Armenian citizenship can be obtained through several routes, including naturalization. For most foreign nationals seeking citizenship of Armenia by naturalization, understanding eligibility criteria and procedural steps is essential. The process is governed by the Law on the Citizenship of the Republic of Armenia.
Eligibility, Step-by-Step Process, and Required Documents
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for Armenian citizenship by naturalization, applicants must generally satisfy the following:
- Age and legal capacity: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess full legal capacity.
- Continuous residence in Armenia for at least three years prior to application.
- Language requirement: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to express themselves in Armenian.
- Knowledge of Constitution: Applicants must be familiar with the Constitution of Armenia (https://www.arlis.am/hy/acts/39206).
Step-by-Step Naturalization Process
- Prepare the required documents:
- Application form.
- Valid passport issued by a foreign country and a copy of it.
- Six (6) color photographs, size 3 x 4.
- Birth certificate and a copy of it.
- Marriage certificate and a copy of it.
- Husband’s passport and a copy of it.
- Birth certificate of the applicant’s child and a copy of it, and the child’s Armenian citizen ID or another document proving Armenian citizenship.
- If you are Armenian, documents proving Armenian ethnicity
- Residence certificate and a copy of it for stateless persons.
- Documents proving legal residence or stay in the Republic of Armenia and their copies.
- Proof of payment of the state fee
- Submit the Armenia citizenship application to the authorized body of the Government of the Republic of Armenia online – https://mcs-citizenship.am.
- Application review:
- Government authorities verify the authenticity of documents and assess eligibility.
- Applications may be rejected if the applicant threatens national security, public order, or others’ rights.
- Presidential decree: Citizenship is granted by a decree of the President of the Republic of Armenia.
- Oath-taking: New citizens take an official oath of allegiance, pledging to respect the Constitution, laws, language, culture, and territorial integrity of Armenia.
- Issuance of documents: Citizens receive an Armenian passport and information on relevant legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I hold dual citizenship in Armenia?
Yes. Armenia recognizes dual citizenship. Citizens holding multiple nationalities are considered Armenian citizens under Armenian law and must notify the government within one month if they acquire another nationality.
2. What happens if my application is refused?
Applications can be rejected if the applicant harms state security, public order, public health, or others rights. The rejection does not need to be substantiated, and applicants may reapply if they later meet all legal requirements.
3. Can children obtain citizenship with their parents?
- Children under 14 automatically acquire Armenian citizenship if their parents naturalize
- Children aged 14–18 can acquire citizenship with their consent.
- Children adopted by Armenian citizens also automatically acquire citizenship.
4. Can I renounce Armenian citizenship or regain it if I lose it?
- Citizens may voluntarily change or renounce citizenship at age 18.
- Citizenship can be restored for former citizens upon application, provided the legal grounds for termination do not exist.
5. How long does it take to get citizenship by naturalization?
While there is no fixed statutory timeline, applications are reviewed by the government and finalized by a Presidential decree. Most cases take several months, depending on verification and completeness of documents.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Our firm can review your case, prepare a complete application package, and guide you through the process with clear timelines.