Armenia Residence Permit

What this page covers and who it suits

Armenia has no golden visa. It has grounds for residence in the Law on Foreigners, and they changed on 1 November 2026. This route suits people who will actually run a business or live in Armenia. If you are a Russian citizen, see our separate page first.

Key facts as of 1 November 2026

• Temporary status: up to one year.
• Permanent status: five years.
• Cheapest route: about $2,800 (1,000,000 AMD) for a sole proprietor; about $5,600 (2,000,000 AMD) in a company.
• Quota: set each year by the government; a filled quota is a ground for refusal.
• Decision: within 30 days of filing.
• Citizenship: three years of residence, Armenian language and the Constitution; dual citizenship allowed.

The catches to weigh before you commit

• We have not seen the investment price. Investment is now a direct ground for permanent status, but the government sets the conditions. A schedule from the Prime Minister's office put that decision in late October 2026, and we have not found the text. Figures of $100,000 to $150,000 online have no support we could find.
• We have not seen the 2027 quota. That decision was on the same schedule.
• A business must be real. Status lapses if capital falls below 1,000,000 AMD, or if no tax data from the activity appear within 180 days of the grant.
• There is no property route. Buying a home is not a ground under the current articles.

Business route: temporary status

A foreigner qualifies by holding a stake, shares or securities in an Armenian commercial company with at least 2,000,000 AMD invested. A sole proprietor qualifies with at least 1,000,000 AMD in accounts, or turnover of 1,000,000 AMD in the 60 days before applying. Moving capital to another Armenian company keeps the status if an equivalent investment is in place, or if you reinvest within one month.

Business route: permanent status

You need at least three of the last five years on temporary status, and an ongoing business. Renewal depends on showing that the business continues.

Investment route: permanent status

Article 29.6 creates this ground and leaves the conditions to the government. You can lose the status if you stop meeting them. Unlike other holders, you do not have to report long absences. Do not pay anyone on the basis of a quoted threshold until you can read the government's text.

Armenian ethnicity

Being ethnically Armenian is a separate ground for permanent status, with no temporary stage. You register on the platform and upload documents. Once they are accepted, you book an in-person appointment.

Family

A spouse, parent or child of a citizen, or of a foreigner with residence or refugee status, can hold temporary status. Permanent status through a citizen relative needs housing, means of support and three of the last five years on temporary status.

Work and study

Study and scientific or innovation activity are temporary grounds. A work visa of up to 120 days, once per calendar year, is in the law, but those provisions start only after the new e-visa system is introduced. Check the current position before you travel.

How much time you must spend in Armenia

Absence of 183 days or more must be reported on the platform within 10 days after that point. Holders of permanent status on investment or exceptional-service grounds are exempt from reporting.

Fees

Legal summaries report 150,000 AMD (about $400) for temporary status and 250,000 AMD (about $700) for permanent status, plus a card charge of 5,950 AMD. We have not read the amending fee law, so confirm before you pay.

Tax for new residents

Tax residence starts at 183 days in the tax year, and residents are taxed on worldwide income. Corporate tax is 18%. Small businesses can use turnover tax of 10% on most activity, 7% on production and 1% on listed high-tech activity.

Path to citizenship

The Law on Citizenship asks for permanent residence in Armenia over the last three years, the ability to explain yourself in Armenian, and knowledge of the Constitution. The fee is 50,000 AMD, about $100. Citizenship is granted by presidential decree. A bill of September 2026 would tighten the rules for descent applicants from 2028, but it is not law.

Questions to put to the Migration and Citizenship Service

• Has the government adopted the investment conditions and the 2027 quota, and where are they published?
• Does a filled quota apply to my ground?
• How is the 180-day tax-data test applied to a new business with no sales yet?
• Do my current documents meet the new decree?

Related reading: the Armenia country guide, the Armenian passport, Azerbaijan residence by investment and how Armenia and Azerbaijan compare.