Military Service

Armenia has compulsory two-year military service for male citizens from the age of 18 to 27, with reserves up to the age of 35. It is the obligation of every male citizen to serve in the military in one form or another, utilizing talents or developing them for the benefit of the country. The enlistment process is handled by the commissions of the military commissariats in the area where the men are registered during the months of January and May. Civilians present themselves there (if they are unregistered, they must report to the nearest commissariat) after the draft declarations. Declarations are made twice a year, from April to June and October to December. For more information, visit mil.am.

Ministry of Defense Hotline: 
Phone: 1-28 or 012-210-000
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m - 6 p.m.

There are four commissariats in Yerevan. The full list of commissariats across the country can be found here.

There are two programs new conscripts could take part in, as well. 

• “Homeland defender” programme

It provides the possibility for enlisted and officer staff, after their first 6 months of compulsory military service, to switch to contract military service in accordance with the established procedure by the government, setting 5 years for the service, as well as in case of early dismissal from service on the basis of the contractual period or recognition of unfit for health reasons, establishing for them the right to receive fee, the amount of which is planned to be set 5 million drams (the fee can be freely disposed).Military personnel who have signed a contract will have to pass certification in accordance with the procedure established by law, and in case of positive results, they will be charged an allowance provided for their positional group. Simultaneously, in case of contract military service refusal during the term of the contract, the contract period will not be counted in the term of compulsory military service, and the serviceman will be sent to continue the non-served part of compulsory military service.

• "I Have the Honor" programme

The participants of the program are given the right to defer compulsory military service conscription․ Education in higher education institutions is carried out by the state with full reimbursement of tuition fees in the amount of annual tuition fees set by the higher education institution for the relevant profession. After completing the university program and military training in accordance with the established procedure, the conscript is awarded the rank of lieutenant, a contract is signed with him about serving as a contract junior officer, and he is appointed to the service by draw: 

• for a period of 2 years and 3 months, of which the first 3 months as a conscript in case of readiness to fill positions of platoon commanders;
• for a period of 4 years in case of readiness to fill positions requiring medical specialization, after completing the university program and 1 year of study in a clinical residence by the order of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Armenia. 

Those with dual citizenship, who have previously served in another country’s military for a minimum of 12 months before obtaining Armenian citizenship, are generally exempted from doing so in the RA. Exemptions may also be provided based on education or family status, temporary health conditions, and by the decision of the presiding government. Failing to complete military service in Armenia leaves you open to criminal charges by the government. 

In light of recent amendments to the RA Law "On Military Service and the Status of a Serviceman," male citizens aged 27 to 37 are subject to compulsory military service as of February 12, 2024.

This applies to:

• Men Who Evaded Military Service at 27: They must serve in the Armenian Armed Forces for two years or resolve their legal status through financial settlements. The penalty for evading service is set at 15 million AMD, with alternative options like shorter service terms for lower fees.
• New Citizens Over 27: Individuals who received Armenian citizenship after turning 27 must serve unless they have already completed military service in another country's armed forces. They can fulfill their obligation by serving for one year and paying a fee of 2.5 million AMD.
• Unregistered Individuals: Those not previously registered with the military commissariat must serve as required by law.

• Serve a full two-year term with no financial penalty.
• Serve for one year and pay 2.5 million AMD.
• Serve for six months and pay five million AMD.
• Serve for one month and pay eight million AMD.
• Pay 15 million AMD to opt out of service entirely.

Note: COMPATRIOTS WHO HAVE IN ARMENIA:

temporary residence status /for 1 year/,

permanent residence status / for 5 years/,

special residence status /special passport for 10 years/,

ARE NOT SUBJECT TO CONSCRIPTION AND MILITARY SERVICE.