Military Service

Armenia has compulsory 2-year military service for youth from the age of 18 to 27, with reserves up to the age of 35. It is the obligation of every 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 Oct to Dec. Troops may serve as scouts, mechanized infantrymen, tankmen, or engineers. For more information, visit mil.am. 

Ministry of Defense Hotline
1-28 or 012-210-000
M-F - 9-6

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

• I Am — designed to encourage a willing decision to serve on the frontline, engaged in combat duty and in special tasks units. Those who take part in this program can sign a term contract for three years, with seven months of leave provided throughout, starting from the 6th month. First 5 months are for training. One week on leave, one week in units, two weeks on front lines, on combat duty. Stipends will be paid while on leave, and 5 million AMD will be transferred at the end of the service into the conscript’s account, to be used for: buying an affordable apartment through a subsidized mortgage program, creating a small farm complete with light agricultural equipment, or as tuition fee compensation.

• I Have the Honor — designed to link the postponement of one’s service to a future as commander. It is open to young men enrolled in state or private universities who meet health and study requirements, setting them up as future potential officers. Throughout their studies, they will attend courses at the Vazgen Sargsyan Military University on Saturdays, completing their studies with a Bachelor’s degree and a lieutenant’s ranking. They will then serve in the army for three years. Civilian profession will be taken into account, a competitive salary paid, and upon completion of the years of service, tuition fees compensated. 

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. 

On February 12, 2024, amendments to the RA Law "On Military Service and the Status of a Serviceman" came into force, according to which male citizens aged 27 to 37 years old who have received RA citizenship are subject to compulsory military service.

The law applies to those who:

      1. Those who have evaded military service at the age of 27.

Accordingly, a person can serve in the Armenian Armed Forces for 2 years and be released from criminal prosecution or pay a monetary fine. The amount of payment varies, with a corresponding reduction in the period of military service or complete exemption from military service.

      2. Those who have received RA citizenship after the age of 27.

Those who have served at least 1 year in the armed forces of another country or completed 1.5 years of alternative service before acquiring RA citizenship are exempt from service.

     3. Those who were not registered by the military commissariat for any reason are subject to military service.

The law does not apply to those who acquired RA citizenship before February 12, 2024. The law is not retroactive.

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.