With a low cost of living and the capital city of Yerevan being one of the safest in Europe, why not live in Armenia? Not to mention, fairly lenient requirements for residency and it is no surprise Armenia has been a popular destination for freelancers and expats alike. Applying for residency or citizenship is fairly simple like many government processes in Armenia with little paperwork and bureaucracy to complicate the process. Not to mention the road to citizenship can take as little as three years. 

Types of Residency Permits

There are three types of residency permits in Armenia: Temporary, Permanent, and Special. They are granted for a year, five years, and 10 years respectively and can be renewed indefinitely. While a resident is required to have a physical address in the country, there are no residency requirements so an individual may remain outside the country while accruing time for citizenship eligibility. 

Obtaining residency by Owning or Operating a Business

This is a popular option for obtaining residency and it is easy to do. However, keep in mind the business should be established prior to applying for a residency permit (like on a visitor visa). Here are some things you should know about applying for a residency being a business owner/investor.

-Can be a proprietorship, LLC, JSC, or investor.

-Few restrictions on business activities, including freelancing or working from home. However, you will need to provide evidence demonstrating the capability of providing the goods/services of the business. For example, if you plan on owning a shop that makes furniture you will need to provide proof of having a workspace, tools, materials. A freelance consultant will need to demonstrate they have clients, proof of work, payments for services.

-No need for a work permit if you are working for your own business and no requirements to have employees (local or foreign).

-No minimum capital, income, or turnover requirements. However, income from business activities should be sufficient to cover living expenses. 

Other things to keep in mind are the business entity should have a physical presence, be operational, and pay taxes in Armenia. If the applicant is unable to demonstrate the above, chances are the petition will be rejected.

Temporary Residency Permit

A temporary resident permit (TRP) is issued for a year, and it may be renewed indefinitely but keep in mind you must submit the application at least 30 days before your visa or residency permit expires. In addition, you will need to demonstrate a valid reason for requesting a TRP such as a work permit, owning/operating a business, studying, and the means of supporting yourself or your family. 

Fees and Requirements

-Pay a fee of 105,000 AMD (appx. $220).

-Completed application.

-Three 35x45mm color photos.

-Passport (with a copy notarized and translated in Armenian).

-Medical Certificate.

-Parents, spouse, and children are eligible.

The completed application is then submitted to the Passport and Visa Department of the Armenian Police in Yerevan (OVIR). The processing time is usually 30-45 days.

Permanent Residency

After three years of being a temporary resident you may apply for permanent residency and in the case of marriage to an Armenian, it may be done after two years. The main qualifying categories for permanent residency are marriage and work or business activities in the country.

Fees and Requirements (same as the TRP except for the following)

-Pay a fee of 140,000 AMD (appx. $300).

-Proof of residency.

-Parents, spouse, children, brothers/sisters, and grandparents are eligible.

The processing time is the same as a temporary residence permit, 30-45 days.

Special Residency

This category usually applies to ethnic Armenians that were born abroad although exceptions are sometimes made for foreigners that are involved in economic and cultural activities inside the country. This permit is valid for 10 years and allows the holder to legally work, study, and own land in their name without having to establish a legal entity. It also serves as a path to citizenship and a Special Residency holder may after three years. 

Fees and Requirements

-Pay a fee of 150,000 AMD (appx. $300).

-Eligibility for family members is the same as a permanent residency permit.

The processing time is about 60 days, and it can be filed remotely through a power of attorney.

Citizenship

The final step for many is citizenship and the qualifying categories are similar to a permanent resident. They are, marriage to an Armenian, Armenian descent, through residency, or by exception.

Marriage to an Armenian Citizen: The marriage has to be officially registered for at least two years and you must have resided in the country for at least a year or have a common child who is an Armenian citizen.

Being of Armenian Descent: This category applies to ethnic Armenians that were born abroad. While they are exempt from the language and residency requirements, they must prove their ethnicity. This is usually done through baptism certificates or government documents stating Armenian ethnicity.

Residency: Having been a temporary or permanent resident for at least three years. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate fluency in the Armenian language and be familiar with the Constitution of the Republic. This requirement does not apply to ethnic Armenians.

By Exception: This special category must be approved by the president, and it is not granted often. Usually, it involves a contribution that improves the welfare of the country such as a large donation or creating jobs. There is no legal definition of the amount that qualifies but there have been cases of it being granted to individuals who have invested more than $100,000 or donated $50,000 in the country. 

All citizenship applications must be approved by the President of the Republic, and they may be denied without explanation and cannot be appealed. However, you may reapply after a year. A citizenship petition may be filed remotely or through a power of attorney.

Requirements for Citizenship

Obtain the necessary documents: Birth certificate, marriage certificate, ethnicity documents. They may need to be apostilled/legalized and translated to Armenian.

File the petition: This must be done in person (either at an Armenian Consulate abroad or at the OVIR office in Armenia) and you may have to take test demonstrating knowledge of the Armenian Constitution.

Obtaining an Armenian Passport

Obtaining an Armenian passport is straightforward and can be done in as little as a day if you opt for the fast-track option. If not, it is usually processed in three weeks. While the application can be submitted at a consulate abroad, you will have to visit Armenia to complete it in person.

Requirements for an Armenian Passport

-Register with the military office: Applies to males below the age of 50. 

-Submit the passport application: The standard processing time is three weeks but can be obtained in as little as a day for a fee of 20,000 AMD (appx. $40).

-Take the oath of allegiance.

Advantages of Citizenship over Residency

Here are a few of the advantages of citizenship over residency.

-Armenia permits dual citizenship.

-Insurance policy: Having a second passport can be thought of as an insurance policy. For example, if the situation in your home country becomes worse due to poor economic policies or conflict, a second passport is a “Plan B”. Other reasons may be due to taxes and you would need a second passport if you plan on renouncing your citizenship.

-Armenian citizenship can be passed on to future generations even if they are born outside the country.

-Free movement within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Like the European Union, Armenian citizens can live and work in other EAEU countries such as Russia and Belarus.

-The naturalization process is cheap and fast. If you are eligible to receive citizenship it usually does not cost more than a few hundred dollars and applications are generally processed in less than six months Likewise, there are few required documents and no need to obtain criminal background checks, proof of address, or tax returns.

-Armenian citizens may own agricultural, forest, or other types of land that are often restricted from foreigners that are residents. In addition, they are eligible for government programs like free education and healthcare.

Becoming an Armenian resident or citizen has a lot of benefits. It is a stable country, and the capital of Yerevan is one of the safest major cities in Europe. Not to mention, it has one of the fastest growing economies in the region and there are plenty of opportunities for investment. Armenia also has a high standard of living and there are no minimum income requirements for a residency permit. Likewise, citizenship can be obtained in as little as three years with no residency requirements. You can live elsewhere and visit to complete the citizenship process. In some cases, it can be granted by investing in the country or by making donations with amounts that are less than other citizenship by investment programs. 

Becoming a resident of Armenia has tax benefits as well. There are no capital gains taxes on the sales of securities, real estate, and other assets if the sales occurred outside the country. Insurance and pensions payments are also exempt from taxes. In addition, you may be able to declare yourself a non-resident of your home country and lower your tax liabilities. 

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