Armenia has a growing and diverse economy that’s very open to expats, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to expand and bring foreign workers to Armenia. Your employees will need an Armenian work visa and a work permit unless they fall under a category that exempts them from work permit requirements.
Types of Work Visas in Armenia
Some foreign nationals do not need an Armenian working visa, including citizens from the US, Australia, Spain, Sweden, and more. However, most people will need to apply for one of the following visas:
- Official visa: This visa is further broken down into types that are valid for three years and one year, respectively. It is available as a single-entry or multiple-entry option depending on the applicant’s needs.
- Diplomatic visa: Anyone with a diplomatic passport or status can apply for one of these visa types. Multiple-entry options are valid for three years, single- and multiple-entry visas are valid for one year, and a single-entry visa is valid for 120 days.
- Transit visa: This single- or multiple-entry visa is valid for one year and allows individuals to stay in Armenia for no more than three days. It’s ideal for people traveling through Armenia to another destination.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia issues and extends all official, diplomatic, and e-visas. The Passport and Visa Department of the Police of Armenia handles visitor and transit visas.
Requirements to Obtain Armenia Work Visas
Each of your foreign employees will also need a work permit in Armenia to legally work for your company unless they are a highly skilled foreign specialist, business owner, or executive. As an employer, you’re required to first look for Armenian citizens for the job. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MLSA) will conduct a test of the labor market in Armenia to make sure there aren’t any qualified or available local workers.
If the MLSA can’t find any suitable candidates or you’ve presented valid reasons for rejecting those employees, you can apply for a work permit on behalf of a foreigner. Work permits have a fixed term, but you can renew them upon request. Once the foreign national receives their work permit, they’ll need to apply for a temporary residence permit with the Passport and Visa Department.
Application Process
You must submit certain documents to the MLSA to obtain a work permit on behalf of your employees, including the following:
- An application form
- The employee’s passport
- A diploma showing education or qualification for the job
- Two photos
- Proof of payment of the government’s fees
A work permit costs about AMD 25,000, or roughly $52. The temporary residence permit is AMD 105,000, or approximately $219. Once the MLSA receives these documents, they can issue a work permit in as few as 13 business days.
Other Important Considerations
Armenia has strict penalties related to work permits. If you fail to get a work permit for your employees, you could face a monetary fine of AMD 100,000-150,000. Also, if your employees overstay their visa, they could get fined AMD 50,000-100,000. Once your employees obtain their work permit, you must cover costs such as return travel, living, personal property transportation, as well as family members’ expenses.
Partner With G-P
As a global PEO, G-P has subsidiaries around the world. We know the different laws and regulations in each country and will help ensure that you stay compliant. Reach out to us today to learn more about our solution and how we can help you successfully expand to Armenia.