Guide to Hiring Iranian Citizens in Armenia: Work Permits & Visas (2026)

Overview: employment of Iranian citizens in Armenia

Under Armenian immigration law, foreign citizens — including Iranian nationals — must obtain a work permit and corresponding residence status to be legally employed in Armenia. Iranian citizens, like most non-EAEU foreign nationals, require a work permit to work in Armenia. There are no special exemptions based solely on Iranian nationality. Citizens of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries such as Russia or Kazakhstan are exempt from work permits by treaty, but this exemption does not apply to Iranians.

Visa requirements: Iran and Armenia maintain a visa liberalization regime. Iranian nationals can visit Armenia without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa-free entry is intended for tourism or short visits and does not by itself authorize employment. To work beyond short visits, Iranians must go through the work permit and temporary residence permit process described in this guide.

In practice, an Iranian citizen typically enters Armenia visa-free and then obtains a work permit and a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) tied to employment. We explain the full process — for both employers and employees — step by step below.

Legal framework under Armenian immigration law

Primary legislation: The hiring of foreign workers in Armenia is governed by the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On Foreigners,” along with relevant provisions of the Labor Code and Government decisions. Under Armenian law, any foreign national must have a valid work permit to engage in employment in Armenia unless an international agreement provides an exemption. Holding a visa or being present in Armenia does not alone grant the right to work — a specific employment authorization is required.

Exemptions: Armenian law enumerates certain cases where a foreigner can work without a permit. The most notable exemption is for citizens of EAEU member states, who can work freely in Armenia by virtue of international treaty. Additional exemptions include: permanent and special residents, family-based temporary residents, business owners and executives, representative office staff, foreign specialists, academic and scientific staff, professional athletes, accredited journalists, students (during studies), refugees, and foreign payroll employees. Even exempt categories may need supporting documentation. Iranian citizens hired in regular employment roles are not exempt and must follow the standard work permit process.

Minimum salary: For work-based temporary residence permits, Armenian authorities require a minimum monthly salary of AMD 75,000 (~$190 USD) for full-time employment.

Temporary vs. permanent residency: A work permit is linked to temporary residence status. A foreign employee who secures a work permit will be granted a Temporary Residence Card (up to one year validity), renewable annually as long as the employment continues. After meeting certain conditions, longer-term settlement options become available (discussed in a later section).

Digital platform: Since the January 2022 reforms, Armenia uses an integrated online platform (workpermit.am) for handling work permit applications. This merged the previously separate steps — labor market clearance and residence permit issuance — into one coordinated procedure. An employer’s online application triggers both a labor market test and, once approved, the issuance of a temporary residence status for the foreign worker. The foreign employee receives a single document: a Temporary Residence Card (work basis).

Visa and entry considerations for Iranian applicants

Before initiating employment, Iranian nationals should understand their entry status into Armenia:

Visa-free entry: Iranian citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Armenia (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). This visa waiver allows Iranian visitors to enter on a passport stamp for tourism or business visits. An Iranian job seeker or newly hired employee can therefore enter Armenia without a visa to begin the work permit process or attend interviews.

Longer stays for work: The 90-day visa-free stay is insufficient for long-term employment, which requires staying beyond 90 days. To legally remain and work, the individual must transition to a temporary residence status based on the work permit. This is typically done after arrival, since the work permit process can be completed while the person is in-country. It is important that the Iranian national not work until the permit is approved — working on a tourist entry without a permit can invalidate their legal status and incur penalties.

Entry visa (rare cases): In the unlikely event the visa-free policy changes or if the individual needs to stay beyond 90 days before obtaining the residence card, an Armenian long-term visitor visa (up to 120 days, extendable 60 days) could cover the interim period. For Iranian nationals under the current regime, this is rarely needed. Employers should ensure the Iranian candidate enters Armenia lawfully before the 90-day period lapses.

Important note for November 2026 changes: The upcoming immigration reform introduces a mandatory work visa requirement — but only for visa-required nationals. Since Iranian citizens enjoy visa-free entry to Armenia, they are not affected by the new work visa requirement. Iranian nationals can continue to arrive visa-free and apply for work-based residence permits after entry.

Step-by-step work permit application process for Armenian employers

Securing a work permit for an Iranian national involves several steps that require active participation from both the employer and the employee. Employers in Armenia bear primary responsibility for obtaining permission to hire a foreign worker. Below is a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Register your company on the work permit platform

The process begins with employer registration on the Armenian government’s unified electronic platform at workpermit.am. The employer (or an authorized HR representative) must create an account and register the company details on this portal. Registration requires providing company identification information and authorizing a representative to act on its behalf. This one-time registration enables the employer to submit vacancy and work permit applications online. Any Armenian company can sponsor foreign employees — no special licensing or registration is needed for sponsorship.

Step 2: Post the job vacancy and description

After registering, the employer creates a new job vacancy posting on the platform, including job description, requirements, and salary for the position intended for the foreign candidate. The platform uses this information to initiate a labor market test. Under Armenian law, employers must first consider local Armenian candidates for any job before hiring a foreigner. The Migration Service (in coordination with the Ministry of Labor) reviews job requirements and checks if any qualified Armenian job seekers are available.

Note: The labor market test will be abolished effective November 2026 and replaced by a government quota system. See the November 2026 changes section below for details.

Step 3: Labor market clearance

If the Migration Service identifies Armenian candidates for the position, they forward those local candidates’ details to the employer. The employer is free to interview them but is not forced to hire them — you may lawfully reject the proposed local candidates if they do not meet the job requirements. Once the employer confirms no suitable local was found or formally rejects the referred candidates, the authorities give the green light to proceed with hiring the foreign national. If the state does not respond within 5 business days, the process can move forward by default. Expect about 5–15 business days for labor market clearance.

Step 4: Submit the work permit application

With clearance to hire a foreigner, the employer formally applies for the work permit on the platform. This involves entering the personal data of the Iranian national and uploading required documents:

• Personal details of the foreign candidate (name, date of birth, citizenship)
• Passport copy of the Iranian national and a notarized Armenian translation
• Digital passport-sized photo (35×45 mm, color)
• Educational or qualification documents (legalized or apostilled)
• Employer’s commitment letter confirming intent to hire upon permit issuance
• Salary information (must meet the AMD 75,000/month minimum (~$190 USD))
• Public Service Number of the foreigner, if available

Once submitted, the system routes the application for approvals and security checks. The National Security Service (NSS) reviews the foreigner’s background, which takes approximately 15 business days. The Migration and Citizenship Service then processes the application within another 15 business days. If no objection arises, the work permit request proceeds.

Step 5: Government decision and work permit approval

Following review, the employer receives notification of the work permit decision. If approved, the platform indicates that temporary residence status on work basis for the foreigner is granted. An email notification is also sent to the foreign candidate. If rejected, the platform provides a reason — common grounds include: the labor market analysis determined an Armenian could fill the role, documents were incorrect, the employer has prior violations, or security concerns about the candidate.

Step 6: Sign the employment contract

After work permit approval, the employment contract must be signed between the employer and the Iranian employee. Under current regulations, the employment agreement is signed after the work-based TRC is issued. The foreigner’s temporary residence status can be invalidated if a signed employment contract is not concluded within 15 business days of the residence permit issuance. The signed employment agreement may need to be uploaded to the online platform as proof of completion.

At this stage, register the Iranian employee in your payroll and social security system. Foreign employees are subject to Armenian labor law standards — including minimum wage, working hours, and social contribution requirements — just like local employees.

Step 7: Ongoing compliance, renewals, and notifications

Maintain valid status: A temporary residence card is valid for up to 1 year. If you intend to continue employment beyond the card’s expiry, begin the renewal process at least 30 days before expiration. Renewals occur through the migration authorities and generally do not require repeating the labor market test for a continuation of the same employment.

Notify authorities of changes: If the Iranian employee’s job is terminated or there are significant changes, the employer must notify the Migration and Citizenship Service. Under current rules, the Migration and Citizenship Service monitors income tax withholdings — if withholdings cease, the Service may cancel the permit. The foreigner would then need to find a new employer and reapply.

Step-by-step process for Iranian applicants (employees)

If you are an Iranian citizen pursuing employment in Armenia, here is what you need to know and do at each stage. Many steps are handled by your prospective Armenian employer, but you should be prepared to provide documents and take certain actions yourself.

Step 1: Secure a job offer in Armenia

The first step is to have a job offer or contract with an Armenian employer. You cannot obtain a work permit on your own without an employer sponsor — the process is employer-driven. Since Armenia allows visa-free visits for Iranians, some professionals travel to Armenia on a short visit, secure employment, and then proceed with the work permit process in-country.

Step 2: Gather required personal documents

Prepare the documents you will need to give your employer and later to the Armenian authorities:

• Passport: A valid Iranian passport with at least 6 months validity remaining, plus a notarized Armenian translation of the passport bio page
• Photographs: Passport-sized color photographs (35×45 mm)
• Educational certificates: Diplomas, degrees, or professional certificates relevant to the job — legalized or apostilled and translated into Armenian or English
• Work experience letters: Reference letters or prior employment certificates (helpful but not always required)

Note on medical certificate: Some residence permit categories require a medical certificate. For work-based applications submitted through the workpermit.am platform, this may not be required. Your employer or immigration advisor can confirm the current requirements for your specific case.

Step 3: Coordinate with your employer during application

The work permit application is submitted by your employer, but your cooperation is crucial. Provide information promptly, ensure all personal details match your passport exactly, sign any necessary documents, and stay accessible for any additional requests from authorities. You will receive an email notification when the residence/work authorization is granted. Do not begin working until you have the official Temporary Residence Card — starting work before approval can jeopardize your status.

Step 4: Travel to Armenia (if not already there)

If you were not already in Armenia during the application process, enter Armenia visa-free (up to 90 days). Plan your travel around the time the work permit approval is expected. Carry a copy of your job offer letter and any permit confirmation. Do not exceed your initial 90-day legal stay without obtaining your temporary residence.

Step 5: Obtain your Temporary Residence Card

With your work permit approved, apply for your Temporary Residence Card at the Migration and Citizenship Service of Armenia (Ministry of Internal Affairs). The main office is located in Yerevan. You will need to submit: an application form, your passport and notarized Armenian translation, 3 color photos (35×45 mm), proof of the work permit approval, and a fee payment receipt for AMD 105,000 (~$266 USD).

You will also provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) for the residence card. Processing takes up to 30 days by law. Once ready, collect your plastic Temporary Residence Card in person — it shows your name, photo, validity dates (one year), and indicates work basis.

After receiving your card, you are officially authorized to start working. Your employer will register you for social security and tax purposes. Be mindful of the card’s expiration date and start the renewal process 1–2 months before expiry.

Processing time, validity, and renewal

Processing times: The overall timeline from job offer to having the residence card in hand is typically 1–2 months. The NSS security check takes approximately 15 business days, followed by the Migration and Citizenship Service processing within another 15 business days. The residence card itself may take up to 30 days. Employers should initiate the process well in advance — a lead time of 2 months is wise.

Validity: A work-based Temporary Residence Card in Armenia is issued for 1 year at a time. There is no fixed limit on how many times you can renew — it can be extended each year as long as employment continues and the criteria are met.

Renewal process: Submit a renewal application at least 30 days before the current residence card expires. The employer confirms continued employment, and the employee applies for an extension at the Migration and Citizenship Service with updated photos, passport, and payment of the fee (AMD 105,000 / ~$266 USD under current rates). The labor market test is generally not repeated for a straightforward extension with the same employer.

Changing employers: If a foreign worker changes jobs, this is not a renewal — it triggers a new work permit application with the new employer. Under current rules, the Migration and Citizenship Service monitors income tax withholdings, and if withholdings cease, the Service may cancel the permit. The foreigner must find a new employer and reapply. After November 2026, a formalized 15 working day grace period to conclude a new employment contract after termination takes effect.

November 2026 immigration law changes

Major amendments to the Law on Foreigners take effect on November 1, 2026, with some fee changes following on January 1, 2027. These changes affect both employers and foreign employees. Here is what Iranian nationals and their Armenian employers need to know:

Grandfathering provision: Applications submitted before November 1, 2026 will be processed under pre-amendment rules. Existing documents remain valid until their expiry date.

Student exemption change: Under current law, students are exempt from work permits during studies plus 1 year after graduation. After November 2026, the 1-year post-graduation exemption is removed — students remain exempt during studies only, and must obtain work authorization after graduation.

Pathways to long-term residency and settlement

Employment-based temporary residency can be a stepping stone to more permanent status in Armenia. Iranian nationals working in Armenia should be aware of the longer-term opportunities:

Continuous temporary residency: There is no hard time limit on renewing work-based residence permits. As long as you have a job in Armenia, you can keep extending your temporary residence annually.

Permanent residence (5-year card): Armenian law provides a Permanent Residence Card (valid 5 years, renewable) for those with deeper ties. The main eligibility routes include: being the spouse or close relative of an Armenian citizen (with at least 3 years of prior residency), business activity or investment in Armenia, or being of Armenian origin. The fee is AMD 140,000 (~$354 USD) under current rates (rising to AMD 250,000 / ~$633 USD from January 2027).

Important restriction (post-November 2026): Work permit holders cannot convert temporary residence to permanent status after November 2026. Iranian workers seeking permanent residency must switch to a different qualifying ground — for example, starting a business in Armenia, making a qualifying investment, or establishing a family-based claim.

Naturalization (citizenship): A foreign national may apply for Armenian citizenship after 3 years of lawful residence, provided they demonstrate proficiency in Armenian and knowledge of the Constitution. Time spent on a work-based residence permit counts toward this requirement. Armenia allows dual citizenship, so Iranian nationals could potentially retain Iranian citizenship while holding an Armenian passport (subject to Iranian law).

Strategic tip: Iranian nationals aiming for eventual permanent settlement might consider investing in property or business during their stay. While property ownership is not an explicit ground for permanent residency, it strengthens your profile. Learning Armenian is also highly advisable — not only for integration but because it is required for citizenship.

Compliance and practical considerations for employers

For Armenian employers hiring Iranian citizens, compliance with immigration and labor laws is critical. Below are additional practical points and legal obligations to keep in mind.

State fees and costs: The work permit application itself currently has no state fee, but the residence card carries a duty of AMD 105,000 (~$266 USD). Incidental costs include: notarized passport translation (~AMD 10,000 / ~$25 USD) and any document translations. Decide in advance which party covers these costs — many employers cover all expenses to facilitate the process.

Salary and taxes: Foreign employees must be paid officially with taxes withheld under Armenian law. Armenia has a flat income tax rate of 20% for residents. Employers must also pay social security contributions. Ensure your payroll team registers the Iranian employee’s social security number. There is no separate expat tax — foreign workers are taxed as residents if they spend over 183 days per year in Armenia.

Labor law compliance: Once hired, Iranian workers are entitled to the same protections under the Labor Code as local employees — working hours, overtime pay, vacation, termination notice. The signed employment contract should be in Armenian (or bilingual). Armenian companies can also sponsor remote workers for work-based residence permits through the same platform.

Penalties for non-compliance: Hiring a foreign national without a work permit or valid residence results in fines of AMD 100,000–150,000 (~$253–$380 USD) for employers. The foreigner themselves can be fined AMD 50,000–100,000 (~$127–$253 USD) for overstay or unauthorized work. Repeat or serious violations attract higher scrutiny for future permit applications.

Alternative hiring model: If navigating the work permit process seems complex, consider using an Employer of Record (EOR) service in Armenia. An EOR legally employs the foreign worker on your behalf, handling all employment compliance, payroll, and immigration paperwork. This is particularly useful for companies without a legal entity in Armenia. For payroll setup, you may also need to open an Armenian bank account.

Frequently asked questions