Residence Permit in Armenia in 2025

Armenia remains a popular destination among foreigners as a relocation option in 2025 and residence permit is the thing to discuss today.

Types of Residence Permits in Armenia

There are four types of residence permits in Armenia:

• Temporary;
• Ordinary;
• Special (primarily for ethnic Armenians born abroad, allowing them to reside in Armenia without renouncing their native citizenship);
• Exceptional (mostly used for diplomats).

Let’s go through the step-by-step process for obtaining the most accessible types for most foreigners – temporary and ordinary residence permits. To obtain them, one must convince local authorities of valid reasons for staying in Armenia. It is essential to determine in advance which residence permit you plan to apply for to prepare the necessary documents. We provide turnkey assistance in obtaining an Armenian residence permits, navigating the entire process from application to receipt while avoiding bureaucratic barriers.

Temporary Residence Permit

A temporary residence permit is issued as a cardboard or plastic card. It is valid for up to one year (employment-based) and up to five years (through business registration), with the possibility of extension for the same period. Foreign citizens eligible for a temporary permit include:

• Students of local universities;
• Individuals with employment contracts with local companies or conducting business in Armenia;
• Persons of Armenian descent;
• Close relatives of those who have already obtained a residence permit (spouses/children, etc.).

Required documents for employment-based residence permit:

• Scanned pages of the international passport;
• Social card (can be obtained at the local police department by submitting the passport used for entry and a notarized translation, processing time up to three days);
• Digital photo (passport format 35 x 45 mm);
• Local SIM card;
• Basis for obtaining the residence permit (employment contract).

Temporary Residence Permit for Entrepreneurs

Obtaining a temporary residence permit in Armenia for entrepreneurs is slightly more complex. It is available not only to individual entrepreneurs but also to owners of local companies or shareholders.

The first step is to register a business by applying to the Business Entry office at the Ministry of Justice. Bring an internal or international passport and a notarized Armenian translation. On-site, you will need to fill out a form and pay a state fee (3,200 AMD).

Required documents:

• Internal and international passport (copy + notarized translation);
• 3 photos (35 x 45 mm);
• Basis for obtaining the residence permit (IE registration certificate – original and 2 copies);
• Medical certificate (obtained at a local hospital, valid for one month).

The documents must be submitted in person at the passport and visa department. On-site, you will complete an application form and pay a state fee (105,000 AMD). A decision on the issuance of the Armenian residence permit will be made within a month.

Ordinary Residence Permit

Obtaining an ordinary permit is slightly more complex. It is initially issued for three years and can be extended for the same period.

Who can obtain?

• Refugees;
• Close relatives of Armenian citizens (spouses, parents/children, etc.);
• Individuals legally residing in the country for over three years;
• Graduates of local higher education institutions who provide a relevant document;
• Former Armenian citizens.

Required documents:

• Internal and international passport (copy + notarized translation);
• 3 photos (35 x 45 mm);
• Basis for obtaining the residence permit (diploma, proof of kinship, etc.);
• Medical certificate (obtained at a local hospital, valid for one month).

The application procedure is identical to the in-person process for a temporary residence permit (see the section above).

What Does a Residence Permit in Armenia Provide?

• The right to apply at local visa centers and embassies of other countries for visa issuance;
• The ability to reside freely in the country, enter and exit without restrictions;
• The right to officially work in local companies and conduct business;
• The ability to open an account in a local bank and obtain a VISA or MasterCard payment card;
• Access to medical services and other citizen rights (except voting rights).

Get a Residence Permit from $690

Pros and Cons

Like any other country, Armenia has its advantages and disadvantages for potential migrants.

Pros:

• Low crime rate;
• No language barrier;
• Hospitality of the local population;
• Beautiful natural landscapes;
• Significant business benefits;
• Affordable private healthcare.

Cons:

• Hotter climate (summer temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius);
• Ongoing military conflict with Azerbaijan, which periodically escalates;
• Difficulty in finding 1-2 room apartments for rent;
• Lack of central heating systems;
• Low qualification of specialists;
• Poorly developed infrastructure (especially outside Yerevan) and widespread poverty.

Important Information About Residence Permits

• Within two weeks of obtaining a residence permit, it is mandatory to register at the local police station with proof of residence (ownership documents or a rental agreement);
• To extend a residence permit, an application must be submitted at least 30 days before the current one expires;
• Failure to comply with immigration laws, such as overstaying after the permit expires, will result in a fine of 100,000 AMD.

The entire process of obtaining an Armenian residence permit usually takes 40 to 60 days, including document preparation. Typically, 30 days are allocated for the application review by immigration authorities, while the remaining time is used for gathering necessary paperwork. If you lack the desire or time to handle all the details yourself, the process can be delegated to private experts or legal firms.