| Papin Karapetyan, Junior Associate |
Last legally reviewed: September 2026, against the consolidated text of the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On the Citizenship of the Republic of Armenia” (HO-16), as amended through HO-408-N of 11 December 2023.
Short answer
No — not easily. Armenian law protects citizenship and allows it to end only in specific, limited ways. A second passport, living abroad, or marrying a foreigner does not cost you your Armenian citizenship on its own. Dual citizenship has been legal since 2007.
Two ways it can end
| You give it up (renunciation) | State takes it away (deprivation) | |
| Who acts | You apply | The state decides |
| Automatic? | No — needs a presidential decree | No — rare, discretionary |
| Why it happens | You choose to hold only a foreign passport | Fraud, or the 7-year rule below |
| Law | Article 24 | Article 25 |
Giving it up (Article 24). Anyone 18+ can apply to renounce. Armenia can refuse the request if you:
- are under criminal prosecution;
- have an unpaid court judgment;
- would harm national security by leaving; or
- owe an unfulfilled obligation to the state, a company, or another citizen.
Being deprived of it (Article 25). Rare, and only for three reasons:
- You naturalized, moved abroad for good, and skipped Armenian consular registration for 7 straight years with no good reason.
- You naturalized using false documents.
- You took a foreign citizenship illegally under the old, pre-2007 rules.
Note: today you only need to report a new foreign citizenship within one month. Forgetting isn’t automatically a deprivation ground — but it does create its own liability, so don’t skip it.
Three quick examples
Hypothetical, for illustration only.
- A diaspora Armenian who got citizenship through descent and lives in the US permanently — keeps it, no matter how long they stay away.
- A naturalized citizen who moves abroad for good and never registers at a consulate for 7+ years, with no valid excuse — the real risk case.
- Someone who naturalized with a fake document — can lose citizenship once the fraud is found.
What about my children?
If both parents lose citizenship and their child (under 14) gains another one, the child loses it too, subject to consent rules (Article 17). Kids 14–18 must agree themselves (Article 22). Check a child’s status separately — it isn’t always automatic.
Can I get it back?
Usually yes. Apply for restoration (Article 14) — as long as you renounced rather than were deprived, and no disqualifying grounds apply.
Worth knowing: rules keep evolving
The law was last updated in 2024, and further procedural changes (online applications, higher fees) are expected in 2026. These affect how you apply, not the loss grounds above — but check current rules before acting.
When to get advice
Ask a lawyer before you act if: your time abroad might not count as “good reason,” a pending court case could block your renunciation, or your children’s status is unclear. A renunciation is hard to undo once decreed.
Retrieve Legal & Tax’s immigration and residency team can review your situation. Contact us for a consultation.
FAQ
Does a second citizenship cancel my Armenian one? No. Just report it within a month.
Can living abroad cost me my citizenship? Not on its own. Risk only applies to naturalized citizens who skip consular registration for 7+ years.
Renunciation vs. deprivation — what’s the difference? Renunciation: your choice, can be refused. Deprivation: the state’s rare, narrow power — fraud or the 7-year rule.
Can fraud cost me my citizenship? Yes, if you naturalized using false documents.
Can I get it back after losing it? Usually, via a restoration application — if you weren’t deprived.
What about my kids? Depends on age. Under-14s may lose it with both parents; 14–18-year-olds must consent themselves.
Am I at risk if I forget to report a new citizenship? It creates liability, but isn’t by itself a deprivation ground. Still — don’t skip it.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Armenian citizenship matters depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case, and laws and procedures may change. For advice regarding your individual situation, we recommend consulting a qualified Armenian lawyer.