Armenian Citizenship - Residency in Armenia
Armenian citizenship benefits include the right to residency and the freedom to live, work, and conduct business in Armenia without restrictions. Armenian citizenship benefits also extend to simplified processes for permanent residency applications, granting greater stability and security within the country.
How to Get Armenian Citizenship?
Armenian citizenship requirements can be met through several pathways, including descent, marriage, investment or naturalization. If you have Armenian ancestry or a parent who is an Armenian citizen, you may qualify for citizenship by descent. Those married to Armenian citizens can also be eligible after residing in Armenia for a specified time. Additionally, individuals may apply through naturalization if they have lived in Armenia for three years, have a steady income, and possess basic knowledge of the Armenian language.
According to Armenian laws, individuals may apply for:
- temporary
- permanent
- special
residency, based on specific criteria, including family ties, employment, or Armenian heritage.
Special residency status is often granted to foreign nationals with strong cultural, scientific, or economic ties to Armenia, as well as ethnic Armenians wishing to connect with their heritage.
- Armenian citizenship by marriage allows a foreign spouse of an Armenian citizen to apply for citizenship after living in Armenia for at least one year. Applicants must show they have a stable income, basic knowledge of the Armenian language, and meet other general requirements. This pathway provides a streamlined process for spouses looking to become Armenian citizens.
- Armenian citizenship by investment: When general requirements are waived, the President of the Republic of Armenia can grant citizenship to individuals who have provided exceptional services to Armenia or made substantial contributions in various fields, including through significant donations and investments. This process allows for expedited citizenship. The Office of the Prime Minister can directly present candidates to the President, bypassing the interdepartmental commission on citizenship. Each case is assessed individually, considering the scope and importance of the applicant’s contributions.
- To obtain Armenian citizenship by descent the individual can go through a simplified process, unlike individuals of other nationalities. They are exempt from the general requirements of having lived in Armenia for three years, demonstrating proficiency in Armenian, or knowledge of the Armenian Constitution.
To confirm Armenian descent, applicants need to provide the following documents:
– A baptismal certificate issued by a state church.
– An apostilled or consular-legalized document from a foreign authority (such as a Civil Status Acts Registration Agency or passport-issuing body) showing Armenian descent.
– A birth certificate or identity document of a parent, grandparent, sibling, or other close family member that records Armenian descent.
Renouncing Citizenship of the Republic of Armenia
According to Armenian law, individuals may renounce their Armenian citizenship if they meet specific conditions.
To renounce citizenship, applicants must submit a formal application and be free of any outstanding obligations to Armenia, such as military service, legal penalties, or tax liabilities.
Applications are submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if the individual resides abroad or to the Passport and Visa Department of the Armenian Police if they are in Armenia. The process requires an evaluation of the applicant’s status, and, upon approval, the President of Armenia officially grants renunciation of citizenship.
Armenian Dual Citizenship
According to the law, Armenian dual citizenship is permitted, allowing individuals to hold Armenian citizenship alongside another nationality.
Applying for dual citizenship in Armenia involves applying to either an Armenian consulate abroad or the Passport and Visa Department of the Armenian Police if applying within Armenia.
Dual citizens are granted the same rights and responsibilities as other Armenian citizens, although they may still be subject to obligations in their other country of citizenship. Applicants must provide documents confirming their identity, current citizenship, and, if applicable, Armenian descent.
Residency in Armenia
Applying for residence status in Armenia is a straightforward process with various residency status types available to suit different needs. The main types are temporary, permanent, and special residency.
Temporary Residence Status
Any foreigner may obtain a temporary residence status if they can demonstrate valid reasons for residing in Armenia for one year or more. Such reasons may include:
- Holding a work permit
- Studying in Armenia
- Having a spouse, parent, or child with temporary residence status in Armenia
- Having a family member who is an Armenian citizen or holds permanent or special residency status (such as a spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild)
- Engaging in entrepreneurial activities in Armenia
- Being of Armenian descent
Temporary residence status is granted for up to one year and may be renewed for additional one-year periods each time. Applications for renewal must be submitted at least 30 days before the expiration of the current residence permit.
Permanent Residence Status
Permanent residence status is granted to a foreign national if they:
- Can provide documents proving they have a spouse or close relatives (parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild) who are Armenian citizens or hold special residence status
- Are provided with housing and sufficient financial means in Armenia
- Have legally resided in Armenia for at least three years before submitting their application for permanent residency
- Are engaged in entrepreneurial activity in Armenia
- Are of Armenian descent
Permanent residence status is granted for a period of five years, with the option to renew for the same period each time.
An application to extend the permanent residence card must be submitted at least 30 days before the card’s expiration date.
Special Residence Status
Persons with special residency status in the Republic of Armenia, including foreign nationals and individuals of Armenian descent, are those who have strong connections with Armenia due to cultural, scientific, economic, social, or other reasons.
The main features of special residency status are as follows:
- Primarily available to individuals of Armenian descent, as well as those with business or social ties in Armenia
- Special residency status is granted for a period of 10 years, after which renewal is possible
- Individuals with special residency status receive a special residency card, a legal document that enables them to live and work in Armenia
- Applicants for special residency status in Armenia must meet the conditions set by law and undergo a verification process after submitting their application
Applications for these residency types are managed by the Passport and Visa Department of the Armenian Police.
Detailed list of documents needed for the application:
To obtain a temporary residence status, the applicant must submit:
- An application form filled out in Armenian
- An application questionnaire
- Three colored photos sized 35 x 45 mm
- Passport, a copy of the passport, and a notarized Armenian translation of the passport
- Health certificate
- Document confirming lawful residence in Armenia, such as an entry visa to Armenia (e-visa if obtained online), residence card, special passport of Armenia, or an entry stamp in the passport from border control authorities
- For minors, the parent’s or legal representative’s passport and a document confirming the family relationship
- For authorized representatives, a power of attorney and the representative’s passport
- Receipt of payment of the state fee (the state fee is waived for individuals under 18)
- Documents justifying the need to obtain (or extend) a residence status in the Republic of Armenia:
a. For individuals of Armenian descent: any document confirming Armenian descent
b. For entrepreneurial activity: documents confirming business activity
c. For close relatives of an Armenian citizen or foreigner with a special, permanent, or temporary status in Armenia: document proving the family relationship, the passport of the Armenian citizen, special passport, permanent residence card, or temporary residence card
d. For study purposes: document proving the study status