Legal Status

The Republic of Armenia has an intergovernmental agreement on mutual non-visa entry with Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Argentina, Brazil and Iran. Hong Kong citizens will be able to visit Armenia visa free from March 3, 2019. Macau passport holders can travel visa-free, while citizens of India can obtain a visa upon arrival in Armenia. Citizens of Iraq may obtain an entry visa at diplomatic missions and embassies without invitation. For the list of countries whose nationals are unilaterally exempted from the requirement of obtaining a visa, click here. Non-Armenians with citizenships from any of these countries will require an invitation letter to be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by either a juridical person registered in Armenia, diplomatic representations, international organizations, or through the Passport and Visa Department of the Police.  

Syrian-Armenians are exempt from visa requirements. Visas can be obtained from: Embassies or Consulates of the RA, upon arrival from the airport, or through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Visa Costs

Children under the age of 18 can stay visa-free. Visas to the Artsakh Republic are available for 3000 AMD and are issued both at the Permanent Representation of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in Yerevan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Stepanakert. Depending on where you are coming from, it is valid for 4-6 months. 
a) Visitor single entry visa, up to 21 days of stay (3,000 AMD)
b) Visitor single entry visa, up to 120 days of stay (15,000 AMD)
c) Visitor multiple entry visa, up to 60 days of stay, valid for 6 months (20,000 AMD)
d) Visitor multiple entry visa, up to 120 days of stay, valid for 1 year (40,000 AMD)
e) Transit single entry visa, up to 3 days of stay (10,000 AMD)
f) Transit multiple entry visa, up to 3 days of stay (18,000 AMD)

Types of Residence Permits

There are two types of residency statuses in Armenia: Temporary and Permanent. There is also special residency, which we have talked about in a separate point. Foreigners who wish to obtain residency could qualify for either, depending on the circumstances. Normally, if you are not of Armenian descent, the best way would be through business or investment. 

Temporary: 1 year and extendable - 105,000 AMD 
Permanent: 5 year and extendable - 140,000 AMD
Special: 10 year and extendable - 150,000 AMD

Families of Armenian citizens may also receive permits based on their current status. Those with a temporary status may apply for their spouse, parent or child. Permanent residents may apply for spouse, parent, child, siblings, grandparents or grandchildren to receive a temporary residency. Special residents and citizens may apply for spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, with permanent residency options available after three years.

What documents do I need to obtain special residency if I am Armenian?

As of 1994, Armenia issues a special residency passport to foreign citizens of Armenian ancestry and other distinguished individuals. It is for a 10-year period and exempts the bearer from visa costs when travelling to Armenia. It provides full protection by the law and all rights and obligations of Armenian citizens, with the exception of the right to vote or run for office. Furthermore, those with the special residency passport are exempt from military service. To apply, you will need to submit the necessary documentation to either an embassy or consulate when outside Armenia, or through the Passport and Visa Department - aka OVIR. The processing time can take between 3 and 6 months, and costs 150000 AMD. 

For full information, please click here. 

Can I obtain residency if I am not of Armenian descent?

Yes, you may. You can apply for both 1 year and 5 year residency. Normally, these are granted based on your circumstances, as mentioned above. The 1 year is a temporary, while the 5 year is considered permanent. You become eligible for citizenship three years after your initial issuance. 

Foreign citizens enrolled in an Armenian school or university are issued a temporary residence permit. If with a signed employment agreement, they are also eligible for a temporary residency. You are not allowed to work without a permit and it may result in both penalties and visa revocation. 

Benefits of an Armenian Passport

After three years of residence in Armenia, or if you are of Armenian descent, you may apply for citizenship, thus becoming eligible for a travel passport. Ranked 70th in the world, the Armenian passport allows for visa-free travel to 59 countries, including Russia, most of the CIS, and Iran. You are allowed dual citizenship and need not renounce your original one. Residency alone gives you the right to do business, work, study, or simply retire in Armenia. Residents may also invite foreigners. Though a citizen must serve in the military, residents alone are not obliged to.