Hiring a foreign national in Armenia requires following a structured work permit 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.
Work Permit Processing 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 |
Work Permit Approval Requirements & 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
How a Work Permit Links to Temporary Residence in Armenia
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
Post-Approval Checklist for Foreign Employees in Armenia
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
For a broader overview of how the work permit system connects to temporary residence status in Armenia, and which categories are exempt from the requirement, see our full employer guide to work permits in Armenia.
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.