Getting Armenian Citizenship: Current Requirements for 2026

Introduction: A New Era for Obtaining Armenian Citizenship

In 2026, the process of getting Armenian citizenship was significantly modernized, becoming fully digital. As of January 1, 2026, all applications for acquiring or terminating citizenship of the Republic of Armenia must be submitted exclusively through the electronic system mcs-citizenship.am. This innovation aims to simplify and accelerate the procedure for all applicants, including Armenian citizenship for Russians, as well as those seeking Armenian citizenship by origin or other grounds. The new rules, established by Government Decree No. 97-N, which came into force on January 27, 2026, replace previously existing provisions and require applicants to adapt to the digital format.

Grounds for Obtaining Armenian Citizenship in 2026

Any person who has reached 18 years of age and is legally competent has the right to obtain Armenian citizenship. Armenian legislation provides several key grounds for acquiring citizenship:

• By Naturalization: Individuals who have permanently resided in the Republic of Armenia for the last 3 years in accordance with the law. This ground is often used for Armenia immigration leading to naturalization.
• By Nationality (Origin): Persons of Armenian nationality. This is one of the most common grounds for Armenian citizenship by origin or repatriation. To confirm ethnic identity, documents from church structures, competent authorities of foreign states with apostille/legalization, or birth certificates of relatives (parents, grandparents) indicating Armenian nationality may be required.
• By Marriage: Individuals who have been married to an RA citizen for the last 2 years and have resided in the Republic of Armenia for at least 365 days during these 2 years on legal grounds. This is a common path for how to get Armenian citizenship through marriage.
• By Kinship with an RA Citizen: Having a child or parent who is a citizen of the Republic of Armenia. In this case, the requirement for permanent residence in Armenia for the last three years may be waived.
• Restoration of Citizenship: Citizens who terminated their citizenship of the Republic of Armenia by their own application after January 1, 1995.
• For Stateless Persons and Refugees: Stateless persons residing in the Republic of Armenia, or those with refugee status in the Republic of Armenia.
• Special Cases: If parents (or one of them) previously held citizenship of the Republic of Armenia and have continuously resided in the Republic of Armenia for the last year.

It is important to note that Armenia dual citizenship is permitted, meaning renouncing Russian citizenship is not required when obtaining Armenian citizenship.

Electronic Document Submission System: mcs-citizenship.am

Since 2026, all applications for Armenian citizenship are submitted exclusively through the electronic portal mcs-citizenship.am. This process includes several stages:

1. Electronic Registration: Foreign citizens register by scanning their passport (the system uses optical character recognition).
2. Uploading Digital Documents: The applicant uploads scans of original documents in PDF format (maximum 5 MB each).
3. Automated Verification and Notifications: The system automatically verifies the data and sends email notifications throughout the process.
4. Scheduling an Appointment: After document verification, a date is scheduled for the physical submission of original documents.

Photographs must comply with the ISO/IEC 19794-5 standard, and the system automatically checks their quality. Old paper procedures and the requirement to fill in biographical data in Armenian have been completely replaced.

List of Required Documents for Armenian Citizenship

The list of documents required for acquiring Armenian citizenship may vary depending on the grounds, but typically includes:

• Application form (available for download in the system).
• Valid foreign passport and its copy.
• 6 color photographs measuring 35 x 45 mm.
• Birth certificate and its copy.
• Marriage certificate and its copy (if applicable, for example, when seeking Armenian citizenship by marriage).
• Documents confirming Armenian ethnic origin (if applicable).
• Residence permit or other documents confirming legal residence in Armenia.
• Receipt for payment of state duty.

All documents issued by competent authorities of foreign states must have consular legalization or be certified with an apostille. After this, they must be translated into Armenian. If the translation is performed by a qualified or sworn translator, it must also be legalized or apostilled.

Knowledge Test of the Constitution and Armenian Language

For most applicants seeking Armenian citizenship, confirmation of knowledge of the RA Constitution and the ability to communicate in Armenian is required. Since 2026, Constitution test questions are randomly selected from an updated question bank.

• Test Format: 33 multiple-choice questions (3 options for each question).
• Passing Score: 17 correct answers.
• Time Limit: 1 hour.

Exemptions from language and Constitution requirements are provided for some categories, for example, for individuals with an RA citizen child, or those acquiring citizenship by origin.

Processing Times and State Duties

The processing time for applications for Armenian citizenship is 90 working days from the date of receipt by the Migration and Citizenship Service of the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs. Previously, this period was 6 months. Applications for termination of RA citizenship are processed within six months.

The state duty for acquiring citizenship of the Republic of Armenia is 50,000 RA drams. For termination of citizenship — 150,000 RA drams. The duty is paid through the electronic civil affairs management system mcs-citizenship.am to the treasury account of the Migration and Citizenship Service.

Important Nuances and Contacts

• Dual Citizenship: Renunciation of citizenship of the Republic of Armenia or acceptance of citizenship of another state does not lead to loss of citizenship of the Republic of Armenia. This is a key aspect of Armenia dual citizenship.
• Presidential Decree: Citizenship of the Republic of Armenia is granted or terminated only by a decree of the RA President.
• Transitional Provisions: Applications submitted before January 1, 2026, are processed under the old rules. Applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, fall under the new decree.

For questions related to the use of the electronic system, please contact the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia:

• Email: mcs@gov.am; citizenship@e-gov.am
• Phone: +374 10 300159
• Address: Republic of Armenia, Yerevan, Davtashen 4th Quarter, building 17/10

For those seeking additional information or discussion, searching for an Armenian citizenship forum can provide valuable insights and shared experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions about Armenian Citizenship (FAQ)

How has the Armenian citizenship application process changed in 2026?

As of January 1, 2026, all applications for acquiring or terminating Armenian citizenship are submitted exclusively through the electronic system mcs-citizenship.am. This means online registration, uploading digital documents, and scheduling an appointment for physical submission of originals after preliminary verification. This innovation significantly simplifies the process for those looking to get Armenian citizenship.

What are the main grounds for obtaining Armenian citizenship in 2026?

The main grounds include naturalization (3 years of residence in the country), Armenian ethnic origin (repatriation), marriage to an RA citizen (2 years of marriage and 365 days of residence), having a child or parent who is an RA citizen, restoration of citizenship, as well as for stateless persons and refugees. These paths allow various categories of applicants to gain Armenian citizenship. For more information on similar programs, you can explore Montenegro Citizenship: Current Paths to Obtaining in 2026.

Is a test on the Armenian language and Constitution required for citizenship?

Yes, for most applicants aiming for Armenian citizenship, proof of knowledge of the RA Constitution and the ability to communicate in Armenian is required. The Constitution test includes 33 random questions, requiring 17 correct answers within 1 hour to pass. Some categories of applicants (e.g., by origin or those with RA citizen children) may be exempt from these requirements.

How long does it take to process an Armenian citizenship application, and what is the cost?

The processing time for an Armenian citizenship application is 90 working days from the date of receipt by the Migration and Citizenship Service of the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs. The state duty for acquiring citizenship is 50,000 RA drams; for termination, it is 150,000 RA drams. Payment is made through the electronic system, which speeds up the process.

Does Armenia allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Armenian legislation permits dual citizenship. Renunciation of citizenship of the Republic of Armenia or acceptance of citizenship of another state does not lead to the loss of citizenship of the Republic of Armenia. This is particularly relevant for citizens of Russia interested in obtaining Armenian citizenship, as it facilitates Armenia dual citizenship.

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