Here's everything you need to know, broken down step by step.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Armenia?

Most foreign nationals working in Armenia require both a work permit and a temporary residence permit. However, certain groups are exempt — including citizens of EAEU member states (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan). Even exempt workers must properly register their stay and employment under Armenian law.

For everyone else, the process runs through workpermit.am, the official state platform administered by the Migration Service.

Step 1: Employer Registration on Workpermit.am

Before any application can be filed, the hiring company must register on the platform.

Armenian companies register online by providing their Tax Identification Number (TIN), legal address, and authorized representative details. An e-signature is required.

Foreign-headed companies — where the executive director is a foreign national without an Armenian ID — must register in person at the Migration Service Office in Yerevan. Required documents include the executive's passport, Public Service Number, proof of legal residence in Armenia, the company's TIN, legal address, and contact details.

Registration typically takes 1–3 working days.

Step 2: Vacancy Announcement and Labor Market Test

Armenian law prioritizes local workers. Before a foreign hire can be approved, the employer must demonstrate that no suitable Armenian candidate is available.

This involves:

• Publicly announcing the vacancy through the Workpermit.am platform

• Submitting a full job description and requirements

• Undergoing a formal assessment by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs

Authorities evaluate current labor market conditions, demand for the specific profession, and the availability of qualified local specialists. If no suitable Armenian candidate comes forward during this period, the employer may proceed with a foreign hire.

This stage takes 10–20 working days.

Step 3: Application Review and Security Checks

Once the labor market test is cleared, the full application is reviewed. Authorities assess:

• The employer's compliance history and standing

• Accuracy and completeness of submitted documents

• Security and legal background of the foreign national

A work permit will be refused if the applicant poses a security risk, submits falsified documents, or if the employer has a record of violations.

This stage takes 15–30 working days.

Step 4: Work Permit Issuance

Once approved, the employer pays a state duty of 105,000 AMD. The work permit is then issued and is strictly limited to:

• One employer

• One job position

• A defined time period (typically up to one year)

The permit can be renewed annually, provided employment continues and labor market conditions still justify the foreign hire.

How the Work Permit Connects to Temporary Residence

A work permit in Armenia automatically forms the legal basis for a temporary residence permit, issued for the same duration. Once approved:

1. The foreign worker receives email confirmation

2. Temporary residence status is granted

3. The residence card is collected in person at the Unified Public Services Office (3 Vazgen Sargsyan Street, Yerevan)

This card legally confirms the right to both live and work in Armenia.

Documents Required

The employer provides: company registration details, a vacancy description, and confirmation that the role cannot be filled locally.

The foreign employee provides: passport (original and copy), a notarized Armenian translation of the passport, a signed employment contract, photos, the state fee payment receipt, and any relevant qualification documents.

Total Timeline at a Glance

Key Things to Know After Approval

• The foreign worker must begin employment on the agreed contract date

• Failure to start without a valid reason can result in permit cancellation

• The permit becomes void if no employment contract is signed within one month of issuance

• Working for a different employer or in a different role is not permitted under the same permit

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For end-to-end support with work permit applications, employer registration, and residence status coordination in Armenia, professional assistance is recommended.