Benefits and Advantages of Armenian Citizenship

• Valuable Travel Document. As of 2024, the Armenian passport ranks 74th according to Henley & Partners Passport Index, and allows visa-free travel to 69 countries, including places with limited access to nationals of Western countries, such as Russia, China, Iran, UAE, Uzbekistan, and others. The EU/Schengen countries still have a visa regime with Armenia, but visa-free travel may become possible in a few years. The United States offers 10-year B visas to Armenian citizens as well as E-2 business visas.

• Dual Citizenship Permitted. Armenia has expressly allowed dual citizenship for its citizens, meaning that it is possible to hold more than one passport at the same time.

• Quick, Simple, and Inexpensive Naturalization Process. The process of acquiring an Armenian passport typically takes about four months. Once your application is approved, you can receive your Armenian passport and national ID in a matter of days. Minimal documents are required, and police certificates, proof of address, and tax returns are not necessary. Government fees are also low, even when using optional fast-track services.

• Easy Renunciation. If you ever decide to give up your Armenian citizenship, it is easy to do so as long as you have no outstanding debts or obligations to the government.

Economic Benefits

• Land Ownership. As an Armenian citizen, you have the privilege of owning agricultural, forest, and other types of land in Armenia, which is generally not available to foreigners.

• Preferential Treatment in EAEU Countries. Because of the free movement of labor in EAEU countries (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia), citizens of Armenia are exempt from work permit requirements and can take advantage of preferential treatment in areas of labor law, social protection, medical treatment, taxation, immigration, and more.

• Government Support. Armenia offers a range of social programs for its citizens, including government-financed education and medical treatment, welfare benefits for the elderly, disabled, and other classes of socially vulnerable people.

• Tax Benefits. By moving your residence to Armenia or obtaining a tax residency certificate, you can access significant tax benefits. These include no capital gains tax on securities, real estate, or other assets; tax exemptions on certain types of income such as insurance and pension payments; no inheritance or gift taxes; and reduced tax liabilities on global income due to double taxation agreements with around 50 countries.

Social Advantages

• Citizenship Transfers to Future Generations. After acquiring Armenian citizenship, your minor children can automatically receive Armenian passports, and your spouse may become eligible to apply for citizenship. According to Armenian law, a child born to an Armenian father or mother can easily acquire Armenian citizenship, regardless of their place of birth or residence. In other words, your children and grandchildren will be eligible to obtain Armenian passports even if they do not live in Armenia.

• Increased Freedom and Opportunities. Holding a second passport can provide you with more freedom and opportunities, and can serve as a valuable "insurance policy." Armenia is known for its safety and low crime rates. If the economic or political situation in your home country deteriorates, having an Armenian passport can allow you and your family to temporarily or permanently move to Armenia. Additionally, a second passport can help you avoid problems arising from your country's foreign policies and domestic regulations, such as banking difficulties or increased tax burdens. It can also be useful for privacy or in situations where your first passport is expired, lost, or confiscated. Lastly, a second passport is necessary if you ever decide to renounce your current citizenship.

2. Eligibility Criteria for an Armenian Passport

3. Legal Procedures and Documentation

4. Special Considerations

5. Other Practical Information