Social card and tax number in Armenia: why a property buyer needs them

The social card is an identification number that in Armenia works roughly like a taxpayer ID: without it many things are hard to arrange. Here is why a property buyer needs one.

What it is

The social card, or in its current form the public services number, is a personal identifier assigned to each person in Armenian government systems. It is used for taxes, banks and official procedures.

Foreigners can get one too: citizenship is not required.

Why you need it when buying property

Taxes. As an owner you become a property tax payer, and the tax is recorded against your identifier: 2026 rates.

Bank. You need it to open an account, and without an account settling the deal is difficult.

Paperwork. Many procedures are tied to this number.

Next steps. If you later decide to rent the apartment out officially or apply for a residence permit, you will need the number: residence through property.

How to get it

You apply in Armenia, at the authorities responsible for public services. Usually you need your passport with a notarised translation into Armenian.

The procedure is simple and does not take long. The main limitation: it is done in person, and as a rule you cannot get the number remotely.

In what order to do things

A practical order for a foreign buyer who comes for a few days:

• Passport translation at a notary.
• Social card or tax number.
• Bank account.
• Viewing properties.
• The deal, or a power of attorney for a representative if the deal will happen later.

This order saves trips: if you do everything in one visit, the deal can then be closed remotely: how a remote purchase works.

What else you will need

• your international passport and its notarised translation
• documents on the source of funds for the bank
• a power of attorney if the deal goes through a representative

After the purchase

Tax charges will be linked to your number. After your title is registered, check that the property is correctly recorded in your name: registration at the cadastre.

If you plan to rent the apartment out, declaring the income is also tied to this number: taxes on renting out.

How we help

We suggest the order of steps, help you plan the trip so that all formalities are done in one visit, and support you through the deal.

Current listings: apartments for sale in Yerevan.

_Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons. Image resized._

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a residence permit?
No, a residence permit is not required to buy property. There are no restrictions for foreigners on residential property in Armenia.

Can I buy without a social card?
In practice it is needed for the paperwork in most cases. Check the requirements for your specific deal.

Is the number valid indefinitely?
It is tied to the person and does not need to be renewed every year.