Add your promotional text...

Employment & Work Permits in Armenia
Navigating the intricacies of Employment in Armenia

Overview of Employment and Work Permits in Armenia

1

Work Permits for Foreign Employees

Examine the procedure for getting a work permit for foreign employees in Armenia.

2

Employment

Investigate procedural aspects of employment, encompassing considerations such as internal policies, work schedules and compensation.

3

Discipline

Explore the regulations for employment termination, disputes as well as penalties in our dedicated section.

Work Permits for Foreign Employees

In Armenia, holding a valid visa alone does not grant the right to work unless accompanied by a work permit. However, certain categories of foreign workers, such as highly skilled specialists, business owners, and executives, are exempt from the work permit requirement. Work permits are typically issued for the duration of an employment contract, up to a maximum of one year.

Employment

An employment agreement in Armenia is a crucial document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment. Here are key points to consider when drafting such an agreement:

1. Written Form: The employment agreement must be in writing and provided in duplicate—one copy for the employee and one for the employer. It should adhere to all labor laws and regulations, ensuring that the employee's rights are not restricted. Any regulatory improvements benefiting the employee should be promptly incorporated into the agreement.

2. Essential Information: The agreement should include the following essential information:

  • Date of signature

  • Place of signature

  • Full names of both parties (employer and employee)

  • Employee's ID document number and social security number

  • Position or job description, outlining duties and responsibilities

  • Workplace location

  • Department or unit

  • Agreement term (fixed or indefinite, temporary, etc.)

  • Start and end dates (if applicable)

  • Probation period (if any, typically not exceeding 3 months)

  • Salary, bonuses, and other forms of compensation

  • Working hours

  • Annual leave entitlement

  • Disclosure of concurrent employment with another employer

3. Special Terms for Foreign Employees: If the employment agreement pertains to foreign employees working under a work permit, additional terms may include:

  • Transportation to and from Armenia

  • Accommodation

  • Insurance and social assistance

  • Address registration

4. Registration: The employer is responsible for electronically registering the newly hired employee with the tax office on the first day of work. All processes related to the employee (hiring, termination, etc.) must be documented through internal acts, such as orders or decrees.

5. Fixed-Term vs. Indefinite-Term Agreements: Employment agreements can be for a fixed term or indefinite term. Normally, agreements are indefinite, while fixed-term agreements are permissible under specific conditions, including seasonal work, temporary work up to two months, temporary replacement of another employee, hiring foreign workers with work or residence permits, or employing individuals who have reached retirement age. If extended or renewed within one month, a fixed-term agreement may be presumed to convert into an indefinite one, except when the nature of the work dictates otherwise.

6. Restrictive Covenants: The enforceability of restrictive covenants, such as non-compete and non-solicitation clauses, in Armenia is not clear. Courts have upheld such restrictions for independent contractors, and they may be enforceable against employees if reasonably necessary to protect the employer's business interests.

7. Personal Data and Privacy: Collection and processing of employee personal data require the employee's express written consent. If video surveillance is employed, it is advisable to adopt a formal policy explaining the legitimate need for such surveillance and include an express provision in the employment agreement.

8. Volunteer Work and Apprenticeship: Volunteer work is not extensively regulated in Armenia, except for certain provisions in charity and public association laws. Volunteers enter into agreements for volunteer work and are not subject to work permit requirements. Apprenticeships, lasting up to six months, are allowed under the Labor Code, and apprentices should be paid at least the minimum salary.

Discipline

In Armenia, employers have the authority to apply specific disciplinary measures when employees fail to meet expected standards of behavior or performance. These measures are designed to maintain order and discipline in the workplace. Here are the key disciplinary measures and procedures in Armenia:

  1. Warning: An employer can issue a written warning to an employee who has violated workplace rules or standards. This warning serves as an official notice of the issue and informs the employee that further violations may result in more severe disciplinary actions.

  2. Strict Warning: In cases of more serious or repeated violations, an employer can issue a strict warning. This is a stronger form of disciplinary action and signals the employer's concern about the employee's behavior or performance.

  3. Termination of Employment: In the most severe cases, where an employee's actions or conduct seriously undermine the employment relationship or company interests, the employer may terminate the employee's employment contract. Termination should be considered a last resort and should be supported by valid reasons.