Emigration to Armenia: how to move from Russia, get a residence permit and how much life costs

Armenia is one of the most understandable destinations for emigration from Russia. There is no need to fly halfway around the world, many understand Russian, and for the first entry, Russian citizens do not need a visa. However, moving to Armenia is not only a ticket to Yerevan and finding an apartment. If you plan to live here for a long time, you will have to deal with documents, banks, taxes, rent and opportunities for obtaining a residence permit.

Why this particular country?

Armenia is best suited for remote employees, IT specialists, entrepreneurs, freelancers and families who need a country with a relatively simple relocation and a Russian-speaking environment.

The main advantage is the low entry threshold. Russian citizens can enter Armenia without a visa. There is also the possibility of entering with a domestic Russian passport during air travel, but for long-term life it is better to have a valid passport: it will be necessary for many banking and migration procedures.

Russian is widely spoken in Yerevan, especially in the service sector. But counting on him to solve all the problems is not worth it. Armenian and English are useful for long-term integration.

Another plus is security. Armenia is a comfortable country for everyday life, especially in large cities. At the same time, it is important to take into account regional specifics and not to confuse security in the center of Yerevan with the situation in the border areas.

There are cons, too. In summer, it is very hot in Yerevan: the temperature can rise above +35 ° C. In winter, apartments can be cool, especially if the housing is poorly heated. Rentals in popular areas of the capital increased significantly.

Armenia is suitable for a person with a remote income or financial cushion. If you expect to move and immediately find a job with a high local salary, study the market in advance: income in Armenia is on average lower than the Russian capital.

How to Move: All Legal Ways

Visa-free entry

There is no need to issue a separate visa for Russian citizens to enter Armenia. However, visa-free entry is not a residence permit and not an automatic right to live in the country indefinitely.

If you are planning long-term emigration, it is better to determine the basis for legalization in advance.

Temporary residence permit

A temporary residence permit in Armenia is issued for up to one year with the possibility of extension. The basis may be study, entrepreneurial activity, Armenian origin, close kinship with an Armenian citizen or a residence permit holder, work or volunteer activity. The state fee for a temporary residence permit is 105,000 drams, and the standard period for issuing a card is up to 30 days after submission, although the consideration can be extended.

In practice, this means that for most Russians, the most real grounds are work, registered business or entrepreneurial activity, study and family ties.

Permanent residence permit

Permanent residence permit is issued for five years with the possibility of extension. Among the grounds are Armenian origin, entrepreneurial activity in Armenia or certain family grounds in compliance with the requirements of the law. The state duty is 140,000 drams.

Nationality

Citizenship is a longer-term route. For some categories there is a simplified procedure. For example, persons of Armenian origin can obtain citizenship. Documents, such as relatives' certificates or other official confirmations, will be required to confirm origin. Applications for citizenship are now submitted through an electronic system, and special grounds are provided for individual procedures.

If the basis is related to marriage, not only the registered marriage itself, but also the duration of the marriage and the actual legal residence in Armenia are important.

What's the easiest way?

For a person without Armenian roots and relatives, the most practical path is usually to work, business, or study.

But if your goal is just to live in Armenia and see if the country is right for you, you don’t have to build a complicated migration scheme right away. First, check to see if you like the climate, price levels and everyday life.

What documents are required

Before leaving Russia, it is better to collect documents that are difficult or expensive to obtain remotely:

• passport;
• Russian internal passport;
• birth certificate;
• marriage or divorce certificate;
• documents for children;
• diplomas and annexes;
• employment contracts and proof of income;
• medical records;
• driving licence;
• Power of attorney for relatives in Russia, if necessary.

To apply for a residence permit, a passport with a notarized translation into Armenian, photos, documents confirming the basis of residence, a medical certificate and other papers are usually required, depending on the situation.

The most common mistake is to come with the originals of Russian documents and find out in Armenia that a particular body requires notarial translation, apostille or additional confirmation.

Therefore, documents that may potentially be needed for residence permit, study, marriage or citizenship, it is better to check in advance.

How much does it cost to move and live

The main expense is housing. In Yerevan, the price depends heavily on the area, repairs and proximity to the center.

For one person, a basic budget might look like this:

• rent of a one-room apartment - about 250 000-450 000 drams;
• utilities – an average of 20,000-50,000 drams, but in winter the amount can grow;
• products - from 100,000-180 000 drams;
• mobile communication and the Internet – about 5 000-15,000 drams;
• Transport and taxi – from 20 000-40,000 drams.

As a result, one person should focus on about 400,000–650,000 drams per month with a normal lifestyle. It is reasonable for a family of two adults and a child to pledge from 700 000-1 100 000 drams and above.

Add to your initial budget:

• tickets;
• Deposit for the apartment;
• Possible commission of the realtor;
• temporary accommodation for the first weeks;
• translations and notarial services;
• registration of a residence permit;
• Buying household items.

It is better to have a minimum of three months. If the income is still unstable, six.

Work, business and taxes

You can find work in Armenia, but the market is smaller than the Russian one. The most notable demand is in IT, marketing, sales, finance, tourism, education and services.

For many Russians, a more profitable option is to keep a remote job for a Russian or international company or work with foreign customers.

Foreigners can open a business and register business activities in Armenia. This is often one of the reasons for obtaining residence status.

But it is important not to register a business “for a tick”. Immigration and tax issues should be considered separately. The presence of IP does not mean automatic obtaining a residence permit or citizenship.

Separately, it is necessary to deal with tax residency. If you have moved for a long time and continue to receive income from Russia or other countries, you may be wondering where and from what income to pay taxes.

Before registering a business, it is better to consult an Armenian accountant or tax specialist. A mistake at the start can cost more than a few consultations.

The first steps after moving

In the first week after arrival, it is better to follow a simple plan.

Day 1-2: Stay in temporary accommodation and do not sign an annual rental agreement immediately after arrival.

Day 2:3: Buy a local SIM card and connect to the internet.

Day 3-5: Start dealing with the bank. Prepare a passport, income documents and an explanation of the origin of the money: banks can carry out additional checks.

Day 5-7: Decide on the area and start looking for long-term housing.

When choosing an apartment, be sure to specify:

• who pays for utilities;
• whether there is central or individual heating;
• How hot water works;
• What internet is available;
• Is it possible to formalize the contract;
• under what conditions the deposit is returned.

If you are moving with children, study public and private schools in advance. In international and Russian-speaking schools, places may be limited, and the cost of education is much higher than expected.

Pitfalls and tips from those who have already moved

The main mistake is to expect that Armenia will remain as cheap as in the old tourist articles. House prices in Yerevan have changed, so it is pointless to focus on the stories of five years ago.

The second mistake is to come without a passport only because an internal document may be enough for Russians to enter. For long-term emigration passport greatly simplifies life.

The third mistake is to open a business or register an IP without understanding the tax implications.

Immigrants often underestimate:

• summer heat;
• Air conditioning and heating costs;
• deposit for housing;
• expensive rent in the center;
• medical expenses;
• bank inspections;
• The need to translate and certify documents.

Practical advice

Don’t try to solve everything in the first two days. First, take temporary housing, make a connection, explore areas, deal with banking and tax issues. Only then sign a long-term lease and start the legalization process.

Armenia is a good option if you need a close country with a clear start, a Russian-speaking environment and the ability to gradually adapt. But for long-term life, you need not only a ticket to Yerevan, but also a financial plan, a correctly chosen basis for living and pre-prepared documents.