Armenia, known for its rich history and stunning landscapes, values its deep connections with the global Armenian diaspora of around seven million people. The country has simplified the citizenship process for those of Armenian descent, offering an accessible pathway that involves proving ethnic Armenian heritage through documented familial ties. This inclusive legislation not only fosters strong bonds between Armenia and its diaspora but also provides significant benefits, such as expanded travel options, business opportunities, and a meaningful connection to one’s cultural roots.
Real-Life Example: Achieving Armenian Citizenship by Descent
A.Y., a member of the Armenian diaspora, was born and raised in the United States to parents of Armenian descent who hold U.S. citizenship. Despite spending her entire life in America, A.Y. maintained a profound connection to her Armenian heritage, leading her to seek the expert guidance of Vardanyan & Partners for assistance in applying for Armenian citizenship based on her ancestry.
Understanding the Process and Its Advantages
During the initial consultation, our team thoroughly explained the citizenship by ethnicity procedure, outlining the required documentation, expected timeline, and available options for submitting the application either in Armenia or through an Armenian embassy abroad.
The benefits of this pathway were also highlighted: unlike many other naturalization processes, citizenship by ethnicity does not require applicants to pass language proficiency exams or demonstrate knowledge of the Armenian Constitution. This was particularly advantageous for A.Y., who spoke some Armenian but appreciated the simplified requirements.
Document Collection
To initiate the application, A.Y. needed to collect evidence of her Armenian ancestry. Given that she and her parents were born in the United States and lacked government-issued documents explicitly stating their Armenian heritage, she obtained a baptismal certificate from an Armenian church in the U.S. that confirmed her descent. Our legal team reviewed her baptismal certificate, birth certificate, and passport to ensure they met the legal criteria and guided her through the necessary legalization procedures.
Since the United States is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention, A.Y.'s birth certificate required an Apostille. The baptismal certificate, issued by a religious institution, needed to be legalized by the Armenian embassy. Once these formalities were completed, A.Y. scheduled a visit to Armenia to expedite the application process, as applying in person typically results in a shorter processing time compared to embassy submissions.
Application Submission
in Armenia our legal team prepared her document package for the citizenship application submission. The complete set of documents included:
- A valid passport with a notarized Armenian translation.
- An Apostilled birth certificate, translated into Armenian.
- Six passport-sized photographs.
- A baptismal certificate confirming her Armenian ethnicity.
- A completed biographic questionnaire in Armenian.
- Proof of payment for the state fee (a nominal 1,000 drams).
Our team accompanied A.Y. to the Migration and Citizenship Service, facilitating communication with officials and ensuring a smooth submission process.
Monitoring and Outcome
Our involvement did not end with the application submission. We diligently monitored the status of A.Y.'s application, liaised with the relevant authorities, and promptly addressed any issues that emerged. Thanks to our legal team's commitment, A.Y.'s application was approved after approximately five months, consistent with the processing timeframe of 4-6 months at that time (currently the processing time is 90 business days by law).
Upon receiving the citizenship approval, A.Y. chose to return to Armenia to apply for her passport. Applying in person offered the advantage of expedited processing, allowing her to receive her passport in just one business day. During this visit, we provided comprehensive support, accompanying her to complete all necessary formalities. The next business day, A.Y. took the citizenship oath and received her Armenian passport.
A.Y.'s experience underscores the efficiency of Armenia’s approach to diaspora engagement through citizenship laws and serves as an inspiring example for other members of the Armenian diaspora considering reconnecting with their heritage through citizenship.
For anyone needing more detailed guidance or considering applying for Armenian citizenship based on ethnicity, reaching out to Vardanyan & Partners can be the first step towards reconnecting with your Armenian roots.
We can be contacted at [email protected], as the team of dedicated professionals is ready to provide comprehensive support and guidance.
Harutyun Martirosyan
Attorney
