Armenia attracts foreigners with its safety, hospitality and favorable living conditions. Find out what requirements foreigners have to obtain a residence permit and how to apply for Armenian citizenship

Armenia is a country with a high standard of living, picturesque landscapes and sincere hospitality.

According to the Numbeo safety rating, Armenia ranks 8th in the world, higher than even countries such as Japan, Singapore and Slovenia.

Obtaining Armenian citizenship opens up a number of advantages for travelers, in particular regarding simplified border crossing. From February 1, 2024, Armenian citizens can travel to the United Arab Emirates visa-free. In total, more than 35 countries are open without a visa, including Qatar, China, Brazil, Malaysia, the Bahamas and many others.

These advantages make Armenia attractive to foreigners, including citizens of Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan.

Choose a reliable health insurance policy on the Visit World portal to protect yourself from unforeseen expenses during your move. Support from a trusted insurance agent with a guaranteed payout in just a couple of clicks!

Residency in Armenia

Armenia provides foreign citizens with three types of residence status:

- Temporary residence permit: valid for up to one year with the possibility of extension.

- Permanent residence permit: valid for five years with the possibility of extension after the expiration date.

- Special residence permit: granted for ten years, often to persons of Armenian origin or those who make a significant contribution to the development of the country.

Requirements for foreigners to obtain a residence permit in Armenia

In order to be eligible for a residence permit in Armenia, a foreigner must meet the following requirements:

- Temporary residence

1. Be enrolled in an educational institution in Armenia.

2. Have a work permit in Armenia.

3. Be a spouse, parent, or child of a foreign citizen who holds a Temporary Resident Card of Armenia.

4. Be a spouse, parent, child, or relative (brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild) of a citizen of Armenia or a foreign citizen who holds a special passport of Armenia.

5. Engage in business activities in Armenia.

6. Be of Armenian origin.

7. Meet other requirements established by law.

- Permanent residence

The right to permanent residence includes persons who:

1. Are spouses or relatives of a citizen of Armenia or a foreign citizen who has a special passport of Armenia, appropriate housing or property in Armenia and has legally resided in Armenia for three years prior to filing the application.

2. Engage in business activities in Armenia.

3. Be of Armenian origin.

Procedure for applying for a residence permit in Armenia

Applications for a residence permit are submitted to the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia. Required documents usually include:

- A completed application form.

- Three color photographs (35 x 45 mm).

- Passport and its notarized Armenian translation.

- Documents confirming the grounds for filing the application (e.g., employment contract, proof of education).

- Medical certificate.

- Receipt of payment of the appropriate fee.

- Commissions

Citizenship of Armenia

Citizenship of Armenia can also be obtained in various ways:

- By descent

Persons of Armenian descent can apply by providing evidence such as a baptismal certificate or other documents confirming Armenian descent.

- By naturalization

Provided that you meet the following requirements:

1. Be over 18 years of age.

2. Have legally resided in Armenia for the past three years.

3. Demonstrate proficiency in the Armenian language.

4. Passed a test on the Constitution of Armenia, consisting of 33 questions with a minimum passing score of 17.

The naturalization process in the standard form lasts 3 years. The countdown begins from the moment of arrival in the republic and registration of a temporary place of residence. The procedure involves residence in the territory of the state with accompanying assimilation - timely renewal of documents, compliance with local legislation, improvement of language skills and understanding of local legal norms.

There are several categories of applicants who can be naturalized under a simplified scheme:

1. Spouses of Armenian citizens who have been married for at least 2 years. They can apply after a year of legal residence in the country. Or even immediately, but only if there is a child together. In this case, you must be ready to undergo a DNA test to confirm kinship.

2. Refugees or stateless persons who have a physical place of residence in the territory of Armenia.

3. Persons who, at their own request, renounced Armenian citizenship after 01.01.1995.

- By marriage

Persons who have been married to a citizen of Armenia for at least two years and have legally resided in Armenia for at least 365 days during this period have the right to apply.

- Through repatriation

Repatriation is the process of returning a person to their homeland. It differs from naturalization in that you do not need to go through lengthy naturalization procedures. It is enough to prove the origin and that the candidate does not pose a threat to state and public security and the health of other citizens.

Various documents can be used to confirm Armenian origin. For example, birth certificates of immediate relatives (on the first line). You can use anything that can be used as evidence.

- For exceptional contributions

Persons who have made a significant contribution to the economy, science, education, culture, healthcare or sports of Armenia may obtain citizenship without meeting the standard residency or language requirements.

Armenian Citizenship Application Process

Citizenship applications are processed within 90 business days. Required documents include:

- Completed application form.

- Valid passport and its copy.

- Six color photographs (35 x 45 mm).

- Birth certificate and its copy.

- Additional documents depending on the basis of the application (e.g. marriage certificate, proof of Armenian origin).

Benefits of Armenian citizenship

Obtaining an Armenian passport opens up many personal and professional opportunities. Among the main benefits:

- Visa-free travel

Citizens of Armenia can visit 71 countries of the world without a visa, which significantly expands the horizons for tourism, business and education.

- Attractive conditions for doing business

Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which allows companies to freely export products within the union without significant customs duties. In addition, the corporate tax in 2024 is only 18%, which favorably distinguishes the country from most others.

- Access to healthcare

Although compulsory health insurance has not yet been introduced in Armenia, emergency medical care and a number of services in state clinics are provided free of charge. Private healthcare also remains affordable.

- Stable income level

According to the Statistical Committee of Armenia, the average salary in the country is about $650, which provides a decent standard of living.

- Transfer of citizenship by inheritance

Armenian citizenship can be transferred to subsequent generations, which provides stability and prospects for the family.

- Education

The country offers high-quality education - both primary and higher, with the possibility of studying in both public and private institutions.

- Possibility of obtaining a visa to the USA

Citizens of Armenia have the opportunity to apply for non-immigrant visas to the USA, which opens the way for study, employment or travel.

Armenia is a country that confidently combines a high level of security, a favorable business climate and comfortable living conditions. Citizenship or residency in Armenia opens the door to a wide range of opportunities - from visa-free travel and entrepreneurship to affordable medicine and quality education.

Get advice from a migration lawyer to go through the procedure for obtaining a residence permit or citizenship in Armenia without unnecessary problems.

Qualified specialists of Visit World - Your reliable support during migration abroad!

Reminder! Obtaining Italian citizenship by descent is a great opportunity for people with Italian roots to obtain an Italian passport and all the privileges associated with it. We have already told you who is entitled to citizenship by descent, what requirements and documents are needed, how the application procedure is, and what important changes in the rules come into force in 2025.

---

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Armenia;

Legal advice on immigration to Armenia;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Armenia;

Medical insurance all over the world.

---

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.