Attention Car Importers and Sellers to Foreign Nationals: The Government's Latest Decision Poses a Serious Threat

All individuals who have purchased vehicles and are importing them to Armenia for sale to citizens of other countries must be aware of the Armenian Government's decision. According to the new regulation, an Armenian citizen can sell their vehicle only to foreign nationals who possess a residency permit that validates their legal residence in the Republic of Armenia: either a permanent residency card, a temporary residency card, or a special passport of the Republic of Armenia.

Under this government decision, to sell vehicles to foreign nationals, they are required to present a passport or travel document issued by a foreign state or international organization (recognized internationally) along with a residency permit that demonstrates legal residency in Armenia.

Tigran Keyan, president of the NGO "Driver's Friend," urgently addressed this decision, posting on his Facebook page: "I draw the attention of all lawmakers to another incomprehensible draft. This does not relieve the burden on the law enforcement agencies. I urge you to halt such illegal practices as quickly as possible. Dear government, ask the author of the draft how foreign citizens are granted residency cards through what procedures. If a foreign national fulfills their obligations under Armenian law, it takes at least two months to obtain a residency card," wrote Keyan, hoping to receive a response from lawmakers and relevant authorities.

About this government decision, Lusine Galstyan advised individuals against bringing cars to Armenia for sale, suggesting instead to go to the Tbilisi market where Ukrainians and Azerbaijanis would gladly and quickly purchase those vehicles. "At least it won't remain on your hands because this decision poses a serious threat to car exports. True, prices are not the same here, you might sell a bit cheaper, but at least you won't have to pay customs duties and will not be left crying on the side. I don't have a car for sale, but I know people who bring 5-10 cars to sell. This is my advice. For our budget, they think that money is not needed; let 15-20,000 cars be sold in Tbilisi. You will pocket the cash, pay no customs, pay no tax, and the cars won't remain on your hands, and there won't be any queues at the customs either. It will entirely disappear; tell them to stop construction in Gyumri, money is being wasted! I can teach those interested how the cars that come in the names of Armenians are sold in Tbilisi without problems," she wrote.

We now await a response from the relevant authorities, as it may prove impossible to prevent public discontent after the announcement of this decision.