New rules for residence permits in Armenia: what you need to know From November 1, 2026, Armenia is changing the rules for issuing residence permits to foreigners. The applications will be transferred to an electronic format, the state fees will increase, and foreign entrepreneurs will have to confirm real business activity in the country. Also, the authorities will be able to set annual quotas for issuing residence permits. The reform will also affect thousands of Russians, for whom Armenia, after the start of their country's war against Ukraine, became one of the main destinations for relocation. According to the amendments adopted to the Law "On Foreigners", instead of three types of status there will be two: temporary - up to one year - and permanent - for five years. The special status for ten years "for a significant contribution to the development of the country" will no longer be given to new candidates. At the same time, ethnic Armenians will retain the right to apply for permanent status on a separate basis, and previously issued documents will remain valid until their expiration date. The changes will be felt most strongly by foreigners who applied for a residence permit based on their business presence in Armenia. For an individual entrepreneur, a turnover of at least one million drams (about 2,480 euros) is now required 60 days before applying or the same amount in business bank accounts. A foreigner applying for a residence permit based on participation in a commercial company will have to invest twice as much in the authorized capital of an Armenian legal entity or purchase its shares or other securities in the same amount. The chance of long-term residence also varies. According to the new rules, documents can be submitted using one electronic platform; You will need to appear in person to receive a ticket and submit biometric data. The fee for a temporary residence permit increases from 105 thousand drams to 150 thousand (about 372 euros), for a permanent residence permit - from 140 thousand to 250 thousand (about 620 euros). In case of refusal, the state fee will not be refunded. Details are in the DW material.

New rules for residence permits in Armenia: what you need to know From November 1, 2026, Armenia is changing the rules for issuing residence permits to foreigners. The applications will be transferred to an electronic format, the state fees will increase, and foreign entrepreneurs will have to confirm real business activity in the country. Also, the authorities will be able to set annual quotas for issuing residence permits. The reform will also affect thousands of Russians, for whom Armenia, after the start of their country's war against Ukraine, became one of the main destinations for relocation. According to the amendments adopted to the Law "On Foreigners", instead of three types of status there will be two: temporary - up to one year - and permanent - for five years. The special status for ten years "for a significant contribution to the development of the country" will no longer be given to new candidates. At the same time, ethnic Armenians will retain the right to apply for permanent status on a separate basis, and previously issued documents will remain valid until their expiration date. The changes will be felt most strongly by foreigners who applied for a residence permit based on their business presence in Armenia. For an individual entrepreneur, a turnover of at least one million drams (about 2,480 euros) is now required 60 days before applying or the same amount in business bank accounts. A foreigner applying for a residence permit based on participation in a commercial company will have to invest twice as much in the authorized capital of an Armenian legal entity or purchase its shares or other securities in the same amount. The chance of long-term residence also varies. According to the new rules, documents can be submitted using one electronic platform; You will need to appear in person to receive a ticket and submit biometric data. The fee for a temporary residence permit increases from 105 thousand drams to 150 thousand (about 372 euros), for a permanent residence permit - from 140 thousand to 250 thousand (about 620 euros). In case of refusal, the state fee will not be refunded. Details are in the DW material.