I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to secure investor residency—and even citizenship—in Armenia. By the end, you’ll understand what qualifies, how to apply (even from abroad), the timeline, and the hidden perks that make Armenia one of the region’s most accessible programs.

Who Qualifies for Investor Residency

Armenia offers residency to foreigners who invest in a local business or state-approved fund. You don’t have to run a multinational operation—both majority and minority stakes count.

• Business-based residency
  You can inject capital into an existing Armenian company or set up your own. There’s no published minimum, and in practice investments of just a few thousand dollars have gained approval—according to the Invest in Armenia investor residence overview.

• Fund-based residency
  Alternatively, you can place at least $150,000 in a government-approved bond or fund for five years, as detailed on the Armenian Investment Support Center’s residence permit page.

• Active and passive stakes
  Full management or a simple shareholding both satisfy the requirement, providing flexibility depending on how hands-on you wish to be.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Documents You’ll Need

1. Valid passport
2. Proof of investment (bank statements or fund receipt)
3. Application form from your nearest embassy or consulate (or via e-application)

How to Apply

• Send your package to any Armenian diplomatic post—or complete everything online—based on guidance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ visa and residency FAQ.
• Pay the application fee (around $100).
• Wait for a decision, typically within 20 business days.

Renewals and Extensions

Once issued, your investor permit lasts one year. You can renew it annually by showing continued investment or fund placement.

From Residency to Full Citizenship

After three years holding your residency permit, you become eligible to apply for Armenian citizenship. The naturalization phase usually involves:

• A basic Armenian-language check
• Familiarity with the Armenian constitution and history

These requirements are established under the Armenian nationality law. Passing these steps awards you full citizenship, complete with a passport.

Perks That Set Armenia Apart

• No minimum stay requirement—you aren’t required to live in Armenia to keep your permit or pursue citizenship, a feature noted by Nomad Capitalist’s analysis.
• Family inclusion: Your spouse, minor children and even some extended relatives can be added to your application, keeping your loved ones together under one permit.
• Global access: Armenian citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to over 65 countries, according to the Henley Passport Index Q3 2023.
• One of the most affordable programs in Eastern Europe—with low barriers and transparent rules that appeal to a wide range of investors.

“Armenia’s residency-to-citizenship route is unmatched for its simplicity and cost.”
— Nomad Capitalist

Claim Your Armenian Advantage

You’ve seen how straightforward it can be: pick your investment vehicle, gather a handful of documents, and submit remotely. Within a year, you’ll hold Armenian residency, and in as few as three years, you can secure a second passport—opening doors around the globe.

Ready to get started? Reach out to Armenia’s Investment Support Center or your nearest Armenian embassy, and let the process begin.