What is “OVIR”?

If you’re going to live in Armenia, you will have to deal with the Passport and Visa Department of the Police of the Republic of Armenia or, as it’s known by its Russian acronym (leftover from Soviet times), OVIR. 

OVIR is where you go to apply for residency (1, 5, or 10-year) or citizenship. 

Address
Davtashen, 4th District, 17/10 Building
Yerevan, Armenia

 

 

Hours
Monday thru Friday - 9AM to 5PM
Lunch Break - 2PM - 3PM

Getting there
Taking a taxi will be the easiest way to get there. You just say or tag, “OVIR, Davtashen” and they will know where to take you. 

Once there
If you are applying for citizenship, after going through the main entrance, walk to the first hallway on the right. 
If you are applying for residency, go up to the second floor and make a right at the top of the stairs. It is the area with several desks side by side.

Don’t expect anybody to ask you what you need or call you over to their window. When you get there, walk over to a window with a clerk and tell them why you’re there. If they are busy, they will tell you. Most clerks are helpful, even if humorless. Keep in mind that even though customer service may not have the same meaning as the one you’re used to (although if you’ve ever been to a DMV, you can have an idea about what to expect), that doesn’t mean you should be discourteous. Be firm but patient. 

If you encounter an employee who seems unwilling to help, be persistent. If they don’t budge, ask them if someone else can help with your problem. There is a strict hierarchy within the government bureaucracy and most clerks would prefer to talk to their superior about your issue than have you go by yourself and complain about them.