Moving to Armenia as an Expat: The Complete Guide

Published on January 26, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Armenia as an expat is not just about changing countries: it’s diving into a world where family, hospitality, and history blend with a booming tech ecosystem and a still affordable cost of living. Between the streets of Yerevan, mountain villages, and a very active global diaspora, the country now attracts digital nomads, entrepreneurs, NGOs, teachers, retirees… and more and more families.

Good to know:
This guide covers the essentials to prepare for your move: entry and residence administrative procedures, housing search, cost of living, job access, opening a bank account, healthcare system, schooling, as well as culture and daily life. It aims to help you avoid the main practical and administrative pitfalls so you arrive well-prepared.

Understanding Armenia Today

Armenia is located in the heart of the South Caucasus, at the crossroads of Europe and Western Asia. Bordered by Georgia to the north, Iran to the south, Azerbaijan to the east and southwest, and Turkey to the west, it covers just under 30,000 km², mostly mountainous. The country regained its independence after the collapse of the USSR and has since experienced a phase of reconstruction and then growth, particularly visible in the capital, Yerevan.

Example:
Yerevan, nicknamed the “pink city” due to its volcanic tufa facades, concentrates most of the country’s economic, cultural, and student life. It offers a dynamic cultural and urban scene with its theaters, museums, galleries, concert halls, cafes, and coworking spaces. The city also serves as an ideal base to explore the country’s main regions and sites, such as Lake Sevan, Mount Aragats, Dilijan, Vayots Dzor, or Syunik.

The country combines several key assets for an expat: a high level of security, a cost of living lower than most Western countries, a generally warm population, and a relatively accessible entrepreneurial environment. On the other hand, one must contend with closed land borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey, sometimes slow bureaucracy, uneven service quality, and a local language with its own alphabet.

Entering Armenia: Visas, E‑visa, and Visa-Free Regimes

Before dreaming of an apartment in Yerevan or hikes around Lake Sevan, you need to clarify your right of entry. The regime is quite flexible but heavily depends on your nationality and plans (tourism, work, long-term settlement).

Visa-Free Countries and Length of Stay

Many nationals can enter without a visa. For a large part of Western countries and several states from the Gulf, Asia, and Latin America, the general rule is the possibility to stay up to 180 days per year without a visa. This is notably the case for citizens:

– of all European Union member states, as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein
– of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
– of several Gulf States (United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia)
– of countries like Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Uruguay, Brazil, Japan, etc.

90
Maximum length of stay without a visa for Iranian, Chinese (ordinary passport), and Ukrainian citizens within the Schengen area, over a 180-day period.

Georgians have a particularly generous regime: entry possible with just an ID card (if arriving directly from Georgia) and a stay of up to 360 days.

There is also a temporary exemption regime for nationals of 113 countries if they hold a valid residence permit of at least six months in the EU, Schengen states, the United States, or certain Gulf states. For these individuals, the residence permit – presented as a card or a visa sticker readable in the Latin alphabet – may allow entry without a visa within a specific time window. This point is particularly interesting for nationals of countries that normally require an invitation or a prior visa.

E‑visa and Standard Visas

For nationalities not covered by the exemption regime, Armenia offers an e‑visa system accessible online via the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
https://evisa.mfa.am

Tip:
The e‑visa is accessible to nationals of many countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, such as India, Indonesia, Egypt, Morocco, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, Mexico, Nigeria, and Turkey. These electronic visas are generally issued for 21 or 120 days and are mainly intended for tourist or business stays.

The standard conditions for a visa (e‑visa or through an embassy) include:

– passport valid for at least six months beyond the entry date
– completed application form
– ID photo
– proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, rental contract, invitation letter, etc.)
– approximate travel itinerary
– proof of sufficient funds
– sometimes, valid travel insurance
– for some countries, a mandatory invitation letter

Canadians have the possibility to obtain a visa on arrival at main entry points (e.g., the international airport) for a stay of up to 120 days, or to apply via the online e‑visa.

Special Cases: Countries Subject to Invitation

A list of countries whose nationals can only obtain a simple visitor visa with an official invitation is published by the Ministry:
https://www.mfa.am/en/invitation_only

The invitation must be submitted on the unified portal:
https://e-request.am/en

It can come from:

Attention:
A work permit application in Armenia must come from a locally registered legal entity, a public body, a local community, an embassy, or an accredited international organization. For an individual employer, the procedure must necessarily go through the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The required documents notably include the invitation letter on letterhead, a copy of the invitee’s passport, the visa application form, and the receipt for consular fees (5,000 AMD).

Individuals of Armenian nationality are exempt from this invitation requirement, even if they hold citizenship from a country on the list.

Entry, Border Control, and Extension

To cross the border, it is mandatory to go through an official checkpoint with:

– a valid passport
– a valid visa or residence document, unless your nationality allows visa-free entry

Minors can enter accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or if they are expected by a parent or host organization. In the absence of valid documents or the required visa, entry is in principle refused and the person is sent back, unless they apply for asylum or refugee status.

Visitor visas are generally issued for an initial maximum period of 120 days, extendable for an additional 60 days at the Migration and Citizenship Service. An extension request must be filed before expiration, with justification of the reason.

For inquiries, the official contacts are:

Subject Contact
Entry Visas & Invitations [email protected] – Tel. (+37460) 620516
Assistance to Armenian Officials / Diplomatic Questions Tel. (+37460) 620553

Preparing a Settlement Plan: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Stay

An expat coming to “test” Armenia can largely rely on the visa-free regime (up to 180 days for many nationalities) or a tourist e‑visa. But to work, start a business, or live for several years, one must think in terms of residence permits and work permits.

Attention:
The most common mistake is wanting to settle permanently while remaining on a tourist status. This is not legal and exposes one to fines, or even an entry ban in case of overstaying the allowed duration.

The right strategy is to: establish a clear action plan, define measurable objectives, and adjust tactics based on results obtained.

1. Come for a scouting trip of a few weeks or months to test the country, neighborhoods, job market.
2. Then identify the legal basis for your settlement: salaried work, independent/freelance activity, business creation, studies, family reunification, investment, diaspora member status.
3. Apply for a residence permit appropriate to that basis, carefully monitoring the timeline in relation to the upcoming reform.

Residence and the Stay System Reform

Armenia is in the process of deeply modernizing its migration framework with a major reform scheduled from 2026. For an expat, this means two things: new opportunities, but also more structured rules.

Current Types of Residence Permits

Today, residence materializes as a card (often called a “kard”):

– temporary residence: generally valid for one year, renewable, linked to a reason (work, studies, family reunification, entrepreneurship, etc.)
– permanent residence: a 5-year card, accessible after several years of temporary residence or in specific cases (family, investment…)
– special residence: long-term card that existed mainly for the diaspora or major investors (this category will be eliminated for new applicants, but current holders retain their rights until expiration)

Applications are managed by the Migration Service. Applications generally require:

Documents Required for a Visa Application
List of main documents to provide to complete a comprehensive and compliant visa application.

Passeport
Valid passport, with sufficient validity beyond the intended stay date.

Extraits d’acte d’état civil
Birth certificate extract and, if applicable, marriage certificate, often with sworn translation.

Justificatifs financiers
Bank statements, employment contracts, or any other document attesting to solvency and financial stability.

Certificat de casier judiciaire
Document attesting to the absence of criminal convictions, issued by the authorities of the country of residence.

Justificatif d’assurance santé
Proof of health insurance offering sufficient coverage for the duration of the stay abroad.

Documents spécifiques à la demande
Depending on the reason (work, studies, investment): employment contract, university admission letter, investment plan, etc.

Most foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Armenian. Depending on the chosen route, processing can take from 1 to 6 months.

The Announced Reform: Digitalization, Quotas, and New Pathways

The planned reform introduces several structuring elements.

Migration System Reform
Summary of the main announced measures concerning stays, residence permits, and administrative procedures.

Portail unique en ligne
Implementation of a unified online platform for all stay applications.

Nouveaux titres biométriques
Issuance of new biometric residence cards, with in-person fingerprinting and digital signature.

Modification des frais et permis
Significant increase in state fees for migration services and replacement of the work permit system with an annual quota system.

Nouveau visa travail et élargissements
Establishment of a mandatory “entry visa for work” and expansion of stay possibilities for students, researchers, and innovative sectors.

Voies accélérées et regroupement familial
New pathways for direct access to permanent residence for certain investors and tightening of family reunification rules.

Obligations des résidents
Obligation to notify any absence exceeding 183 days via the platform and introduction of a 15-business-day grace period to find a new employer in case of contract termination.

A crucial point: applications submitted before this new framework comes into force will be processed according to the old rules. For an expat already considering a move, this can create a window of opportunity to obtain a more advantageous status (e.g., a first residence permit that will later be renewed under the new system).

Residence, Work, and Citizenship

Several residence channels can, in time, open the path to citizenship:

Good to know:
Several pathways allow obtaining a residence permit in Armenia: salaried work with an associated permit, enrollment in an educational institution, family reunification (for spouse, children, and sometimes other members), investments or business creation, and finally belonging to the Armenian diaspora, the latter possibly benefiting from simplified procedures.

In general, naturalization requires:

– being at least 18 years old
– several years of legal residence (often three years or more depending on the case)
– basic knowledge of the Armenian language
– familiarity with the country’s constitution

The standard file includes a passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), proofs of Armenian ancestry if relevant (e.g., baptismal certificate), and documents for children if they are included in the application. The authorities announce processing around 90 days for citizenship, although in practice timelines can vary.

Working in Armenia: Local Employment, Freelance, Business

The Armenian job market has evolved very quickly since independence. The economy, once centered on heavy industry, textiles, and chemicals, is now diversifying into services, information technology, tourism, construction, winemaking, and agri-food.

Labor Market Overview

The service sector accounts for nearly half of GDP (in purchasing power parity), ahead of industry and agriculture. Since the mid-1990s, growth has been relatively steady, and Armenia ranks fairly well in economic freedom indices.

For expats, opportunities are concentrated in:

– IT and software development
– marketing, communication, and design
– sales and customer management
– logistics
– language teaching, notably English
– NGOs and international organizations

Companies sometimes struggle to recruit for technical professions (mechanical engineers, hardware specialists), while many graduates leave university with skills mismatched to market needs, due to insufficient vocational training.

577
The median monthly net salary in Yerevan is close to 577 USD, which is lower than the cost of living for an expat.

Finding a Job: Local Practices

Armenian companies generally prefer to recruit people already present in the country, available quickly. Therefore, it’s better to avoid relying solely on job offers obtained remotely.

The main job search platforms are:

– Staff.am (widely used, modern interface)
– Careercenter.am (one of the oldest portals, with training and CV advice)
– Worknet.am (highlights salaries, allows direct contact with recruiters)

In addition, there are LinkedIn, Facebook groups, personal networks, and repatriate associations. Networking plays a determining role: it is common for positions to be filled by word of mouth before even being advertised.

Some practical tips:

Tip:
To maximize your chances, prepare a concise “American-style” CV (one page), avoiding irrelevant personal details like date of birth or hobbies. Plan two versions: one in English and one in Armenian if possible. Always tailor your CV and cover letter to each target company, rather than using a generic template. Finally, research the company before any interview and be ready to demonstrate your ability to work in a team and integrate into the local environment.

The organization Repat Armenia offers valuable assistance: career advice, CV workshops, integration support, and connections with employers.

Freelance and Digital Nomadism

For a digital nomad or freelancer, Armenia constitutes an interesting base:

– possibility of residing legally by registering as an individual entrepreneur
– relatively simple tax regime (flat 20% income tax, separate social contributions)
– cost of living lower than many European capitals
– coworkings and cafes suitable for remote work
– internet connection generally decent, although some nomads consider the speed “average” compared to other global hubs

Freelancers who spend more than 183 days per year in Armenia must register as private entrepreneurs and obtain a tax status. This status can also serve as a basis for obtaining a “digital nomad” residence permit. There is no official minimum income threshold for this type of permit, but health insurance is required.

Work Permits and Exemptions

Until recently, many foreigners worked de facto via service agreements or remotely for abroad, without a local permit. The framework is gradually tightening.

In principle, a foreigner hired by an Armenian company must have a work permit. The application is the employer’s responsibility, filed with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, which must verify that no Armenian worker can fill the position. Exemptions exist for:

– highly qualified specialists
– business leaders, executives
– experts coming to install or maintain equipment
– university professors
– certain targeted profiles in strategic sectors (agriculture, IT, finance, etc.)
– accredited foreign journalists
– refugees and participants in exchange programs

The permit is generally issued within about fifteen days if conditions are met. Once the permit is obtained, the worker must apply for a temporary residence permit, with medical visits and standard checks. Work permits are valid for one year, renewable, up to five years of legal stay potentially opening the way to permanent residence.

In practice, some foreigners work via service contracts rather than as employees, which allows circumventing the work permit requirement, but does not exempt from tax registration and obtaining resident status if staying long-term.

Personal Taxation: Tax, Social Contributions, and Tax Residency

The Armenian tax system is relatively simple on paper:

– flat rate income tax of 20%, regardless of salary level
– separate social contributions: 5% for salaries up to 500,000 AMD, 10% above
– progressive monthly military tax, starting from 1,000 AMD, depending on income level

Good to know:
Tax residency is acquired after 183 days of presence in the country within a year. In this case, you are taxable on your worldwide income. If you are not a tax resident, only Armenian-sourced income is subject to local tax.

Freelancers and individual entrepreneurs based in Armenia must register and declare their income locally. It is important to check the double taxation treaties between Armenia and your country of origin, and to seek assistance from a tax advisor if you have income in multiple jurisdictions.

Housing: Rental Market, Contracts, and Precautions

Housing is one of the first major practical questions. And it’s also an area where mistakes can be costly.

Rental Market in Yerevan

Prices vary strongly by neighborhood, size, condition of the property, and season. The most expensive central areas are:

– Kentron (historic center, Republic Square, Cascade)
– the surroundings of the Cascade and some parts of Komitas / Arabkir

At the other extreme, some areas of Ajapnyak, Shengavit, or Malatia‑Sebastia offer significantly lower rents, at the cost of slightly longer commutes.

Some benchmarks for monthly rents in Yerevan:

Type of Housing Neighborhood Average Range
1-room center (Kentron, Cascade) hyper-center 220,000 – 500,000 AMD (often 600–800 USD for very central small units)
1-room outside center Arabkir, Ajapnyak, periphery 150,000 – 350,000 AMD (250–300 USD possible for a studio)
3-room center hyper-center 350,000 – 800,000 AMD (around 1,200 USD for a decent 3-room)
3-room outside center residential neighborhoods 240,000 – 500,000 AMD (often 800–900 USD for “cheap” offers)

It should be noted that many expats denounce “inflated” rents in some buildings, especially for sparsely furnished apartments, sometimes with poor quality furniture. High demand, especially since the arrival of waves of workers from Russia and other countries, has pushed some landlords to overestimate the value of their properties.

Where to Look for Housing and How to Avoid Scams

The most used methods:

Finding Housing in Armenia
Several channels are available to search for an apartment or house, from online platforms to local networks.

Sites d’annonces en ligne
Check the main local real estate platforms: List.am, MyRealty.am, Estate.am, and Real-Estate.am.

Groupes Facebook actifs
Join specialized communities, such as the Repat Armenia real estate group, for listings and advice.

Agences et courtiers locaux
Use on-site professionals to assist you in your search and procedures.

Réseaux informels et recommandations
Ask your circle: friends, work colleagues, and other expats settled in Armenia.

The “Repat Armenia Real Estate” group stands out for its strict moderation: prices must be clearly indicated in AMD, caps are set by neighborhood and property type, unreliable brokers are banned. A simple tip: be wary of intermediaries who reply “DM me” in comments instead of disclosing everything publicly and don’t hesitate to ask for opinions on an agent before trusting them.

If you sign a lease remotely, the ideal is to commission a friend or contact on-site to do a video tour, check the actual condition of the property, the quality of equipment (heating, hot water, appliances), possible internet connection, the immediate neighborhood.

Rental Contracts: Formalizing and Registering

In theory, Armenian law is clear: leases should be written, signed, and registered with the Real Estate Cadastre, which costs 26,000 AMD to be shared or not between parties. Registration makes the contract fully enforceable and protects both tenant and landlord.

Attention:
Many landlords avoid officially registering the lease to avoid paying tax on rental income, offering instead an informal contract or verbal agreement. While this may seem advantageous (less paperwork, sometimes negotiable rent), this practice is risky for the tenant: in case of dispute, imposed rent increase, or attempted eviction, recourse is extremely limited.

To secure your situation:

– demand a written contract, detailing the exact address, duration, rent amount, payment terms, allocation of expenses, inventory, termination conditions, and return of security deposit
– insist, if possible, on registration with the Cadastre; some owners accept in exchange for a slight increase (e.g., +10%)
– if you don’t speak Armenian, sign the contract before a notary with translation; official notary fees are moderate (state fees about 1,000 AMD, fees between 8,000 and 25,000 AMD)

Good to know:
Since July 2023, real estate transactions and rent payments can no longer be made in cash. They must be made in Armenian drams (AMD) via electronic means, such as bank transfer. This method is recommended as it ensures traceability of operations.

The most common practice is: regular training.

– security deposit equivalent to one month’s rent (sometimes more)
– first month paid in advance
– agent’s commission, typically equivalent to half or one month’s rent (to be clarified upfront)

There are also “reservation deposits” to take a property off the market. If the tenant withdraws, they lose the sum. If the landlord decides to rent to someone else, they must in principle refund double the deposit. Again, everything must be put in writing.

Buying Property: A Feasible Investment in the Long Term

For a long stay or an investment project, buying can be justified. Average apartment purchase prices:

Location Average Purchase Price
Yerevan City Center approx. 3,500 USD/m²
Outside Center / Suburb approx. 1,700 USD/m²

The median housing price is around 200,000+ USD, but there is a wide variety depending on neighborhoods, building condition (Soviet-era buildings, new residences, secure complexes) and size. Mortgage interest rates remain high (around 15% average over 20 years), which encourages many buyers to favor significant down payments or external financing.

Cost of Living: How Much to Budget?

Figures vary according to the desired comfort level. Recent data, however, allows tracing some lines.

Sample Budgets in Yerevan

In dollars, monthly estimates (including housing):

Profile “Tight” Budget Average “Expat” Budget Comfortable / High-End Level
Single person ~827 USD minimum ~1,500 USD up to ~2,900 USD
Couple ~1,140 USD ~2,100 USD up to ~4,180 USD
Family (2 adults + 2 children) ~1,600 USD ~2,950–3,600 USD up to ~5,800 USD

Some expats indicate that it is possible to “get by” on around 600 USD per month for a single person, at the cost of a very modest standard of living. At the other extreme, a comfortable lifestyle, with regular outings, good housing in the center, and some leisure, is rather between 2,000 and 2,500 USD for a couple.

Rent, Utilities, and Internet

Basic utilities (electricity, heating, water, waste) for an average apartment generally range around 30,000–80,000 AMD per month, depending on the season. For a couple, one can estimate about 40,000 AMD (a little over 100 USD). Electricity remains reasonable, water is cheap, but gas and heating can weigh more in winter.

7000-8000
The monthly cost in AMD of fixed high-speed internet in Armenia, approximately 19-20 USD.

Food and Restaurants

Basic grocery shopping remains relatively affordable. An estimate for one person is around 180–500 USD per month depending on consumption style, with a median around 280 USD. A weekly grocery run will often cost between 40 and 60 USD.

Some indicative prices:

Product Average Price
Milk (1 L) ~614 AMD
White Bread (0.5 kg) ~288 AMD
Eggs (12) ~930 AMD
Chicken Breast (kg) ~1,287 AMD
Beef (kg) ~2,179 AMD
Apples (kg) ~226 AMD
Tomatoes (kg) ~376 AMD
Mid-range local wine ~4,000 AMD
Local beer (0.5 L store) ~500 AMD

Eating out, Yerevan remains very accessible:

2000
The average price of a shawarma or kebab in Armenia, one of the most affordable fast-food options.

Coffee is omnipresent: a cappuccino costs on average 1,200–1,300 AMD, specialty coffee in some trendy spots can reach 4–5 USD per cup.

Daily Transportation

The public transport network (buses, minibuses, metro, trolleybuses) is very cheap: a bus or metro ride costs around 100–150 AMD (less than 0.40 USD). A monthly pass also remains affordable, often below 10,000 AMD.

Taxis, widely used thanks to apps (Bolt, GG, Yandex Taxi), are one of the strong points for an expat:

– short trip in the city: generally 2–5 USD
– 25-minute ride from/to the center: 2,000–3,000 AMD

Gasoline costs on average a little over 500 AMD per liter, around 1.30–1.40 USD. Buying a new car remains expensive, with for example a Toyota Corolla-type sedan around 13–15 million AMD.

Healthcare System: Public, Private, and Insurance

Armenia has a mixed healthcare system, with coexistence of a state-funded public sector and a very present private sector, especially in cities.

Access to Care for Foreigners

Armenian law guarantees access to care for any person on the territory, including foreigners and stateless persons. Emergencies must be handled regardless of solvency, and citizen children under 18 and childbirth for female citizens benefit from public coverage.

Good to know:
For expats, access to the public health system is generally possible, but at a cost and often at a higher rate than for local citizens. In parallel, many foreign residents opt for the private sector, which is more expensive but offers better infrastructure, faster service, and reduced waiting times.

In Yerevan, most of the reference establishments are found, for example:

– Erebuni Medical Center
– Saint Grigor Lusavorich Medical Center
– Nairi Medical Center
– Astghik Medical Centre
– specialized centers (cardiology, ophthalmology, oncology…)

Outside the capital, the offer is more limited and quality more uneven, especially for specialized care.

Typical Costs and Insurance

Private care remains significantly cheaper than in most Western countries. For indication:

Private Medical Service Approximate Price Range
General practitioner consultation 15–40 USD
Specialist consultation 20–70 USD
Standard check-up ~38 USD
Simple blood test 10–50 USD
Dental cleaning 20–70 USD
MRI 80–200 USD (often around 150 USD)
Emergency (non-surgical) 50–150+ USD

Armenia also attracts some medical tourism, notably dental, with prices often half those in Western Europe or North America.

Good to know:
For an expat, taking out solid health insurance is strongly advised, even mandatory in some cases (like for certain residence permits, including the one for digital nomads). Several options exist.

– local insurers: Nairi Insurance, Ingo Armenia, Rosgosstrakh Armenia, SIL, Liga, Reso, Armenia Insurance…
– international insurers: Allianz, April International, Cigna Global, etc.
– “nomad” insurances: SafetyWing, Genki, World Nomads, Insured Nomads…

A recommended contract should cover at minimum: emergencies, hospitalization, outpatient care, medications, medical evacuation, repatriation, 24/7 assistance.

Emergencies and Pharmacies

Emergency numbers:

Service Number
General Emergency (unified number) 911 or 112
Ambulance 103
Police 102
Fire Department 101

In Yerevan, the public ambulance service has several dozen teams. Public ambulances are free. Private services also exist, via certain hospitals.

Pharmacies are numerous, often open late and sometimes 24/7. Many common medications can be bought without a prescription. For specific treatments, it’s better to plan for a few months’ stock upon arrival, with a letter from your doctor, while you find a local specialist.

Schooling and Education: Local and International Options

For expat families, the choice of school is a crucial point. The local system is organized into three levels: primary (1st–4th grade), middle school (5th–9th), and high school (10th–12th). Schooling is compulsory until the end of 9th grade.

In Yerevan and notably Dilijan, several international schools or schools with foreign programs allow continuity of English or French-language curricula.

Main International Schools

Some examples among the most well-known:

International Schools in Armenia
An overview of the main institutions offering international education programs in Yerevan and Dilijan, with American, British, French, and International Baccalaureate curriculums.

QSI International School of Yerevan
The oldest international school in the country. American program in English, accredited MSA/CESS. Enrolls students from 3 to 18 years old, representing over 16 nationalities.

Cambridge International School of Armenia (CIS Armenia)
Combines the British curriculum (Cambridge) and the Armenian national program, from kindergarten to secondary (IGCSE and A‑Levels). Annual fees: 3.9 to 6.8 million AMD, meals included.

British International School of Armenia (BISA)
British curriculum (KS3, iGCSE, iA-Levels). Stands out for small class sizes for personalized follow-up.

Lycée Français Anatole France
Education in French with teaching of Armenian and English. Preparation for the French baccalaureate. Annual fees: 1.45 to 2.45 million AMD.

UWC Dilijan
Boarding school offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for 16–18 year olds, welcoming students from dozens of countries. Fees for the two IB years: 61,000 to 80,000 USD, with scholarship possibilities.

Anania Shirakatsy Lyceum
Armenian school member of the IBO, offering all programs from primary to IB diploma. The last two years of secondary are fully taught in English.

For younger children, several kindergartens and private bilingual or English-language schools exist, often with “European” pedagogical approaches and full services (cafeteria, extracurricular activities, transportation).

Good to know:
Annual tuition fees in Uzbekistan vary considerably, ranging from about 100 USD for some Russian-language schools to over 8,000 USD for high-end international institutions. It is important to note that non-refundable registration fees are common. Several schools offer financial benefits, such as sibling discounts, reductions for one-time annual payment, or for early registration.

For a non-Armenian speaking child integrated into the local system, private language lessons during the first year are strongly recommended to avoid falling behind in subjects taught only in Armenian.

Banking and Finances: Opening an Account, Transfers, Saving

The Armenian banking sector is considered stable, well-regulated by the Central Bank. It attracts more and more non-residents (particularly from Russia and Iran).

Advantages and Constraints

Advantages for an expat:

– possibility to open multi-currency accounts (AMD, USD, EUR, RUB, sometimes CAD, CHF, GBP, AED, CNY…)
– deposit guarantees via a national fund (up to 10 million AMD for AMD deposits, 5 million for foreign currency deposits)
– interest rates on deposits sometimes attractive, can reach or exceed 5% annually
– e-banking services and standard Visa/Mastercard
– possibility of consumer credit, credit cards, mortgage loans

Constraints:

Attention:
Opening a bank account in Armenia for non-residents is subject to strict KYC procedures, requiring numerous documents and thorough checks on the origin of funds. The process is very sensitive to international sanctions, and proximity to countries or sectors under sanctions can complicate it. Moreover, not all banks accept non-residents, some excluding nationalities deemed risky. It is important to note that documents and contracts are often in Armenian, this version being the only legally binding one.

Required Documents

For a foreign individual, you will typically be asked for:

– passport
– tax identification number / Armenian social security card (SSN), which can be obtained from the Migration and Citizenship Service for about 1,000 AMD in about fifteen minutes
– proof of local address (rental contract, utility bill, hotel confirmation)
– proof of origin of funds (pay slips, employment contracts, bank statements, sale deeds, dividend declarations…)
– proof of “vital interest center” in Armenia if you are a non-resident (lease of 6 months or more, employment contract, real estate property, significant investment…)

U.S. citizens will need to fill out FATCA forms (W9). Nationals of certain countries considered “high-risk” will undergo additional checks, or even face rejections.

quelques heures
Opening a simple profile with a complete file can be done in a few hours.

Choosing Your Bank

Several banks are known for actively working with foreigners, among them:

– Ameriabank
– IDBank
– Evocabank
– Ardshinbank
– Inecobank
– Fast Bank

Some, like Evocabank, have remote opening procedures (identification via video call, prior sending of documents, initial transfer for activation). Others require physical presence. Opening fees range from free to 20,000 AMD or more depending on the account type.

The best approach is to:

1. define the main use of the account (salary, savings, project management, international transfers…)
2. pre-select one or two banks open to non-residents
3. prepare a complete file, translated and apostilled if needed
4. plan an interview in branch or via video call and accept the possibility of a refusal without detailed explanation

Services like Wise remain useful for transferring to/from Armenia, but are not always directly compatible with all Armenian banks for local accounts.

Daily Life, Culture, and Integration

Beyond numbers and procedures, settling in Armenia means entering a society where family and community often come before the individual, and where daily life is punctuated by shared meals, toasts, celebrations, and lively discussions.

Values and Social Codes

Family is the foundation of Armenian society. Extended family members often live close by, and major decisions are rarely made alone. Respect for elders, sense of hospitality, loyalty to one’s clan are cardinal values. Children are expected to respect and support their parents in the long term.

Society remains overall hierarchical: age, status, hierarchical position matter greatly, both in private and professional spheres. Traditional gender roles remain present, although many women now hold key roles in the economy and public sphere.

The relationship with time is more flexible than in many Western countries: punctuality is not always strict, especially in private settings. Life unfolds at a slower, more conversational pace, even in Yerevan.

Communication and Etiquette

Communication is generally direct, expressive, and may seem passionate. Animated exchanges are not necessarily arguments. Non-verbal language (gestures, tone of voice, facial expressions) is very important.

Some useful guidelines:

– greet with a handshake or, between close people, cheek kisses
– maintain eye contact, a sign of respect and sincerity
– remove shoes when entering someone’s home, depending on the household
– bring a small gift when invited (chocolates, flowers, wine)
– avoid refusing food or drink too firmly; better to accept at least a little
– dress modestly when visiting religious sites

Large meals are often structured by toasts made by a “tamada,” a kind of master of ceremonies, which can be surprising at first but is part of the highlights of social life.

Climate, Environment, and Security

The country has a fairly contrasted continental climate: hot and dry summers (often 22 to 36 °C), cold winters, with temperatures that can drop below –10 °C in the mountains. Spring and autumn are considered the best times to discover the country.

Good to know:
Yerevan offers a good quality of life with a high safety index (79) and low crime (21), making it safe even for women alone. However, the environment can be noisy, automobile traffic is dense, and roads, especially in the mountains and at night, can be dangerous.

LGBTQ+ individuals should remain cautious: the social environment is perceived as hostile, with risks of discrimination or attacks. Many people smoke in public spaces, and cannabis consumption is illegal.

Connectivity and Remote Work

The country has invested heavily in fiber optics. Nearly 100% of localities are covered by 4G, the majority of fixed lines are fiber, and cities have many Wi‑Fi hotspots. Average speeds are decent (around 50 Mbps on fixed lines on average), although some nomads used to Asia or Northern Europe judge the quality uneven.

In Yerevan, several coworking spaces host freelancers and teams:

– Impact Hub Yerevan
– Loft
– 256 Hub
– Utopian Lab
– AEON

Cafes in Kentron and adjacent neighborhoods often serve as informal offices for teleworkers. A coworking spot can cost around 200 USD per month.

Expat Networks and Useful Resources

Integration largely happens through relationships. Armenia has a global diaspora of over 7 million people, some of whom are returning or settling for the first time in their ancestral homeland. In parallel, communities of non-Armenian expats are developing, particularly in Yerevan, Dilijan, Gyumri, and Vanadzor.

Tools to meet people:

Resources for Integrating in Armenia
Discover the main groups, platforms, and organizations to meet people, find help, and participate in activities in Armenia, whether you are an expat, digital nomad, or repatriate.

Groupes Facebook & Communautés en ligne
Join groups like “Expats in Yerevan”, “Foreigners in Armenia”, “Repatriates in Armenia”, “Digital Nomads Armenia”, and “Women in Armenia” to exchange and get advice.

Plateformes de rencontre et réseaux
Use InterNations (events in Yerevan), the Wooh app for friendly meetings, or the Expat.com and Expat Exchange forums dedicated to Armenia.

Centres culturels & Activités
Participate in activities at cultural centers (Alliance Française, Goethe-Zentrum), language courses, sports clubs, or hiking groups (Hike Armenia, Armenian Geographic).

Soutien aux rapatriés
Benefit from personalized support, workshops, job assistance, and a network via the organization Repat Armenia, dedicated to people returning to live in Armenia.

On the institutional side, the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs and certain public agencies assist individuals of Armenian descent with their procedures (citizenship, taxation, business registration, etc.).

Final Tips for a Successful Move

Moving to Armenia as an expat is an adventure that is both exciting and demanding. Before you take the plunge:

Tip:
For a successful move to Armenia, plan an exploratory stay to test neighborhoods, schools, and services outside the tourist season. Clarify your administrative strategy (visa, residence purpose) considering the reforms. Anticipate the language barrier: while English is progressing in Yerevan, Armenian and Russian are essential elsewhere; intensive courses are useful. Accept some unpredictability like sometimes slow bureaucracy or occasional service disruptions, especially outside modern areas. Finally, approach problems with diplomacy and calm for more effective resolutions.

Finally, see integration as a two-way relationship: it’s neither forced assimilation nor an expat bubble. The more you show interest in the language, history, traditions, and current challenges of the country, the more welcoming Armenia will reveal itself – and the more likely your settlement project will last long-term.