Armenia residency and identification reforms

Armenia is implementing a series of administrative reforms involving residency requirements and the introduction of new biometric identification documents.

Effective November 1, new residency regulations will introduce financial thresholds for foreign entrepreneurs. Individual entrepreneurs must demonstrate at least 1 million drams in business accounts or turnover, while those participating in companies must invest at least 2 million drams in charter capital or equivalent securities. The overhaul also includes increased state fees for temporary and permanent residence status, alongside a new non-refundable fee for work visa applications.

In conjunction with these changes, the country is introducing new biometric ID cards and passports designed to meet high European certification standards. These documents aim to enhance security, ensure accurate identification, and facilitate digital public services while reducing the need for data sharing between state agencies. The Ministry of Internal Affairs noted that the pricing for these new documents reflects improved technical capabilities and security standards.