Armenia Residence Permit in 2026: Complete Guide

An Armenia residence permit is the key document for anyone who wants to live in Armenia for more than 180 days a year, enrol children in school without hassle, open bank accounts more easily and, later, apply for permanent residence or citizenship. It is a plastic card issued by the Migration and Citizenship Service (MCS).

Team2B has prepared residence applications for clients from more than 20 countries. Below we explain the current rules, the major reform that starts on 1 November 2026, and the most practical route for your situation.

What types of residence permit exist in Armenia?

Team2B turnkey price for a temporary residence permit: on request. Permanent residence: on request.

What are the grounds for a residence permit in Armenia?

Under the rules in force until 31 October 2026, temporary residence can be granted on these grounds:

1. Entrepreneurship — you run a registered business in Armenia (LLC or sole proprietorship).
2. Employment — you work for an Armenian employer with a work permit (or are exempt as an EAEU citizen).
3. Family — you are the spouse or close relative of an Armenian citizen or resident.
4. Armenian origin — you or your ancestors are ethnic Armenians.
5. Study — you are enrolled at an Armenian educational institution.
6. Volunteering — under a recognized programme.

For most newcomers without Armenian roots or family, the business route is the most practical. You can register a company quickly; see our company registration in Armenia guide.

What changes for residence permits on 1 November 2026?

Amendments to the Law on Foreigners (HO-11-N of 20 January 2026, amended in May 2026) take effect on 1 November 2026. The start was postponed from 1 August 2026. Applications filed before 1 November are decided under the old rules. However, in late September 2026 appointment slots before 1 November were reported to be exhausted.

What changes:

• Higher duty: 155,950 AMD for temporary residence (150,000 duty + 5,950 card) and 255,950 AMD for permanent residence.
• One e-platform: all residence applications move to a single online platform (named permit.am by the ministry; launch date to be confirmed). migration.e-gov.am will stop handling residence.
• No extensions: temporary residence is issued for up to 1 year and you file a new application each time.
• One status at a time: you cannot combine grounds.
• 30-day decisions.
• Business thresholds (see the table below).
• Annual quotas for permits. The numbers are not yet published; family and Armenian-origin cases are reportedly exempt.
• Absence reporting: you must report an absence from Armenia of 183 days or more within 10 days.
• Special residence abolished.
• Work permits: the labour market test is abolished, a quota applies, and founders and heads of foreign-owned companies need a work permit. EAEU citizens remain exempt but need a certificate of lawful residence.

What are the new business requirements?

In practice this means a “paper” company is no longer enough. The business has to be capitalized and active. We help clients plan capital, turnover and tax filings so the status stays valid.

Which documents do you need for an Armenian residence permit?

Standard list (current rules):

1. Application form.
2. Three photos, 35×45 mm.
3. Passport plus a notarized Armenian translation.
4. Documents for your ground: company registration extract, employment contract and work permit, marriage or birth certificate (apostilled and translated), proof of Armenian origin, or a letter from your university.
5. Medical certificate: HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and a TB chest X-ray. Private clinics charge about 17,000 AMD.
6. Receipt for the state duty.

Foreign civil documents (marriage, birth certificates) need an apostille and a certified Armenian translation. Team2B translations start at 12,000 AMD; translation with notarization and apostille of founding documents costs up to 90,000 AMD.

How do you apply for a residence permit step by step?

1. Choose your ground in a free consultation.
2. Get a social card (PSN) — see our social card guide.
3. Set up the ground: register a business, sign an employment contract or collect family documents.
4. Translate and notarize your passport and supporting documents.
5. Take the medical tests.
6. Pay the state duty.
7. Book and file: until 31 October via migration.e-gov.am and the MCS office at 14 Tairov St.; from 1 November via the new e-platform.
8. Wait for the decision: 30 days (currently extendable by 30 more).
9. Collect your card (currently at 3 Vazgen Sargsyan St.).

Can family members get residence too?

Yes. The spouse and children of a resident or citizen can apply on family grounds. Family cases are reportedly exempt from the new quotas. Each family member pays their own duty and needs their own documents, including apostilled birth and marriage certificates.

How do you move from temporary to permanent residence?

Under the new law, permanent residence (5 years) is available on these grounds: family ties with an Armenian citizen (spouse, parent, child), Armenian ethnicity, entrepreneurship, investment, or exceptional services. Applicants on family and business grounds need at least 3 of the previous 5 years on temporary residence. Ethnic Armenians and investors can apply directly. The investment threshold has not been published yet.

After 3 years of legal residence, you can also apply for Armenian citizenship.

Do EU and US citizens need a residence permit at all?

If you stay less than 180 days per year, no. EU, US and UK citizens can stay visa-free for up to 180 days per year. Since 1 July 2026 (until 1 July 2027), nationals of 111 countries who hold a US, EU, Schengen or Gulf residence permit can also enter visa-free. But if you want to live in Armenia year-round, work locally, or later apply for citizenship, you need a residence permit. Remember that only EAEU citizens are exempt from work permits.

How long does the whole process take in practice?

From 1 November 2026, sole proprietors must also show at least 1,000,000 AMD in account balance or 60-day turnover, so plan time to build that up if you go the turnover route.

Which residence route fits your profile?

What are the most common reasons for refusal?

• Incomplete or untranslated documents.
• A ground that does not meet the requirements, such as an under-capitalized company after 1 November.
• Mismatches between the passport and the translation.
• Expired medical certificate.
• A previous overstay or breach of migration rules.

How can Team2B help with your Armenia residence permit?

We choose the ground, register and capitalize your business if needed, prepare translations, book appointments, file the application and follow it to card pick-up. Combined with our accounting service (from 30,000 AMD per month), we keep your company active so your status is not cancelled. Read the full relocation to Armenia guide or contact us.

Sources

• Migration and Citizenship Service of Armenia
• Hartak: state services gateway
• Legal acts database ARLIS (Law on Foreigners)
• Work permits in Armenia
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa-free regime