Armenian diaspora: special residency status ends, replaced by a five-year permanent permit
- Published
- Place
- Yerevan, Armenia
- Event date
- Past event —
Summary
Since 1 November, Armenia no longer grants “special residency status”, the ten-year permit given in particular to foreigners of Armenian origin. The reform of the law on foreigners keeps only two statuses: temporary, valid for up to one year, and permanent, granted for five years. Being of Armenian origin remains a separate ground for permanent residency. The other grounds are investing in Armenia, exceptional services to the country, family ties or business activity, under conditions. All applications now go through a single online platform: registration, uploading documents, then an appointment to file the application in person. The Migration and Citizenship Service must decide within 30 days.
Analysis
For the diaspora, the main change is the length: a five-year permit replaces a ten-year one. It comes with a full switch to digital, as the old online platform and the Early One booking app were shut down the same day. There is also a new obligation: reporting online, within ten days, any absence from Armenia of 183 days or more. Holders of permanent residency granted for investment or exceptional services are exempt.
Possible consequences
Applications filed before 1 November are still examined under the old rules, and holders of special status keep it until it expires. Residence cards must be collected in person, with fingerprints; for children under 16, a parent collects them. If a person’s legal stay expires while the application is pending, their presence in Armenia remains legal until the decision. Applicants have five days to complete a file, or the procedure is suspended.
What remains uncertain
According to a draft government decision open for consultation until 16 October, applicants will need a birth certificate and proof of descent from a parent of Armenian origin, such as a baptism certificate; the adopted version could not be verified. The fee is not specified in official announcements.
