Skip to content

Residence & citizenship

Armenian Special Residence Status

A ten-year status for people of Armenian descent and other distinguished individuals, evidenced by a special Armenian passport and offering a long, secure right to reside.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Book a consultation

Under review — check current rules

Special residence fee (commonly cited as AMD 150,000) and the 2026 reform (reported end of new special-passport issuance and transition to a 5-year permanent card) should be confirmed on mfa.am / migration.mia.gov.am.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Armenia government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Special residence status
Route type
Settlement
Validity
10 years, extendable
Document
Special Armenian passport
Document issued
Special passport
Eligibility
Persons of Armenian descent / with special ties to Armenia
Where to apply
Migration and Citizenship Service, 14 Tairov St, Yerevan (in person, by appointment)
Status note
Reported abolition from 1 November 2026
Verify before applying

Who it is for

  • Foreign citizens of Armenian descent
  • Individuals of distinguished service or notable economic/cultural activity in Armenia

What you can do

  • Travel to Armenia without an entry visa
  • Enjoy broad rights and obligations similar to citizens, except political rights
  • Exemption from military service

How to apply

  • Apply to the Migration and Citizenship Service or an Armenian embassy/consulate abroad
  • Provide proof of Armenian origin or grounds of distinction

Requirements

  • Special residence status is aimed principally at persons of Armenian descent, and at foreign nationals with special ties to, or who make a notable contribution to, Armenia.
  • Applicants of Armenian descent must evidence their ethnicity through documents such as baptism certificates from religious institutions, apostilled descent documents issued by a foreign government, and parent or grandparent birth certificates showing Armenian ethnicity.
  • Important: reforms to the Law 'On Foreigners' are reported to abolish the 10-year special residence permit for ethnic Armenians from 1 November 2026 - confirm current availability before applying.

Documents you may need

  • Application and questionnaire
  • 6 colour photographs (35 x 45 mm)
  • Passport with a notarised Armenian translation
  • Descent documentation: baptism certificate, apostilled foreign descent documents, and/or parent/grandparent birth certificates showing Armenian ethnicity

Frequently asked questions

  • It is a 10-year residence status granted mainly to people of Armenian descent and to foreign nationals with special ties to Armenia, issued as a special passport and renewable in 10-year periods. Note that reforms are reported to change or end this route from 1 November 2026, so confirm current availability with the Migration and Citizenship Service.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

Related Armenian visas

Book a consultation