Hiring a foreign national in Armenia requires following a structured process — from employer registration to labor market testing and permit issuance. Below is a complete overview of how it works.
Step 1 — Employer Registration
Before any application can be filed, the employer must register on the official work permit platform.
Armenian companies register online at workpermit.am submitting:
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Legal address
- Authorized representative’s details (passport, proof of legal stay, public service number)
An e-signature is required for online registration.
Foreign companies without an Armenian ID, e-signature, or SSN must register in person at the Migration Service Office, providing:
| Document | Notes |
| Passport of the company’s executive head | Original + photocopy |
| Public Service Number | — |
| Proof of legal residence in Armenia | — |
| TIN of the employer | — |
| Legal address of the employer | — |
| Official company email | — |
| Personal email of the executive head | — |
| Company phone number | — |
| Executive head’s phone number | — |
Step 2 — Labor Market Test
Before a work permit can be issued, the employer must demonstrate that no suitable local candidate is available:
- A vacancy is publicly announced
- A labor market test is conducted by the authorities
- Authorities assess labor demand, profession availability, and sector conditions
- Only upon confirmation that no local candidate qualifies may the foreign hire proceed
This step protects the local labor market and is a mandatory part of the process.
Step 3 — Application Review
Once the labor market test is cleared, the application is reviewed based on:
- Employer compliance and standing
- Labor market conditions
- Accuracy and completeness of submitted documents
- Security and legal background checks
A permit may be denied in cases of security concerns, falsified documents, or regulatory violations.
Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
| Employer registration | 1–3 working days |
| Labor market test | 10–20 working days |
| Application review | 15–30 working days |
| Total (approximate) | 4–8 weeks |
Approval & Conditions
Once approved, the following apply:
- The work permit is issued for one employer and one position only
- Employment must begin within the timeframe set in the contract
- State duty must be paid upon issuance
Link to Temporary Residence
A valid work permit serves as the basis for a temporary residence permit, issued for the same duration. The residence card is collected in person at:
Unified Public Services Office — 3 Vazgen Sargsyan Street, Yerevan
After Approval — Employee Checklist
Once the permit is issued, the employee must:
- Confirm permit issuance
- Pay the applicable state duty
- Collect the residence card in Yerevan
- Begin lawful employment under the agreed terms
We provide end-to-end support for the full work permit process — employer registration, labor market test coordination, document preparation, and application submission. Contact us to discuss your hiring needs