Armenian citizenship by descent: What you need to know

Armenian citizenship by descent

Are you interested in exploring your Armenian heritage and reconnecting with your ancestral roots? Obtaining Armenian citizenship by descent may be a valuable opportunity to not only honor your family’s history but also gain access to a range of benefits and opportunities. It is a unique way of connecting with your heritage, so take your steps toward that goal!

For getting Armenian citizenship by descent you will need a document that proves your ancestral routes. It can be a certificate of baptism, a document stating your Armenian ethnicity, a birth certificate, or any other identification document.

In this blog post, I cover all the essential information you need to know about Armenian citizenship by descent. I’ll also discuss important considerations, such as dual citizenship opportunities and whether obtaining Armenian citizenship by descent is the right choice for you.

And don’t worry, I’ll keep it light-hearted and fun. So, sit back, relax, and let’s explore what it takes to become an Armenian citizen by descent! Don’t forget to give your feedback about the post as well by pinging me on Instagram or Twitter with #ArmeniaTravelTips. I’ll look forward to it!

Getting Armenian citizenship by descent

You may have heard of a big Armenian diaspora population. So, applying for citizenship is not an uncommon thing in Armenia. Unlike getting Armenian citizenship by naturalization (read more about the requirements and process at the link), the requirements are simpler when granted citizenship based on ethnicity. Let me explain why. You will only need documents that prove your Armenian roots. So, no need for three years of permanent residency in Armenia or knowledge of the Armenian language and Constitution. My blog post on Armenian flag history may be also just to the point.

What’s left on your end to do for obtaining Armenian citizenship by descent is preparing your documents to prove that you are ethnically Armenian. You will only need one of the documents listed below.

  • Certificate of baptism: You can submit a baptismal record from a religious institution that identifies you or your parent as Armenian. You can check the list of churches that the government typically recognizes for such certificates at the very bottom of the page, on this link.
  • Document stating Armenian ethnicity: You can also obtain a document from foreign authorities that confirms your Armenian ethnicity. This must be authenticated with an apostille or consular seal.
  • Birth certificate or another identification document: You can provide your own or your family members’ birth certificate or other identification that shows your Armenian ethnicity. If the applicant’s siblings have the same parents and Armenian ethnicity, their birth certificates may also be accepted as proof, along with a document of blood relation issued by the government. Finally, documents such as passports, residence certificates, or travel documents that mention Armenian ethnicity can be used as supporting evidence.

In the video below, this guy shares his fiance’s experience of obtaining Armenian citizenship by descent. It took them about 5 months and seemed to be a very straightforward process for them. And, I thought if you prepare to apply for getting your Armenian passport, it might be helpful for you to watch this video beforehand.

Process step-by-step & documents

You can submit your request for Armenian citizenship through an Armenian descent application in-person at either an embassy in your home country or in Yerevan, Armenia. The Passport and Visa Department of the Police is the responsible body in Armenia for such inquiries. So, check out their location and website if you need more information.

If your application is accepted, the President of the Republic of Armenia will issue a decree, and you will be granted Armenian citizenship. Then you get sworn in, and you receive your passport. So, the process is pretty straightforward.

And here is the list of documents you will need to present while applying for Armenian citizenship by descent:

  • Citizenship application form
  • Citizenship questionnaire form
  • Valid passport (of your current citizenship in your home country)
  • 6 colored photographs (sized 35x45mm)
  • Birth certificate
  • One of the documents that serve as evidence of Armenian nationality as described above

Does Armenia allow dual citizenship?

If you worry about keeping your original citizenship and still applying for Armenian citizenship by descent, then you will be pleased to know that you can absolutely do that. There is no need for you to resign any citizenship that you have to be eligible for an Armenian passport.

If you have any questions regarding the processes you can always contact the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs (Email: [email protected]). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also deals with inquiries with respect to citizenship. So feel free to contact them as well.

Is it worth getting Armenian citizenship by descent?

If you ask me then I would definitely say yes. Here are some of the benefits I think are worthwhile to consider before making a final decision.

  • It is a good opportunity to reconnect with your Armenian heritage and culture.
  • Your citizenship will pass to your future generations, meaning your children won’t have to worry about getting an Armenian passport.
  • The process of getting Armenian citizenship by descent is relatively simple. If you have the proper documentation, you won’t need to worry about residency requirements or citizenship tests.
  • It is also an easy and affordable option and you can receive your passport in less than a year.
  • Dual citizenship allows you to enjoy the benefits of both your home country and Armenia.
  • You get visa-free travel to many countries that may not be as welcoming to citizens of Western countries.
  • There is a possibility of increased business opportunities and networks such as owning a piece of land or getting access to investment opportunities in Armenia.

I hope this list is convincing enough that you get so many benefits when acquiring Armenian citizenship by descent. The decision maker is you but I have always thought that it’s a good idea to come back to your roots. And if you have the opportunity, why not just make use of it? Especially when you get a bunch of benefits with dual citizenship.

By the way, there is also an opportunity to get Armenian citizenship by investment. So, if you are interested, you can read my separate post and get detailed information on how to do it. By the way, IT is a perfect sector to consider. Read my other blog post on top 10 IT companies in Armenia.

About RA citizenship for foreign citizens. Source: @diasporagovam on IG

Wrapping up

Well, the process of acquiring citizenship can be a long and tiring process, however, Armenian is relatively easy in those processes. You can get a bunch of benefits by obtaining Armenian citizenship and if you’re ethnically Armenian the process is even simpler for you. I hope this blog post was helpful for you and you got the answers you were looking for.

Anyways, I wish you a smooth application procedure when obtaining your citizenship by descent. And if you have any further questions you think I can be of help with, I am more than happy to assist you. You can always reach me on Instagram or Twitter with #ArmeniaTravelTips. I’m excited to talk to you! 😊

Featured image credit: Nicole Geri on Unsplash

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