Significant amendments are planned for the law on citizenship and the law on the state duty, aimed at enhancing the application process and improving transparency. Key changes include:
- Mandatory Preliminary Application with Documentation
A common challenge in the current application process is that officers often request additional documents or information when applicants are already prepared to submit their applications, leading to delays and added complexity. The proposed amendments will require applicants to first submit an online preliminary application with all supporting documents. Once this preliminary application is approved, applicants can schedule an appointment and formally submit their citizenship application. - Enhanced Online Application Support
While applications will still need to be submitted through the Migration and Citizenship Service of Armenia or, in most cases, through Armenian embassies, the amendments will introduce a partially online system. This system will allow applicants to submit additional documents if required, and improve overall communication with authorities, thus offering a more streamlined experience. - Increase in Application Fees
Under the current law, the state fee for submitting a citizenship application is 1,000 AMD (around USD 2,5). The amendments propose an increase in this fee to 50,000 AMD (around USD 128). This state fee will be non-refundable, except in cases where the applicant has paid an amount exceeding the fee required by law. - Suspension Period for Verification of Application Information
The amendments will introduce a defined suspension period for cases where additional verification is required. If authorities suspect that the information provided is incomplete or inaccurate, or if further checks with other state bodies are needed, the processing of the application may be suspended for a period of up to 60 days. While the standard processing time will remain 90 business days, this suspension period could extend the overall timeline by up to two months if these circumstances arise. - Exemption from State Fees for Refugees
Another amendment will exempt individuals who have been granted refugee status in Armenia from paying the state fee when applying for Armenian citizenship.
These proposed changes aim to create a more predictable application process with improved support, though applicants should be prepared for potentially longer timelines and higher fees.
Hasmik Mirzoyan
Attorney
