How to qualify for Armenian citizenship by naturalization: A complete guide for foreigners

In recent years the number of applications for Armenian citizenship has skyrocketed. I’m glad that my country is becoming so popular. If you’re interested in obtaining Armenian citizenship by naturalization, you might be wondering where to start. The citizenship application process can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the requirements or procedures. So, I thought I’d put together a little guide for you.

Application to Armenian citizenship by naturalization, step by step:

1. Have your application ready
2. Fill in the questionnaire
3. Prepare your passport
4. Prepare 6 color photos of 35x45mm in size
5. Find your birth certificate
6. Make the payment and get the proof of payment
7. Translate all foreign language documents into Armenian
8. Have those documents officially notarized
9. Submit all documents together with your application

Becoming an Armenian citizen is actually not a bad idea. Armenian passport holders can visit 80+ countries visa-free, which makes our documents some of the “strongest” in the broader region. We also have a country that is very determined to become a stable democracy, which adds to its appeal. So, it’s not surprising that more people choose to establish a permanent foothold here. However, before you can pack your bags and head to Yerevan, it’s important to understand the citizenship application process.

In this post, I’m going to break it down for you – how to successfully apply for Armenian citizenship by naturalization, step-by-step. Don’t forget to let me know if you find this post useful. Just tag me on Instagram or Twitter with #ArmeniaTravelTips and I won’t miss it. Looking forward to it! 😉

Eligibility criteria to obtain Armenian citizenship by naturalization

To qualify for Armenian citizenship by naturalization, you must meet several different criteria. These eligibility requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances. So, it’s important to review the requirements carefully before starting the application process. Ok, first, let’s have a look at the basics:

1. Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for Armenian citizenship. In some cases, minors may be eligible for citizenship through their parents or other family members.
2. Residency: To qualify for Armenian citizenship by naturalization, you must have been a legal resident of Armenia for at least three years. Alternatively, you may be eligible for citizenship if you were born in Armenia or have Armenian ancestry. Additionally, there are exceptions for individuals who have made significant contributions to the country or have demonstrated exceptional skills or abilities.
3. Language fluency: Proficiency in the Armenian language is required for all applicants. This means that you must be able to read, write, and speak Armenian. You may be required to take a language proficiency test as part of the application process. But don’t worry it’s not a hard one so you should be able to handle it if you know the basics and can interact in Armenian.
4. Test on the knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia: It is also crucial to have some sort of familiarity with our constitution. So, don’t forget to get acquainted with it before applying for Armenian citizenship. The test consists of 33 easy multiple-choice questions and answering at least 17 of them correctly is sufficient to pass the test successfully. It is possible to take the test in a foreign language, and even request a translator if you need any assistance. However, if you speak Armenian, I recommend taking the test in that language, because then it can also act as proof of your language proficiency, so you won’t have to also pass a language test.

By understanding the different eligibility requirements for Armenian citizenship, you can better prepare yourself for the application process. If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria, it’s a good idea to consult with a qualified professional or an Armenian embassy or consulate in your area.

Even though the easiest and fastest way to get Armenian citizenship is by naturalization, don’t forget about the other options you have. You can apply for Armenian citizenship by descent and investment too. As you see, there are multiple ways of getting Armenian citizenship, so if the path through naturalization seems a bit too difficult for you, check the other options out.

Required documents to apply for Armenian citizenship by naturalization

In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, you’ll also need to provide certain documents when applying for Armenian citizenship by naturalization. Here are some of the documents you’ll need to prepare:

1. Application: You’ll need to complete and submit an official application form for Armenian citizenship. Please find this form at this link.
2. Identification: You’ll need to provide proof of your identity, such as a passport, national identity card, or/and birth certificate. You may also need copies, so it’s nice to have them with you.
3. Questionnaire: This is where you will present some information about yourself. It’s a very simple one. Here you can find the link to the questionnaire.
4. Photos: You will need to present 6 colored photos with 35x45mm size as part of your application for Armenian citizenship. Don’t worry if the size of the image doesn’t tell you much, the photo studios know what you need. 😉
5. Payment: As a state fee for acquiring Armenian citizenship you need to make a payment of 1000 AMD (~ 2.5 USD) and present the receipt. And if you are interested, you can find more information about other consular fees at the link.

Based on your individual cases, you may be required to provide additional documents for acquiring Armenian citizenship by naturalization. These requirements can include

• Birth certificate and its copy
• Marriage certificate and its copy
• The passport of the spouse and its copy, or a certificate attesting the spouse’s citizenship
• His/her child’s birth certificate and its copy
• His/her child’s passport and its copy or another document certifying the citizenship or their child

Application submission and timeline

Once you’ve completed the application form and gathered all of the necessary documents, it’s time to submit your application for Armenian citizenship by naturalization. Here’s what you need to know about submitting the application and the timeline for processing:

1. Where to submit: The application form and supporting documents should be signed and submitted only by the applicant in person to the Passport and Visa Department of the Police of the Republic of Armenia or to the nearest Diplomatic and Consular representations of Armenia abroad, either in person or by mail.
2. Application processing timeline: The processing time for an application for Armenian citizenship by naturalization can vary depending on a number of factors. For example, it can be because of the completeness of the application and the workload of the Passport and Visa Department. Generally, the process can take 4-6 months. You can read more details about the specific steps and the timeframe in the section “Procedure for Acquiring Armenian Citizenship” at this link.
3. Rejection: If the applicant is rejected, they will receive notification via email or messages about the outcome and all stages of the process. The application for Armenian citizenship can be refused if the applicant is considered to pose a danger to the state and social security, public order, protection of public health and traditions, rights, freedoms, dignity, and reputation of others. The decision to reject the application may be made without providing any explanation. So, if you are not posing any danger, you are safe 🙂

Wrapping up

Thanks for taking the time to read through this guide for qualifying for Armenian citizenship by naturalization! I hope you found it helpful and informative. While the application process may seem daunting at first, with a bit of guidance and preparation, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining Armenian citizenship.

If you are thinking about finding easier ways of getting Armenian citizenship you may want to consider falling in love with and marrying an Armenian. 🙂 This can be an alternative way of getting citizenship combined with a happy marriage. You get two free two birds with one key, isn’t that nice? Check out the post on how foreign marriages happen in Armenia and find out what you need for that. Just to be clear, I’m not endorsing arranged marriages for the sole purpose of obtaining citizenship. But if you happen to meet the love of your life in Armenia, I think you should know it’s an option. Another blog post that might interest you is Armenian flag history. Explore the national symbol of Armenia if Armenian citizenship is in your mind.

Anyways, no matter how you get your Armenian citizenship I wish you the best of luck with the application! Don’t forget to ping me on Instagram or Twitter with #ArmeniaTravelTips and tell me how it went!

Featured image credit: Blake Guidry on Unsplash