The legal system of Armenia
A civil-law system with a Civil Code of 1998 drafted on continental European models and influenced by the CIS model code, plus a Criminal Code recodified in 2021 and a new Code of Criminal Procedure in force from 2022. Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, whose regulations apply directly in customs and technical regulation, while a Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement with the EU drives approximation in other fields — the two programmes sit alongside each other. Armenia is a party to the European Convention on Human Rights and its Constitutional Court engages closely with Strasbourg jurisprudence. Soviet legal structures were replaced after 1991 by civil, criminal and procedural codes drafted on continental European models, but the prokuratura survives as a powerful supervisory prosecution service with functions that go well beyond charging decisions, and notarial formality remains heavy for property and corporate acts.
Legal tradition
Armenia belongs to the civil law tradition. A civil-law system with a Civil Code of 1998 drafted on continental European models and influenced by the CIS model code, plus a Criminal Code recodified in 2021 and a new Code of Criminal Procedure in force from 2022. Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, whose regulations apply directly in customs and technical regulation, while a Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement with the EU drives approximation in other fields — the two programmes sit alongside each other. Armenia is a party to the European Convention on Human Rights and its Constitutional Court engages closely with Strasbourg jurisprudence. Soviet legal structures were replaced after 1991 by civil, criminal and procedural codes drafted on continental European models, but the prokuratura survives as a powerful supervisory prosecution service with functions that go well beyond charging decisions, and notarial formality remains heavy for property and corporate acts.
How power is divided
Unitary, with ten provinces headed by centrally appointed governors and Yerevan as a separate community with an elected council. Local self-government is guaranteed constitutionally and has been consolidated through mergers of small communities.
Where law comes from
- The Constitution
- Supreme; the 2015 text governs the parliamentary structure.
- International treaties
- Prevail over conflicting statutes; the ECHR is directly invoked.
- Eurasian Economic Union acts
- Directly applicable in customs and technical regulation.
- Laws of the National Assembly
- Constitutional laws require a three-fifths majority.
- The Civil Code 1998 and Criminal Code 2021
- The core codifications.
The legal profession
Advocates are licensed by the Chamber of Advocates after the qualifying examination and the School of Advocates course, and hold a monopoly on criminal defence. Public defenders sit within the Chamber rather than a separate agency, which is unusual and makes the Chamber the main legal aid provider. Notaries are licensed by the Ministry of Justice and their authentication is required for property transactions, powers of attorney and many corporate acts.
Law by topic in Armenia
- Civil ProcedureThree tiers under the Judicial Code, with Cassation at the apexCivil cases start in the courts of general jurisdiction, are appealed to the Civil Court of Appeal, and may reach the Court of Cassation, which reviews points of law and unifies judicial practice. The Civil Procedure Code of 2018 governs the process.
- Tax LawA flat personal income tax and a unified Tax CodeThe Tax Code of 2016, in force from 2018, consolidated Armenian tax law. Personal income tax is a flat 20 percent, corporate profit tax is 18 percent, and VAT is 20 percent with a registration threshold.
- Immigration & NationalityVisa-free entry for many nationals and three residence categoriesThe Law on Foreigners governs entry and stay. Armenia operates a notably open visa regime, with visa-free access for citizens of many states, and grants temporary, permanent and special residence status.
- Employment & LabourThe 2004 Labour Code with mandatory written contractsThe Labour Code of 2004 governs individual and collective employment. Written contracts are compulsory, working time is capped at 40 hours a week, and dismissal requires statutory grounds with notice and severance.
- Criminal LawA new Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code in force since 2022Armenia replaced its 2003 Criminal Code with a wholly new code that entered into force on 1 July 2022, alongside a new Criminal Procedure Code. The reform restructured sentencing and expanded alternatives to imprisonment.
- Property & LandUnified cadastre registration with constitutional protection of ownershipThe Civil Code governs ownership and the Law on State Registration of Rights to Property establishes a unified cadastre. Registration in the cadastre is what creates and proves title to immovable property.
- Constitutional LawA parliamentary republic after the 2015 constitutional referendumThe 1995 Constitution was fundamentally amended by referendum in December 2015, converting Armenia from a semi-presidential to a parliamentary republic. The transition completed in April 2018. The Constitutional Court reviews the conformity of laws with the Constitution.
- Business & CorporateLimited liability companies and joint-stock companies with fast registrationThe Law on Limited Liability Companies and the Law on Joint-Stock Companies provide the main corporate forms. Registration through the State Register of Legal Entities is quick and can be completed electronically.
- Family LawThe Family Code of 2004 with civil registration through ZAGSThe Family Code governs marriage, divorce, parental rights and adoption. Only civil marriage registered with the civil status registry produces legal effects; religious ceremonies have no independent legal consequence.
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