| Larisa Petrosyan Attorney at Law | Michael Hovhannesyan Senior Partner, Attorney at Law |
The Republic of Armenia is introducing a set of important amendments to the Law on Foreigners and the Law on State Duty, which will enter into force on 1 November 2026. These changes significantly reshape the current framework for hiring foreign employees, obtaining residence permits, and regulating migration procedures.
Annual Permit Limits
One of the most important developments is the introduction of a quota-based system for residence permits. This new system will allow the Government of Armenia to set annual limits on the number and types of residence permits that may be issued. These quotas may vary depending on the category of residence status and broader labour market needs. In practice, this means that access to foreign workers will become more structured and centrally managed, with availability depending on annual government-defined limits rather than case-by-case labour market assessments.
Work Entry Visa
Another key change is the introduction of a new Work Entry Visa, which did not previously exist under Armenian immigration law. This visa will allow foreign nationals to enter Armenia for short-term employment purposes. It may be issued for up to 120 days and can be either a single or multiple entry. During this period, individuals will be able to enter Armenia for work, apply for a temporary residence permit from within the country, or collect a residence permit that has already been approved. The visa cannot be extended and may only be issued once per calendar year, making it a strictly temporary but important entry mechanism.
Updated Application Rules
The application process itself is also being modernized and made more structured. Applicants will be required to appear in person to collect their residence documents and provide biometric data, including fingerprints and an electronic signature. Only after this step will the residence documents be issued and digital identification, such as Mobile ID, be activated. At the same time, the existing rule remains unchanged that if a residence application is refused, the applicant may reapply only after one year.
Job Loss = Permit Risk
The amendments also introduce stricter rules regarding employment-linked residence permits. If a foreign national’s employment is terminated, their residence permit may be revoked if a new employment contract is not registered within 15 working days through the electronic system. This creates a stronger link between legal residence status and active employment in Armenia.
New Paths to Permanent Residence
At the same time, the amendments expand the categories of foreign nationals eligible for permanent residence in Armenia. Among other grounds, permanent residence may now also be granted to foreign nationals who have (a) conducted business activities in Armenia and held temporary residence status for at least three of the previous five years or (b) made an investment in Armenia. Similarly, foreign investors who meet certain criteria will also be able to apply. Permanent residence permits will be issued for a period of five years.
Foreign nationals may qualify for residence through business activitiesif:
- they are shareholders, participants, or security holders in an Armenian company and have invested at least AMD 2,000,000 in the company’s charter capital or acquired shares or securities with a value of at least AMD 2,000,000.
- operate as a sole entrepreneur and maintain at least AMD 1,000,000 in funds across their business accounts (in any currency equivalent); or
- generate at least AMD 1,000,000 in business turnover (or equivalent foreign currency) within the 60 days preceding the application.
Residence status may be revoked if the investment falls below AMD 1,000,000, or if the invested capital is withdrawn from the company, or if no tax-related business activity is recorded within 180 days after obtaining residence status.
However, revocation will not apply if the foreign national reinvests at least AMD 1,000,000 in another Armenian company or transfers the investment within one month into the charter capital of another Armenian legal entity.
Permanent residence based on investment activity is not yet fully regulated. The detailed requirements, eligibility criteria, and procedures will be defined later by the Government of Armenia, meaning that at this stage, only the general framework is in place.
Updated State Duties
Finally, the Law on State Duty is also being revised. Several fees related to residence permits, renewals, and related administrative services will be updated, and new charges will apply to certain procedures, including the newly introduced Work Entry Visa. It is also important to note that in case of refusal, state duties will not be refunded.
Conclusion
Overall, these amendments represent a significant shift in Armenia’s migration and work authorization system. The introduction of quotas, combined with new visa categories and stricter procedural rules, will make the system more structured but also more regulated. For employers, this means that workforce planning and foreign hiring strategies will need to take into account not only eligibility requirements, but also annual quota availability and stricter compliance timelines.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is published for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information reflects our understanding of the relevant legal frameworks as of the date of publication and is subject to change. Readers should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of this article without obtaining specific legal advice tailored to their circumstances. Retrieve Legal & Tax accepts no liability for decisions taken in reliance on its contents.