Foundations and public organizations (NGOs) are the common legal forms of nonprofit organizations in Armenia.
A foundation may be an appropriate structure for charitable, humanitarian, educational, cultural, scientific and other public-benefit objectives, when the organization's activities are not based on membership.
A public organization (NGO) may be an appropriate structure, where an initiative is intended to bring together individuals and(or) legal entities around common objectives or interests. A public organization (NGO) operates on a membership basis and is generally suited to initiatives where member participation, engagement, and involvement in the organization’s governance are important.
Legal Support for Establishing a Nonprofit Organization in Armenia
Establishing a nonprofit organization in Armenia involves not simply state registration of a legal entity, but also consideration of the appropriate legal structure, governance arrangements, organizational objectives, funding model, and the powers of founders and governing bodies from the outset, careful.
LY Law Firm provides legal support for establishing nonprofit organizations and structuring their activities in Armenia, advising founders, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and international organizations throughout the process.
Our support comprises choosing the appropriate organizational form and structure of the organization, preparing the necessary founding and internal documentation, supporting on the state registration process, and advising regarding legal matters related to the organization's future activities.
The appropriate legal structure for a nonprofit initiative depends on factors such as its objectives, membership necessity, governance model, sources of funding and planned activities.
LY Law Firm’s legal services may include:
- Consultation on types of nonprofit organizations
- Advise on governance structure, management and decision-making
- Drafting the Charter and where applicable Bylaws
- Drafting the founding decision and other documents needed for state registration
- Support with defining the organization's objectives
- Advice on cross-border nonprofit activities and financing structures
- Name check to figure out availability of your preferred name
- Filing documents with the State Register of Legal Entities for state registration
- Ordering and receiving seal
- Filing declaration for beneficial owner
- Support in opening bank account
- Advice on nonprofit funding and donations.
Nonprofit Organizations with International Founders or Funding
LY Law Firm also supports foreign individuals, philanthropists, businesses and international organizations establishing or supporting nonprofit activities in Armenia.
Our cross-border legal experience allows us to advise on issues that may arise where founders, donors, beneficiaries or partner organizations are located in different jurisdictions.
Within the scope of such projects, legal matters may encompass the structure of funding and donations, contractual relationships, cooperation with foreign organizations and donors, as well as compliance with requirements of Armenian legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a foundation?
A foundation is a non-profit organization established through voluntary contributions from individuals and (or) legal entities. It operates without membership and pursues social, charitable, cultural, educational, scientific, healthcare, environmental, and other public benefit objectives.
How long will it take to state register a foundation?
A foundation is registered within ten business days after filing the necessary documents to the Agency of the State Register. If the facilitation fee is paid, registration will be expedited and completed:
- within one business day for AMD 60,000;
- within three business days for AMD 40,000;
- within five business days for AMD 30,000.
Is there a state duty for state registration of a foundation?
The state duty for the state registration of a foundation is AMD 10,000.
What is a public organization?
A public organization is a public union of individuals and (or) legal entities and has the status of a non-profit organization.
How long will it take to state register a public organization?
A public organization is registered within ten business days after filing the necessary documents to the Agency of the State Register. If the facilitation fee is paid, registration will be expedited and completed:
- within one business day for AMD 60,000;
- within three business days for AMD 40,000;
- within five business days for AMD 30,000.
Is there a state duty for state registration of a public organization?
The state duty for the state registration of a public organization is AMD 10,000.