Armenia (AM)
Affordable Caucasus base with a fast-growing tech scene, rich culture, straightforward residency options, low flat income tax, strong diaspora links and increasingly international Yerevan.
Visa & Immigration
Entry and residence options for Armenia.
✈️ Visa-Free Access
Citizens of 60+ countries can enter Armenia visa-free, including all EU/EEA member states, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, and most CIS countries. Many nationalities receive up to 180 days visa-free per year. Citizens of countries not on the visa-free list must obtain an Armenian e-Visa at evisa.mfa.am before arrival. The Migration and Citizenship Service (migrationservice.am) publishes the complete current list.
Armenia's immigration framework is comparatively accessible but deadlines and registration requirements are real. All foreign nationals staying more than 3 days in Armenia must be registered at their address — hotels handle this automatically; private rental arrangements require you to register with the local passport desk (police station) or online through the MCS. Failure to register is a technical violation even if your stay is visa-free. Keep your entry stamp, rental contract, and health insurance policy accessible at all times. The MCS (migrationservice.am) is the single competent authority for all residence applications. Armenia is NOT in the EU or Schengen Area — time spent in Armenia does not count against your Schengen 90/180-day allowance.
e-Visa (Tourist / Short Stay)
Citizens of countries not on the Armenia visa-free list, or visa-free nationals who prefer a pre-issued visa for certainty. Available online at evisa.mfa.am.
Standard: 3 business days. Express: 1 business day (higher fee). The e-Visa is emailed as a PDF — print or download before travel.
- ✓Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond intended stay)
- ✓Completed online application at evisa.mfa.am
- ✓Digital passport photo
- ✓Credit/debit card for online fee payment
- ✓Purpose of visit details (tourism, business, family visit, etc.)
Visa on Arrival
Available at Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) for citizens of countries eligible for Armenian visa on arrival. Check the current eligibility list at mfa.am before travel — not all nationalities can use this option.
15–30 minutes at the airport visa counter on arrival
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Cash payment at the airport visa counter
- ✓Purpose of visit statement
- ✓Onward ticket recommended
- ✓Proof of accommodation
Temporary Residence Permit
Foreign nationals with a qualifying lawful basis: employment at an Armenian-registered entity, business registration, study at an Armenian institution, family ties to an Armenian citizen or resident, Armenian-origin status, or self-sufficiency (demonstrated by bank statements showing sufficient means).
20–30 working days at the Migration and Citizenship Service (MCS); can be 4–6 weeks during busy periods — apply early
- ✓Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond the permit end date)
- ✓Proof of qualifying basis (employment contract, business registration certificate, marriage/birth certificate, bank statements, or study acceptance letter)
- ✓Proof of Armenian address (rental contract, property ownership, or hotel agreement for initial application)
- ✓Criminal record certificate from home country (apostilled + certified Armenian translation)
- ✓Medical insurance policy valid in Armenia
- ✓Completed application forms
- ✓Biometric photographs
Permanent Residence Permit
Foreign nationals with a qualifying long-term basis: typically 3 years of continuous lawful temporary residence for employment/business/study grounds, or specific entitlements for spouses of Armenian citizens and persons of Armenian origin.
30–60 working days
- ✓Passport
- ✓Proof of prior continuous lawful temporary residence (residence cards, entry/exit stamps)
- ✓Evidence of stable qualifying basis in Armenia
- ✓Criminal record certificate
- ✓Medical insurance
- ✓Biometric photographs
- ✓Completed application forms
Special Residence Permit
Persons of Armenian origin (diaspora Armenians with documented ancestry) and investors or individuals providing significant services to Armenia under government decisions.
30–60 working days; complex ancestry cases may take longer — document quality is critical
- ✓Passport
- ✓Documentary proof of Armenian origin (birth/baptism certificates, genealogical records) or qualifying investment/service documentation
- ✓Criminal record certificate
- ✓Completed application forms
- ✓Photographs
- ✓Supporting civil-status documents (certified and translated)
No dedicated digital nomad visa
Digital NomadArmenia has no dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2026. Remote workers from visa-free countries can stay up to 180 days per year without any permit — this is the most common route for short-to-medium stays. For longer stays (180+ days per year), the Temporary Residence Permit on self-sufficiency or business registration grounds is the practical alternative.
Visa-free entry: immediate at border or airport. Temporary residence permit: 20–30 working days at MCS, Yerevan.
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓For visa-free stays: no permit required; maintain records of entry/exit dates
- ✓For temporary residence: proof of self-sufficiency (bank statements showing approx. AMD 150,000–200,000/month or equivalent); local rental contract; criminal record certificate (apostilled + translated); health insurance
- ✓Tax residency review for stays exceeding 183 days — Armenian tax residency can be triggered
Visa & Immigration
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