Investing in Armenia presents promising opportunities across various sectors such as real estate, energy, agriculture, hospitality, technology, and industrial development. However, without proper legal due diligence and transaction oversight, even the most attractive investment can carry unforeseen risks.
At LSA, we provide full-scale legal support to investors—both local and international—helping them navigate Armenia’s legal landscape with clarity, precision, and protection. Our services are designed not just to assist but to strategically safeguard your capital, avoid future disputes, and ensure smooth legal execution of your business goals.
Why Legal Support is Essential for Investors in Armenia
Even in cases where transactions are executed in compliance with Armenian law, including notarization and official state registration, risks still remain. For example, in real estate dealings, there have been court cases where:
- The buyer acquired property,
- However, a third party, who had previously had claims to that property, filed a lawsuit,
- As a result — even though the buyer was a bona fide purchaser — the court annulled their ownership right.
This type of legal risk highlights the importance of legal due diligence before entering into a transaction, especially when it involves the acquisition of real estate, shares, or companies. The same applies to the acquisition of shares or corporate participation: if proper due diligence is not conducted, hidden liabilities, undisclosed debts, or internal conflicts may arise after the transaction.
Our Core Investment Legal Services in Armenia
We provide a comprehensive package of legal services tailored to the type and size of the investment. Our support covers every stage—from project evaluation to contract signing and post-deal risk management.
1. Contractual Risk Assessment
Before signing any agreement—be it a purchase contract, shareholder agreement, or lease—we conduct a thorough legal review of:
- Key clauses that may disadvantage our client
- Ambiguous or conflicting terms
- Exit conditions, liabilities, and penalties
- Conditions tied to third-party approvals (e.g. banks, regulators)
- Tax and compliance obligations under Armenian law
We offer detailed legal opinions to protect your position and negotiate modifications where needed.
2. Due Diligence of Property and Legal Documents
Our due diligence process includes a multi-layered verification of the asset or business you intend to purchase:
- Confirming legal ownership and title chain
- Identifying encumbrances such as mortgages, liens, or unresolved claims
- Reviewing construction and use permits (in case of real estate)
- Checking legal standing of the seller and the asset in court databases
- Inspecting historical tax or utility debts tied to the property
We work with official sources including the State Cadastre, Judicial Acts Registry, Business Register, and Tax Authority to collect reliable data.
3. Solvency and Background Checks on Sellers or Business Partners
Entering into deals without understanding the financial and legal status of the other party is a high-risk move. Our lawyers conduct:
- Full background checks on the seller or shareholder
- Verification of bankruptcy records, insolvency proceedings, and court disputes
- Financial solvency evaluation based on public and commercial data
- Identification of politically exposed persons (PEPs) or sanctioned entities
This process ensures our clients avoid signing agreements with parties who may become financially unreliable or legally entangled.
4. Analysis of Financial Transfers and Source of Funds
Many investments involve cross-border or high-value transactions. We ensure full compliance with Armenian financial regulations and anti-money laundering laws by:
- Reviewing the source and purpose of the funds
- Verifying the sender and receiver details for transparency
- Advising on documentation needed for bank approval and regulatory filings
- Structuring payments in a legally sound manner (e.g., escrow accounts, phased payments)
Our legal-financial experts collaborate closely with Armenian commercial banks and regulators to ensure a smooth and compliant transaction process.
5. Representation in Negotiations
We act as your legal representative throughout negotiations to:
- Secure more favorable terms in contracts
- Ensure your legal and financial interests are not compromised
- Translate legal language and summarize deal terms for better understanding
- Draft or amend letters of intent, memorandums of understanding, and binding contracts
Types of Investments We Support
- Real Estate: Land, commercial and residential buildings, hotels, development projects
- Equity/Share Purchases: Buying shares in Armenian companies, including LLCs and JSCs
- Startups and Tech Ventures: Structuring shareholder agreements, IP rights, and licenses
- Greenfield Projects: Legal set-up and compliance for manufacturing and agriculture
- Joint Ventures: Negotiation, risk-sharing agreements, partner due diligence
- Franchise Expansion: Contract analysis and local adaptation for franchise operations
Legal Support Across Armenia
Our firm provides services not only in Yerevan, but also in:
- Gyumri
- Vanadzor
- Dilijan
- Ejmiatsin
- Hrazdan and other cities
We are also experienced in supporting diaspora investors and foreign nationals, offering bilingual support in Armenian, Russian, and English.
Why Choose LAW AND STRATEGY ADVISORS?
- 10+ years of experience in investment law and transaction support
- A team combining certified lawyers, financial analysts, and compliance specialists
- Customized support for private individuals, businesses, and institutions
- Proven track record in high-value real estate and equity transactions
- Transparent process with regular reporting and updates
- Representation before notaries, banks, registries, and courts