In numerous countries worldwide, family reunification plays a central role in granting citizenship, with marriage to a citizen being among the most common pathways. Armenia upholds this principle and offers a clear legal framework for foreign spouses of Armenian citizens to acquire Armenian citizenship through marriage. This framework is rooted in the principle of family reunification, while also ensuring that applicants meet specific residency and documentation criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
To obtain Armenian citizenship through marriage, a foreign national must meet specific conditions. These include:
- Marriage Duration: The marriage must have been officially registered for at least two years.
- Residency Requirement: The applicant must provide evidence of legally residing in Armenia for at least one year within the past two years. However, this residency requirement is waived if the applicant has a child who holds Armenian citizenship.
- Spouse’s Citizenship: The Armenian spouse must have held Armenian citizenship for at least two years.
Case Study: Securing Citizenship Through Marriage
Client Background
Our client, M.T., a Russian national, approached our firm to seek Armenian citizenship based on her marriage to an Armenian citizen. She sought clarity on the eligibility criteria and guidance on navigating the application process.
Initial Assessment
During our initial consultation, we informed M.T. about the legal requirements for obtaining Armenian citizenship as a spouse of an RA citizen. She was pleased to learn that, even though for most foreign citizens it is imperative to hold Armenian residence permit for 1 year prior to submitting the application for citizenship, as a Russian national, she had a unique advantage. She could use the address registration in her Russian passport as proof of her legal residency in Armenia for the required one-year period.
Document Verification
We began by verifying the required documents to ensure compliance:
- Valid Russian passport
- Birth certificate
- Legalized marriage certificate
- Proof of residency, in her case the address registration in Armenia for over 365 days
- Her husband's Armenian passport
Key Documentation Challenges
We informed M.T. that her marriage certificate, issued in the United States, must bear an Apostille to be recognized in Armenia. However, since her birth certificate was issued in Russia, a member state of the CIS, an Apostille is not required for its recognition, in accordance with the international agreement governing such documents among CIS countries.
Options for Acquiring Armenian Citizenship
M.T. was presented with two options for submitting her application as a foreign national seeking to become an Armenian national:
In Armenia: Direct submission to the Migration and Citizenship Service (formerly known as the Passport and Visa Department of the Armenian Police).
Through an Embassy: Submission at an Armenian embassy abroad.
Given that M.T. was residing in Armenia, she opted for the direct submission route.
The Citizenship Application Process
Appointment Booking
Due to the high demand for appointments, we scheduled M.T.’s submission date several months in advance to align with her availability.
We meticulously prepared the following documents for her application:
- Original birth certificate (issued in Russia),
- Original passport,
- Apostilled marriage certificate,
- Husband’s Armenian passport,
- Notarized translations of all foreign documents into Armenian
- Biographic application-questionnaire.
The Knowledge Test
As part of the citizenship by marriage process, applicants are required to meet certain criteria, including demonstrating knowledge of the Armenian Constitution. Since M.T. did not speak Armenian, we utilized the provision under Armenian law that permits applicants to engage the services of a licensed translator for this requirement. Accordingly, we arranged for a licensed translator to assist her during the test.
Submission and Review at the Armenian Embassy
Once the application and test were completed, the documents were reviewed by Immigration officers. Although the stated processing time was 90 business days, we advised M.T. that delays could occur.
Proactive Monitoring
Throughout the waiting period, our team regularly monitored the status of M.T.’s application and provided her with timely updates.
Outcome and Passport Application
Citizenship Approval
In 4 months, M.T. received confirmation of her Armenian citizenship. Fortunately, both Armenia and Russia permit dual citizenship, allowing her to retain her Russian citizenship while acquiring Armenian citizenship without the need for renunciation.
Passport Options
We discussed her options for obtaining an Armenian passport:
Through the Embassy: A process taking three to four months.
In Armenia: A faster process taking only a few days.
M.T. chose the latter option to expedite the process.
Armenian Passport Issuance
Appointment Scheduling
We secured an appointment for M.T. with the Migration and Citizenship Service to apply for her passport.
Efficient Processing
The passport was issued within five business days without any expedited fees. M.T. was able to collect her passport promptly.
Why Expertise Matters
Navigating citizenship laws can be complex, particularly for foreign nationals unfamiliar with local regulations. Professional assistance ensures a smoother process.
For expert guidance on citizenship by marriage, contact us at [email protected].
Hasmik Mirzoyan
Attorney