Table of Contents

1. Benefits of Investment-Based Residency

Obtaining an Armenian residence permit presents a wealth of advantages for individuals seeking residency in a country with a rich cultural heritage and robust economic opportunities. Here are the key benefits and procedural aspects of securing residency in Armenia:

Ease of Procedure

• Remote Application Process: Applicants can secure their Armenian residency remotely, requiring only a passport and a health certificate. This streamlined process enables individuals from around the globe to apply without needing to be physically present in Armenia initially.

• Minimal Documentation Required: Applicants need only provide their passport and a medical certificate alongside documents supporting their legal basis for application.

Lifestyle and Legal Privileges

• Family Inclusion: The residence permit extends eligibility to family members, including spouses, children (minor and adult), siblings, and grandparents, making it a family-friendly option.

• Economic and Cultural Benefits: Armenia boasts a rapidly growing economy, with a 8.7% GDP growth in 2023. The country offers investment opportunities in high-interest banking and a thriving real estate market where foreign land ownership is permitted. The capital, Yerevan, is noted for its safety, low cost of living, high-speed internet, affordable healthcare, and exceptional cuisine. From its UNESCO World Heritage Sites to the stunning views of Mount Ararat, Armenia's natural and cultural offerings enrich the lives of its residents.

• Legal and Social Advantages: Residents of Armenia enjoy all constitutional rights and freedoms afforded to citizens, except for political rights. These include rights to healthcare, social security, education, property, and privacy, along with freedoms of speech, conscience, religion, and belief. Importantly, residents are exempt from mandatory military service.

• Global Connectivity: Armenia maintains strong international relationships, especially with Western nations such as those in the European Union and the USA. It also has a visa-free regime with countries like Russia, Iran, and China, enhancing the travel freedom of its residents.

• Investment and Banking Opportunities: As a resident, individuals can access diverse banking services and investment opportunities. Permanent property and land ownership rights are significant incentives for those looking to invest in real estate.

Path to Citizenship

• Path to Citizenship: After three years of residency, individuals may qualify for Armenian citizenship, contingent upon government approval.

• Dual Citizenship: If an individual opts to become an Armenian citizen, the country expressly permits dual citizenship, allowing one to retain their original nationality.

2. Investment Options for Gaining Residency

3. Application Process for Investors

4. Financial Considerations

5. Maintenance and Renewal

6. Path to Citizenship

If you have been living in Armenia permanently for the past three years, you are eligible to apply for Armenian citizenship. However, the term "permanent resident" is not clearly defined by the Citizenship Law. In practice, the police will accept and process a citizenship application if the applicant has maintained an Armenian residence permit (temporary, permanent, or special) during the three-year period.

In addition to the residency requirement, you will need to pass a test on your knowledge of the Armenian Constitution. This is a multiple-choice test with 33 questions, and you only need to answer 17 of them correctly to pass. The test is administered in Armenian, and you will be asked to fill out a biographic form in Armenian as well. This means that you may need to spend some time (perhaps a couple of months) learning basic Armenian.

It is important to note that meeting the above requirements does not guarantee that your citizenship application will be approved. If your application is rejected, you can reapply after one year. Additionally, if your application is rejected, you can appeal the decision in court. However, administrative court proceedings are likely to take up to one year or even longer.

7. Other Practical Information