Proposed Amendments for 2026
The Armenian government is planning significant amendments to the Citizenship Law and related fees, expected to take effect on January 1, 2026. Key changes include:
● Mandatory Preliminary Applications: Applicants will first submit an online application with all required documents. Once pre-approved, they can schedule an appointment to
formally submit their application.
● Enhanced Online Support: Applicants will be able to submit additional documents through an online system, ensuring smoother communication with authorities.
● Higher Application Fees: The citizenship application fee will increase from 1,000 AMD (approximately USD 2.5) to 50,000 AMD (approximately USD 128). This fee will be non-refundable except for overpayment cases.
● Defined Suspension Periods: Applications requiring further verification may be suspended for up to 60 days, potentially extending the standard 90-business-day processing time.
● Fee Exemptions for Refugees: Refugees in Armenia will be exempt from citizenship application fees.
Benefits of Armenian Citizenship
Armenian citizenship offers many advantages, including global mobility, economic opportunities, and preferential treatment in certain regions. Key benefits include:
● Visa-Free Travel: Armenian citizens can travel visa-free to 69 countries, including China, Russia, the UAE, and Iran.
● Dual Citizenship: Armenia permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to hold more than one passport simultaneously.
● Preferential Treatment in EAEU Countries: Armenian citizens benefit from free movement and preferential treatment in labor laws, social protections, medical access, taxation, and immigration within EAEU countries (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia).
● Tax Advantages: Armenian tax residency comes with significant benefits, such as no capital gains tax on the sale of securities, real estate, or other assets, exemptions on pensions, insurance payments, gifts and inheritance and other types of income, and reduced global tax liabilities due to double taxation agreements with around 50 countries.
● E-2 Visa Eligibility for the United States: Armenian citizens are eligible to apply for the U.S. E-2 investor visa. Spouses and children under 21 can also join the applicant, and spouses are eligible to work in the U.S. under this visa.
Pathway to Armenian Citizenship
After three years of holding a residence permit, you can apply for Armenian citizenship, enjoying the benefits of dual nationality. Here is what the process involves;
1. Residency Requirement: Maintain your Armenian residence permit for three consecutive years.
2. Basic Knowledge of the Constitution: Demonstrate a basic understanding of the Armenian Constitution by passing a straightforward multiple-choice test administered in Armenian (33 questions with a minimum passing score of 17). This requires a basic ability to read and write in Armenian.
3. Application Submission: Submit your citizenship application in person in Armenia.
4. Passport Application: Once your application is approved (typically within 90 working days), you can apply for an Armenian passport in Armenia or at an Armenian embassy abroad.
Armenian citizenship, with its associated benefits and opportunities like the E-2 visa, opens up significant pathways for individuals seeking mobility and access to international markets.
Author: Nerses Isajanyan
Director and Managing Attorney at Vardanyan & Partners, https://armenian-lawyer.com/
