What Happened

Government Decree No. 97-N replaces decades-old procedures with a fully electronic system. Here's what every applicant needs to know.

On January 22, 2026, Prime Minister Pashinyan signed Government Decree No. 97-N, which took effect on January 27, 2026 — the day after its official publication. The decree establishes a fully electronic citizenship management system and replaces four separate implementing decrees that had governed the process since 2007.

To be clear about what this is and isn't: Decree 97-N is an implementing regulation for the existing Citizenship Law. It changes how you apply for citizenship, not who qualifies. Substantive eligibility requirements remain the same. That said, the procedural changes are significant and affect every applicant category.

The 6 Changes That Matter Most

1

Everything Goes Electronic

All citizenship applications — acquisition, renunciation, and related procedures — must now be filed through the electronic portal at mcs-citizenship.am.

Before
Paper applications, biographic forms filled out in Armenian, in-person submission of physical documents
Now
Online registration, digital document upload (PDF, max 5MB), automated database checks, email notifications throughout

Non-citizens register by scanning their passport (the system uses OCR). Armenian citizens use strong ID tools like their ID card or mobile ID. All documents must be in PDF format, and photos must meet the ISO/IEC 19794-5 standard — the system validates photos automatically.

2

Constitution Test Questions Are Now Randomized

The test format remains the same — 33 multiple-choice questions with 3 answer options each, a passing score of 17 correct answers, and a 1-hour time limit.

Before
The same 33 questions were administered in a fixed order, which meant applicants could prepare by focusing primarily on question sequence
Now
33 questions are randomly selected by the system from a question bank that's updated every 6 months by the head of the Migration and Citizenship Service

This is one of the most practically significant changes. Applicants should now prepare by building a solid understanding of the Armenian Constitution rather than relying on familiarity with a fixed question set. Passing the test continues to serve as proof of Armenian language ability. You get 3 attempts — after 3 failures, your application is not accepted and you'll need to submit a new e-application to try again.

3

Paper Forms in Armenian Eliminated

This is a major quality-of-life improvement. Previously, applicants had to complete a biographic form and submit their application in Armenian — a real barrier for many diaspora applicants and foreign nationals. The new electronic submission system replaces this requirement entirely. You fill out structured fields online; no Armenian handwriting needed.

4

Processing Timelines Now Formally Codified

For the first time, specific processing deadlines are written into regulation rather than left to administrative practice.

StageTimeline
Preliminary review15 working days
Document corrections (if needed)10 working days, max 3 attempts
In-person verification + Constitution testSame day
National Security Service review40 working days*
Service conclusion15 working days
Inter-ministerial Commission (if needed)10 working days
Presidential decree3-day window
Estimated total~75–90 working days (4–5 months)

*An important detail: if the NSS doesn't respond within 40 working days, the conclusion is automatically treated as positive. The same default-positive rule applies to the Inter-ministerial Commission's 10-day window.

5

Church List Updated: Artsakh Diocese Removed

The list of Armenian church structures whose baptism certificates serve as proof of Armenian ethnicity has been updated. Only one change was made: the Artsakh Diocese (Stepanakert) has been removed, reflecting the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023. All other entries across all four church categories — Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Great House of Cilicia, Armenian Evangelical Church, and Armenian Catholic Church — remain identical.

If you already hold a baptism certificate from the Artsakh Diocese, contact us to discuss how this may affect your application.

6

Renunciation Goes Electronic Too

For those renouncing Armenian citizenship, the process is now also fully electronic with automated tax and debt verification. The system automatically queries the Revenue Committee and Enforcement Service. If outstanding obligations are found, you get a 1-month grace period to settle them — failure to do so cancels the application. Males aged 16–55 must also provide a military booklet or registration document. Processing takes approximately 3–4 months.

Who's Exempt from the Constitution Test?

Two categories are exempt: ethnic Armenians applying for citizenship under the ethnic Armenian pathway, and incapacitated persons whose guardians file on their behalf. This is explicitly confirmed in Article 55 of the decree.

Additionally, translators are permitted during the test for applicants who are not legally required to know Armenian. This includes spouses of Armenian citizens, persons with an Armenian citizen parent or child, former citizens re-acquiring citizenship, and refugees or stateless persons. However, translators are not available for applicants on the 3-year residence pathway — those applicants must demonstrate Armenian language ability, and passing the Constitution test is how they prove it.

⚠️

Don't Confuse This with the Planned Citizenship Law Changes

Decree 97-N is an implementing regulation for the existing Citizenship Law. The Armenian government has signaled that broader, substantive changes to the Citizenship Law itself are still coming — potentially including stricter requirements for ethnic Armenians. Those changes have not been enacted yet, but we strongly recommend that eligible applicants begin the process sooner rather than later.

Transition Rules: Which Process Applies to You?

The decree includes clear transition provisions. If you submitted your application before January 1, 2026, it will be processed under the old rules. Applications filed on or after January 1, 2026 fall under the new decree — even if they were submitted before the decree's official publication date of January 27. In other words, the decree applies retroactively to the start of 2026.

What Should You Do Now?

If you're currently in the process

Applications filed before January 1, 2026 continue under old rules. No action needed from you unless your case is still pending and you're asked to use the new system.

If you're preparing to apply

Start studying the Armenian Constitution — seriously, not by memorizing a fixed question list. Prepare your documents in PDF format (max 5MB per file). Ensure your passport photo meets ISO/IEC 19794-5 standards. Get your foreign documents apostilled or legalized.

If you're an ethnic Armenian considering citizenship

Your pathway is still the most straightforward — no Constitution test required, and the eligibility criteria haven't changed. But remember: the government has signaled potential future changes. Starting now is prudent.

If you're considering renunciation

Clear any tax obligations and enforcement debts before applying. The system will check automatically, and outstanding debts will delay or cancel your application.