Temporary residence status in the Republic of Armenia grants foreign nationals the lawful right to live in the country for a specified period. This status is governed by Law of the RA on Foreign citizens and administered by the Migration and Citizenship Service.
Purpose and Outcome of the Service
The primary aim of temporary residence status is to legalize the presence of foreign nationals in Armenia. After the successful completion of the application process, the individual is granted the right to reside in Armenia under temporary residence status, which is issued for a period of up to one year and may be renewed each year.
Who May Apply?
An application for temporary residence status may be submitted by a foreign national who falls into one of the following categories:
- A foreign student studying in Armenia
- A person who has a work permit in Armenia
- A spouse or close relative of a foreign national holding permanent or special residence status in Armenia
- A spouse, parent, or child of a foreign national holding temporary residence status
- A foreign national conducting entrepreneurial activity in Armenia
- An ethnic Armenian
The application may be filed by the foreign national personally, through a legal representative, or by an authorized person.
Application Method
The service is provided through the submission of documents to the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Republic of Armenia.
Required Documents
To obtain temporary residence status, the applicant must submit the following documents:
- A formal application
- Three color photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
- Passport, a copy of the passport, and a notarized Armenian translation of the passport
- A medical certificate confirming health status
- Copies of the applicant’s birth certificate, parents’ passports, and parents’ marriage certificate (for verification of Armenian citizenship, where applicable)
- Proof of lawful residence in Armenia (entry visa, residence card, special passport, or border entry stamp)
- For minors: the passport of the parent or legal representative and proof of family relationship
- For authorized representatives: a power of attorney and the representative’s passport
- Receipt confirming payment of the state duty (no fee applies for applicants under 18 years of age)
- Supporting documents justifying the grounds for obtaining or extending residence status, including:
- Proof of Armenian ethnicity
- Documents confirming entrepreneurial activity
- Proof of family relationship and relevant residence documents
- Proof of enrollment in an educational institution
All foreign-language documents must be officially legalized and translated into Armenian with notarization.
Application Process and Timeline
The procedure begins upon submission of the application. Following the submission, the authorized officer reviews the completeness and compliance of the documents and conducts necessary verifications. A decision to grant or refuse temporary or permanent residence status is made within 30 days from the date of application submission, subject to certain legal exceptions.
Temporary residence status is issued for up to one year and may be extended annually. Applications for extension must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the current status.
Decision and Issuance
Upon completion of the procedure:
In case of refusal, the applicant receives a written decision via postal delivery
In case of approval, a residence card is issued and may be collected from the Unified Public Services Office at 3 Vazgen Sargsyan Street
Fees and Payment
In accordance with the Law on State Duty:
- Standard fee: 105,000 AMD
You can pay the fee for the resident card by the E-payments state electronic system, in a bank or on spot with the payment terminals.
Applicants may appeal decisions administratively or through the courts within the timeframes established by law.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice․
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my application is rejected?
If the application is rejected, the applicant may appeal the decision to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. The complaint is reviewed within a one-month period, and a written response is provided.
To obtain temporary or ordinary residence status, a foreign citizen may reapply one year after the rejection of the previous application.
Can I apply for my family?
A foreign citizen holding temporary, ordinary, or special residence status has the right to invite their close relatives to the Republic of Armenia.
Is there any travel restriction for a temporary resident?
A foreign citizen with temporary residence status is not restricted in leaving the Republic of Armenia.