Armenia Citizenship for Foreigners: How to Get an Armenian Passport

The question of obtaining Armenia citizenship is becoming increasingly relevant for citizens of various countries. Armenia attracts with its culture, economic opportunities, and loyal migration policy. If you are interested in how to get Armenian citizenship, this guide will help you understand all the nuances of the process, updated for 2026. We will cover the main conditions, necessary documents, and steps for obtaining an Armenian passport.

Benefits of Armenian Citizenship

Armenian citizenship offers several significant advantages that make it attractive for foreigners seeking Armenian nationality:

• Visa-Free Travel: Holders of an Armenian passport can visit many countries worldwide without a prior visa, simplifying international travel.
• Dual Citizenship: Armenia recognizes dual citizenship. This means that individuals can retain their original citizenship while acquiring Armenian citizenship. It is important to note that for the Republic of Armenia, a dual citizen is recognized solely as a citizen of Armenia.
• Economic Opportunities: Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which provides access to a common labor and goods market for Armenian citizens.
• Cultural and Historical Ties: For individuals of Armenian origin, obtaining citizenship is an opportunity to reconnect with their historical homeland and culture.
• Simplified Relocation Conditions: For many foreigners, Armenia offers comfortable conditions for living and doing business.

Main Ways to Get Armenia Citizenship

The Law “On Citizenship of the Republic of Armenia” and Government Decree N 97-N of January 22, 2026, regulate the procedure for obtaining citizenship. There are several main ways how to get Armenian citizenship:

1. Naturalization (General Procedure for Obtaining Citizenship)

This path is suitable for most foreigners wishing to obtain Armenia citizenship. The main conditions for Armenian citizenship by naturalization include:

• Being 18 years of age or older and legally competent.
• Lawful permanent residency in Armenia for the last three years prior to submitting the application.
• Sufficient knowledge of the Armenian language for communication.
• Familiarity with the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia.

2. Simplified Procedure for Obtaining Armenian Citizenship

The simplified procedure for obtaining Armenian citizenship is available for certain categories of individuals who are exempt from the three-year residency and language proficiency requirements. These include:

• Marriage to an Armenian Citizen: If you have been in a registered and legal marriage with a citizen of the Republic of Armenia for the last two years prior to applying and have resided in Armenia for at least 365 days during these two years.
• Having a Child Who is an Armenian Citizen: Individuals who have a child who is a citizen of the Republic of Armenia.
• Armenian Origin: Persons who are ethnically Armenian (having Armenian ancestors). This point significantly simplifies the process for many diaspora members wishing to obtain Armenian citizenship by origin.
• Former Citizens of Armenia: Individuals who renounced their Armenian citizenship after January 1, 1995, and now wish to restore it.
• Parents or One Parent Was an Armenian Citizen or Born in Armenia: If such persons applied for citizenship within 3 years of reaching 18 years of age.

The conditions for Armenian citizenship under the simplified scheme make it accessible to a wide range of individuals.

Application Process for Citizenship and Required Documents

As of January 1, 2026, applications for acquiring or renouncing citizenship of the Republic of Armenia must be submitted exclusively through the electronic system mcs-citizenship.am. This applies to both document submission and electronic appointment scheduling.

Application Stages:

1. Electronic Submission: The applicant uploads scanned copies of documents to the mcs-citizenship.am system. Here, they undergo preliminary verification and processing.
2. Appointment Scheduling: After document verification, the system will schedule a date for the in-person submission of original documents.
3. Submission of Originals: Personal appearance at the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia (or at an Armenian embassy/consulate abroad if you are outside the Republic of Armenia) to submit original documents and undergo an interview.
4. Application Review: The processing period for a citizenship application is 90 working days from the date of receipt by the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.
5. Presidential Decree: Citizenship of the Republic of Armenia is granted by decree of the President of the Republic of Armenia.
6. Oath: After obtaining citizenship, the applicant takes an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Armenia.

List of Required Documents for Armenia Citizenship:

To get Armenia citizenship, you will need to gather the following set of documents:

• Application form (available for download on the mcs-citizenship.am website).
• Valid foreign passport and its copy.
• 6 color photographs, 35 x 45 mm in size.
• Birth certificate and its copy.
• Marriage certificate and its copy (if the surname has changed).
• Spouse’s passport and its copy (if the surname has changed).
• Child’s birth certificate and its copy, child’s or parent’s passport as a citizen of the Republic of Armenia and its copy, or a certificate confirming citizenship of the Republic of Armenia (if the application is based on having a child who is a citizen of the Republic of Armenia).
• Document confirming the applicant’s Armenian ethnic origin (for persons obtaining citizenship by origin).
• Documents confirming permanent residency in Armenia (for naturalization).
• Receipt for payment of the state fee.

Important: Documents issued by foreign states (civil status certificates, references, notarized documents) must be apostilled or have consular legalization. After this, they must be translated into Armenian. If the translation is performed by a qualified or sworn translator, it must also be apostilled or legalized.

Cost of Obtaining Citizenship and an Armenian Passport

State fees for obtaining citizenship and documents in Armenia:

• Citizenship application: 50,000 AMD.
• Regular passport: 1,000 AMD.
• Biometric passport: 25,000 AMD.
• Identity card (ID card): 3,000 AMD.
• Registration address: 1,000 AMD.

Expedited processing for a passport or ID card is also available for an additional fee:

• 1 business day (next day): 20,000 AMD.
• 3 business days: 10,000 AMD.
• 5 business days: 5,000 AMD.

The state fee is paid through the mcs-citizenship.am system to the treasury account of the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and is non-refundable.

Obtaining an Armenian Passport and ID Card

After the presidential decree granting citizenship of the Republic of Armenia is signed, you can apply to the Migration and Citizenship Service for your Armenian passport. It is also now possible to obtain an Armenian passport for the first time at Armenian embassies and consular offices abroad.

After receiving your passport, you can apply for an identity card (ID card), which is a plastic card and contains a public service number (social security card). The Armenia passport and ID card are the main documents confirming your new status.

Dual Citizenship of Armenia and Obligations

Armenia recognizes dual citizenship. An individual with dual citizenship of the Republic of Armenia is recognized solely as a citizen of the Republic of Armenia. This means that for Armenia, you will bear all rights and obligations provided for a citizen of the Republic of Armenia, except in cases stipulated by international treaties or law.

A citizen of the Republic of Armenia who has acquired citizenship of another state is obliged to notify the authorized body of the Government of the Republic of Armenia within one month.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Armenia Citizenship

How to get Armenian citizenship for foreigners?

Foreigners can obtain Armenia citizenship through the general procedure (naturalization, requiring 3 years of residency, knowledge of the language and Constitution) or through a simplified scheme if they have Armenian origin, are married to an Armenian citizen, have a child who is an Armenian citizen, or are former citizens of Armenia. As of 2026, the entire document submission process is carried out through the electronic system mcs-citizenship.am.

How long does the process of obtaining Armenian citizenship take?

The processing period for an application for Armenia citizenship is 90 working days from the date of receipt of documents by the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.

Do I need to renounce my original citizenship when obtaining Armenian citizenship?

No, Armenia recognizes dual citizenship. You can retain your original citizenship while also obtaining Armenian citizenship. However, for the Republic of Armenia, you will be recognized solely as a citizen of Armenia and will bear all corresponding rights and obligations.

What is the cost of obtaining Armenian citizenship and an Armenian passport?

The state fee for submitting a citizenship application is 50,000 AMD. The cost of a regular passport is 1,000 AMD, a biometric passport is 25,000 AMD, and an ID card is 3,000 AMD. Additional costs may include translations, notarization, and apostille of documents.

Can I obtain Armenian citizenship by origin?

Yes, individuals who are ethnically Armenian (having Armenian ancestors) can obtain Armenian citizenship through a simplified procedure, without the requirements of three years of residency and knowledge of the Armenian language. This is one of the most common ways to get Armenia citizenship for individuals with Armenian heritage.

What documents are needed to get Armenia citizenship?

To get Armenia citizenship, you will need an application form, a valid foreign passport, 6 color photographs, birth and marriage certificates (if applicable), documents confirming the grounds for obtaining citizenship (e.g., Armenian origin, marriage to an Armenian citizen), documents of permanent residence (for naturalization), and a receipt for payment of the fee. All foreign documents must be apostilled/legalized and translated into Armenian.

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