commission on Charitable Programs) to benefit from the VAT and customs exemptions that apply to cross‑border gifts.

After registration you must file annual financial statements and activity reports with the Ministry of Justice and, if you have charitable‑program status, with the Commission on Charitable Programs. The reports should detail all incoming donations (including foreign transfers), how the funds were spent, and any audit opinions. Keeping separate accounting for domestic versus foreign contributions helps demonstrate compliance with anti‑money‑laundering rules and satisfies the bank’s “source‑of‑funds” checks. Engaging a local accountant familiar with Armenian NGO tax‑exemption rules will ensure you meet the filing deadlines and retain the tax‑benefit exemptions for grants, donations and membership fees.