Since legalizing dual citizenship in 2005, Armenia has established a comprehensive framework defining the rights and responsibilities of individuals holding both Armenian and foreign citizenship. This detailed guide explores what it means to be a dual Armenian citizen, covering everything from legal status and military service to voting rights and business opportunities, with practical examples and answers to frequently asked questions.
Historical Context of Dual Armenian Citizenship
Armenia's approach to dual citizenship has evolved significantly since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Initially, dual citizenship was prohibited under Armenia's first constitution, reflecting concerns about sovereignty and national security common among newly independent states.
The turning point came in 2005 when a constitutional referendum lifted the ban on dual citizenship. This change was formalized in 2007 with amendments to Armenia's Citizenship Law, officially allowing citizens to hold multiple nationalities while maintaining their Armenian citizenship.
This policy shift was largely driven by the desire to strengthen connections with the Armenian diaspora—estimated at over seven million people worldwide—compared to Armenia's population of approximately three million. By enabling diaspora Armenians to obtain citizenship without relinquishing their existing nationalities, Armenia sought to foster deeper economic, cultural, and political ties with its global community.
Legal Framework for Dual Armenian Citizenship
The dual citizenship framework in Armenia is primarily governed by:
- The Constitution of the Republic of Armenia (as amended in 2005)
- The Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Armenia (with 2007 amendments)
- International treaties and bilateral agreements with various countries
According to Armenian law, a dual citizen is defined as "a person who, in addition to the citizenship of the Republic of Armenia, also has the citizenship of another state (or states)." For legal purposes within Armenia, dual citizens are recognized only as Armenian citizens, subject to the same laws and regulations as single-nationality Armenians.
Rights of Dual Armenian Citizens
Legal Rights
Dual Armenian citizens enjoy the same fundamental legal rights as single-nationality citizens. These include:
- Equal protection under Armenian law
- Right to legal representation and due process
- Full access to the Armenian judicial system
- Right to own property and inherit assets in Armenia
- Protection from arbitrary arrest or detention
Important: When in Armenia, dual citizens are treated exclusively as Armenian citizens. This means that diplomatic representatives of their other country of citizenship cannot provide consular protection for them within Armenian territory.
Political Rights
Dual citizens maintain significant political rights in Armenia, including:
- Right to vote in Armenian elections and referendums
- Right to participate in public affairs
- Freedom of speech, assembly, and association
- Right to join political parties and civic organizations
However, there are some notable limitations. The Constitution and The Armenian Electoral Code restrict dual citizens from holding certain high-level political offices, including:
- President of the Republic
- Prime Minister
- Deputies of National Assembly
- Court judges
- Chief Prosector of the Republic
To exercise voting rights, dual citizens must be registered in Armenia's State Population Register with a permanent address in Armenia. This requirement can be fulfilled by either owning property or being registered at a family member's address.
Economic and Business Rights
Dual Armenian citizens enjoy full economic rights on par with sole Armenian citizens:
- Right to work in Armenia without additional permits
- Full property ownership rights
- Access to banking and financial services
Armenia's business environment offers several advantages for dual citizens interested in entrepreneurship or investment:
- 100% foreign ownership allowed for businesses
- No restrictions on profit repatriation
- Simplified business registration procedures
- Access to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) market
- Favorable tax rates compared to many Western countries
Social Rights
Dual citizens have equal access to Armenia's social systems and services:
- Access to public healthcare services
- Right to education at all levels
- Eligibility for social security and welfare programs
- Access to public housing programs
- Cultural and recreational rights
Dual citizens can also receive Armenian national driver's licenses without passing qualification exams if they already hold a valid license from their other country of citizenship, following a 2024 regulatory change.
Responsibilities of Dual Armenian Citizens
Military Service Obligations
One of the most significant responsibilities for male dual citizens is mandatory military service:
- Male citizens aged 18-27 are subject to compulsory military service for 24 months
- Male citizens aged 27-37 who acquire Armenian citizenship later in life remain subject to military service obligations
- Citizens remain in the military reserve until age 50
There are some exemptions and alternatives for dual citizens regarding military service:
- Those who have served at least 12 months in the armed forces of another country before acquiring Armenian citizenship
- Male citizens aged 27-37 who have paid the amount determined by the law to avoid service
- Those who have completed alternative service lasting at least 18 months in another country
- Medical exemptions based on health conditions
- Deferments for educational purposes (typically for university studies)
Important Note: Unlike some other countries, Armenia does not exempt dual citizens from military service simply because they hold another nationality. Dual citizenship status alone does not provide exemption from military obligations.
Tax Responsibilities
Dual Armenian citizens have tax obligations that depend primarily on their residency status rather than citizenship:
- Tax residents (those present in Armenia for 183+ days per year) are taxed on their worldwide income
- Non-residents are taxed only on Armenian-source income
- Armenia maintains double taxation treaties with numerous countries to prevent taxation of the same income twice
- If the tax rate in a foreign country is less than Armenia's rate (currently around 20%), dual citizens may need to pay the difference in Armenia
As of 2025, Armenia has double taxation agreements with over 45 countries, including Russia, France, Iran, China, and many European nations. Notably, Armenia and the United States do not currently have a comprehensive tax treaty, which can complicate tax matters for Armenian-American dual citizens.
Legal Compliance and Documentation
Dual citizens must maintain proper documentation and comply with Armenian regulations:
- Are adviced to enter and exit Armenia using their Armenian passport
- Required to maintain a valid Armenian passport at all times
- Must register their place of residence with authorities if staying longer than designated periods
- Must comply with all Armenian laws while in Armenia, regardless of their other citizenship status
For travel purposes, dual citizens should be aware that Armenian border control expects them to present an Armenian passport when entering or leaving the country. Using a foreign passport for these purposes can lead to complications and potential legal issues.
Practical Scenarios for Dual Armenian Citizens
Scenario 1: Military Service Considerations
Case Study: Hayk is a 25-year-old Armenian-American dual citizen who has lived his entire life in Boston and recently decides to move to Armenia to connect with his heritage.
Situation: Despite being a U.S. citizen, Hayk is subject to Armenian military service requirements until age 37. If he enters Armenia, he could be required to complete his military service before being allowed to leave the country.
Solution: Before traveling to Armenia, Hayk should consult with the Armenian embassy or a legal advisor to understand his options, which might include:
- Applying for deferment based on his educational or employment status
- Providing documentation of U.S. military service if applicable
- Waiting until after age 27 to visit or relocate to Armenia, and pay the designated fee to legally defer service
Scenario 2: Voting and Political Participation
Case Study: Lilit is an Armenian-French dual citizen who wants to participate in Armenian elections while primarily residing in Paris.
Requirements: To vote in Armenian elections, Lilit must:
- Have a registered address in Armenia (typically through property ownership or family registration)
- Be physically present in Armenia on election day, as Armenia does not currently offer postal or overseas voting
- Bring her Armenian passport or ID card to the polling station
Limitations: If Lilit aspires to hold political office in Armenia, she should be aware that dual citizens face restrictions on certain high-level positions, though most elected and appointed positions are available to dual citizens.
Benefits of Armenian Dual Citizenship
Travel and Mobility
One of the practical advantages of Armenian citizenship is enhanced travel mobility:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 69 countries (as of 2025)
- Simplified entry to Russia, China, Iran, and most CIS countries
- Unrestricted right to live and work in Armenia indefinitely
- Ability to enter and exit Armenia without visa concerns during geopolitical changes Note: The citizens of many countries have visa-free access to enter Armenia.
For many diaspora Armenians, holding an Armenian passport alongside their primary nationality creates valuable travel flexibility, especially for accessing regions where their primary passport may have restrictions.
Business and Economic Opportunities
Dual Armenian citizenship provides significant economic advantages:
- Direct access to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) market of 180+ million people
- Preferential trade terms with CIS countries
- Ability to purchase agricultural land (restricted for non-citizens)
- Simplified banking procedures compared to non-citizens
Armenia's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East also makes it an attractive base for international business operations.
Cultural Connection and Heritage
Beyond practical benefits, many pursue dual Armenian citizenship for deeply personal reasons:
- Formal recognition of Armenian heritage and identity
- Strengthened connection to ancestral homeland
- Ability to pass Armenian citizenship to children and future generations
- Active participation in the future development of Armenia
- Access to cultural and educational programs reserved for citizens
This aspect is particularly meaningful for descendants of genocide survivors and others in the diaspora who seek to maintain tangible connections to their Armenian heritage.
"Plan B" Security
Armenian citizenship provides a valuable contingency option:
- Guaranteed right of residence in Armenia regardless of global events
- Alternative home base during political or economic instability in primary country
- Access to healthcare and social services in Armenia if needed
- Potential pathway for family members to relocate during emergencies
- Protection from potential extradition
Limitations and Restrictions of Dual Armenian Citizenship
Political Office Restrictions
While dual citizens enjoy most political rights, they are restricted from holding certain positions:
- Cannot serve as President of Armenia
- Cannot be appointed as Prime Minister
- Ineligible for court judgeships
- Restricted from specific national security and defense leadership roles
- May face limitations in diplomatic corps positions
These restrictions reflect concerns about potential conflicts of interest and divided loyalties in positions critical to national sovereignty and security.
Military Service Considerations
The military service requirement represents a significant consideration for male dual citizens:
- Compulsory service applies regardless of where a person was raised or educated
- Military obligations can restrict ability to freely exit Armenia until completion of service
- Limited exemptions available compared to some other countries with dual citizenship
- Potential conflicts with military obligations in other countries of citizenship
For many male diaspora Armenians, especially those of conscription age (18-27), the military service requirement is a critical factor in deciding whether to pursue Armenian citizenship.
Tax Complexities
Dual citizens may face tax complications:
- Potential for double taxation in countries without tax treaties with Armenia
- Complex reporting requirements when conducting business in multiple jurisdictions
- Tax residency determinations can be complicated for those splitting time between countries
- Different countries define taxable income and deductions differently
Particularly for Armenian-American dual citizens, the lack of a comprehensive tax treaty between Armenia and the United States creates additional complexity requiring careful tax planning.
Diplomatic Protection Limitations
Dual citizens should understand the limitations of consular assistance:
- While in Armenia, dual citizens cannot seek diplomatic protection from their other country of citizenship
- Armenian authorities recognize only Armenian citizenship within Armenian territory
- Consular officials from the other country of citizenship have limited ability to intervene in legal matters
- Travel to third countries may require careful passport selection based on visa requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to renounce my original citizenship to become an Armenian citizen?
No. Armenia fully recognizes dual citizenship, allowing you to maintain your original citizenship while acquiring Armenian citizenship. There is no requirement to renounce other nationalities.
Q: Can I pass Armenian citizenship to my children if they are born outside Armenia?
Yes. Children born to Armenian citizen parents automatically acquire Armenian citizenship regardless of birthplace. This applies even if the parent is a dual citizen and the child is born in another country.If only one of the parents is a citizen of the Republic of Armenia, the child does not automatically receive Armenian citizenship, but has the right to apply to become a citizen of the Republic of Armenia and receive an Armenian passport if the parent who is not a citizen of the Republic of Armenia agrees to this.
Q: Do I need to live in Armenia to maintain my Armenian citizenship?
No. There is no residency requirement to maintain Armenian citizenship once acquired. You can live abroad indefinitely without losing your Armenian citizenship status.
Q: As a dual citizen, can I vote in Armenian elections if I live abroad?
You can vote in Armenian elections only if you are physically present in Armenia on election day and have a registered address in Armenia. Armenia currently does not provide for overseas voting or postal ballots for citizens living abroad.
Q: Can I be drafted into military service if I visit Armenia as a dual citizen?
Male dual citizens between 18-27 years (and in some cases up to 37) who have not completed their military service may be subject to conscription when entering Armenia. If you're concerned about this possibility, consult with an Armenian embassy or legal advisor before traveling.
Q: Does having military service in another country exempt me from Armenian military service?
Yes, if you have served at least 12 months in the armed forces of another country before acquiring Armenian citizenship, you may be exempt from Armenian military service. You'll need to provide appropriate documentation proving your service.
Q: How does Armenian tax law affect dual citizens living primarily outside Armenia?
Dual citizens who spend less than 183 days per year in Armenia are considered non-residents for tax purposes and are generally only taxed on income sourced from Armenia. However, specific situations may vary, and professional tax advice is recommended.
Q: Can dual citizens purchase and own land in Armenia?
Yes. As an Armenian citizen, regardless of dual citizenship status, you have the same land ownership rights as any other citizen, including the right to purchase agricultural land (which is restricted for foreign nationals).
Q: If I'm a dual citizen, can I run for political office in Armenia?
Yes, with certain exceptions. Dual citizens can run for most political offices, including parliament (National Assembly) and local government positions. However, dual citizens cannot serve as President, Prime Minister, Deputy or in specific judicial and security positions.
Dual Armenian citizenship offers a unique combination of rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for those with Armenian heritage or connections. While providing numerous benefits in terms of mobility, economic opportunities, and cultural reconnection, it also comes with significant responsibilities, particularly regarding military service and legal compliance.
For diaspora Armenians, acquiring citizenship represents more than a legal status—it's a formal recognition of identity and heritage, creating a tangible link to ancestral homeland while maintaining their place in their current country of residence. As Armenia continues to develop its legal framework and international relationships, the value and implications of dual citizenship will continue to evolve.
Those considering dual Armenian citizenship should carefully evaluate both the benefits and responsibilities based on their individual circumstances, seeking professional legal advice when necessary to make an informed decision that aligns with their personal, professional, and family goals.