Armenia passport

The passport of the Republic of Armenia is the main document certifying the identity and citizenship of its owner. The maroon cover bears the inscription "Republic of Armenia" in Armenian and English.

The validity period of the biometric ID:

  • 10 years for adult citizens
  • 5 years for minors under 16 years of age

The advantages of holders of an Armenian identity card include the right to indefinite stay in the state, employment without additional permits, access to social security, visa-free entry to a number of countries, including the CIS states.

How do I get a passport of an Armenian citizen?

An Armenian passport can be obtained in the following ways:

  • By right of birth. If at least one of the parents is a citizen of the Republic of Armenia, regardless of the place of birth of the child.
  • Through naturalization. After at least 3 years of legal residence in the state. For spouses of Armenian citizens or persons with special merits, this period may be reduced. 
  • Recovery. For former citizens of the Republic of Armenia who lost this status due to various circumstances.
  • By ethnicity. Ethnic Armenians who are able to document their origin can apply for a passport.

The main requirements for candidates include:

  • Coming of age.
  • Armenian language proficiency is sufficient for daily communication.
  • Knowledge of the Constitution and the foundations of the state structure of the Republic of Armenia.
  • Absence of serious violations of the law and criminal records.
  • The presence of a legitimate source of income in the country, providing a decent standard of living
Important

The Republic recognizes dual citizenship, which makes obtaining an Armenian identity card attractive to relocators from all over the world. However, government agencies recognize only the passport of the Republic of Armenia by default.

How do I get it?

Citizens of other countries can apply for an Armenian passport on a general basis. To join the chosen program, the candidate must fulfill the stated conditions and prepare the appropriate package of documents. In the standard form, the process of obtaining a national identity card is as follows:

1
Arrival in the Republic

For citizens of most countries of the world, it is allowed to stay in the country without a visa for up to 180 days a year.

2
Registration of a residence permit

The available period is from 1 to 10 years. Grounds: employment, education, marriage with a citizen of the Republic or investments in the economy of the state.

3
Residence in the country for at least 3 years

It is important to comply with the law and not leave the state for more than 6 months in a row.

4
Registration of permanent residence

An application form and a control package of documents are provided. The review period is up to 6 months.

5
Interview, testing in the Armenian language and the Constitution

Passing an oral exam on basic questions of history and the state structure of the state.

6
Taking the oath of office to the Republic of Armenia and obtaining a certificate

After the ceremony, in the presence of officials, you can send a request for a passport.

The Law on Armenian Citizenship

The main legal act regulating the issue is the Law of the Republic of Armenia "On Citizenship" dated November 6, 1995. The last amendments were made on December 6, 2023. Key aspects of the law:

  • Defines the grounds for obtaining and terminating the residency of the Republic of Armenia.
  • Establishes the naturalization procedure and requirements for applicants.
  • Regulates the issues of dual residency, allowing its presence.
  • Describes the rights and obligations of citizens of the Republic of Armenia.
  • Establishes the procedure for the loss of status.

The law provides for a simplified procedure for obtaining a passport for individuals:

  • Of Armenian nationality.
  • Married to Armenian citizens for at least 3 years.
  • Having special services to the Republic of Armenia.
Additional features

The full text of the law is available on the official website of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia.  

Passport documents

The current list of papers and requirements for them can be found on the official portal of the Passport and Visa Department of the Police of the Republic of Armenia. To apply for an Armenian passport, you will need:

  • A completed application form in Armenian.
  • The original and a notarized copy of the birth certificate.
  • 6 color photos 3.5 x 4.5 cm on matte paper.
  • Proof of language proficiency (certificate of language courses or diploma).
  • Certificate of no criminal record from the country of previous residence.
  • A document confirming legal residence in the Republic (residence permit or permanent residence).
  • Receipt of payment of the state duty.
  • Copies of all pages of a valid ID card.

In some cases, additional documents may be required:

  • A marriage certificate (if applicable).
  • For ethnic Armenians: documents confirming Armenian origin (birth certificates of parents, certificates of baptism in the Armenian Apostolic Church, etc.)
  • For men: military ID or a certificate of attribution.
  • Diplomas of education and confirmation of professional qualifications.
  • Information about employment in the Republic or business ownership (certificate from the place of work or relevant documentation for the organization).
Important

Documents issued outside Armenia must be legalized (apostille) and translated into Armenian with notarization of the translation.

How much does an Armenian passport cost?

The costs of obtaining an Armenian passport include:

Item of expenditureCost (AMD)USD
State fee for the examination of a passport application1000$3
Biometric passport65000$166
Biometric passport for persons under 16 years of age30000$76
Consular legalization of documents (from individuals, per document)5000$13
Registration of a passport certificate25000$64
Attention

Exchange rates may change, and up-to-date information should be clarified in official sources.

At the moment, Armenia does not offer programs for obtaining a passport for investments or the purchase of real estate. However, investments in the country's economy can be taken into account when considering a passport application in a general manner. There is no legal minimum investment threshold, but amounts from $100,000 and above are usually considered.

The total cost of obtaining an Armenian passport, including living expenses and obtaining a residence permit, can range from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant. This amount includes:

  • Registration of a residence permit: $250-$300.
  • Rent a house for 3 years: $2000-$3000 (depends on the city and type of housing).
  • Armenian language training: $300-$500.
  • Paperwork and payment of fees: $400-$600.
  • Other expenses (medical insurance, transportation, etc.): $500-$1000.
Important

The expenses are distributed over a period of 3 years required for naturalization. Having a job or business in Armenia can significantly reduce the financial burden in the process of obtaining a passport.

Possession of an Armenian passport opens up a number of opportunities, including visa-free entry to the CIS countries, a simplified regime for visiting some countries of the Middle East and Asia, as well as the right to visa-free stay in Russia for an unlimited period. In addition, Armenian citizens have the right to work in the EAEU countries (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan) without additional permits.

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