As a general rule, an Armenian visa holder cannot work in Armenia unless he/she has a work permit. Highly qualified foreigners, business owners, executives and some other categories of employees are exempt from the need to obtain a work permit. The work permit is applied for on behalf of the legal employer and is issued for the duration of the employment contract, but not more than one year.

Exceptions

The following categories of foreigners are not subject to the requirements for obtaining a work permit:

• Holders of a permanent or special residence permit;
• Holders of a temporary residence permit, if such a permit is issued on the basis of being a family member of a citizen or other holder of a permanent (special, temporary) residence permit
• founders and managers of commercial organizations with foreign investments;
• Foreigners working in representative offices of foreign companies;
• Foreign specialists engaged for the installation or repair of machinery and other equipment purchased from foreign companies, or for training local personnel to work with such machinery or equipment;
• Highly qualified foreign specialists in the field of natural sciences and information technology (technician for the operation and maintenance of computers and computer systems; technician for the operation of computers, complexes, systems and networks; web designer), agriculture (specialist in the field of agriculture; farmer; agricultural technician), as well as foreigners with higher education in the field of information and communication technologies; management and administration; food technology; finance
• Family members of diplomatic personnel;
• Employees on short-term contracts in the field of sports and culture;
• Lecturers invited to give lectures in educational institutions of Armenia;
• Accredited representatives of foreign mass media;
• Refugees and foreigners who have been granted asylum;
• Students during their studies and within 1 year after graduation;
• Foreigners arriving in Armenia on the basis of international agreements

Procedure

1. If you are not exempt from the need to obtain a work permit, the employer must first obtain a work permit and a residence permit based on work by applying to the Migration Service.
2. The process at the Migration Service includes a check of the Armenian labor market to ensure that there are no qualified and available Armenian workers to fill the vacancies. If the Migration Service identifies Armenian nationals who may meet the employer's requirements, they are sent to the employer for an interview. The employer is not required to advertise the vacancy or offer a fixed salary (subject to the minimum monthly wage requirements).
3. If the migration service does not refer any candidates to the employer, or if the employer rejects these candidates for valid reasons, the employer may apply for a work permit for a particular foreigner. The work permit has a fixed validity period and can be extended at the employer's request. From the moment the work permit is issued, you can start working in Armenia.

Documents, deadlines and fees

Issuance of a work permit and a residence permit takes about 30 days from the date of application.

The employer or employee will have to pay fees for obtaining a work permit (AMD 25,000 or about USD 52) and, if necessary, a residence permit (AMD 105,000 or about USD 219).

The employer must submit the following documents to the Migration Service:

• Application form
• Employee's passport
• Diplomas and other documents confirming education or qualifications with consular legalization (or apostille)
• Two photos (3×4 cm)
• Confirmation of payment of state duty

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Penalties

The Code of Administrative Offenses provides for fines for violations of immigration laws/work permits. Failure to obtain a work permit/residence permit is punishable by a fine of AMD 100,000 to 150,000 (approximately USD 208 to 313). Visa overstay or other violation of immigration status is punishable by a fine of AMD 50,000 to 100,000 (approximately USD 104 to 208).

If, after obtaining a work permit, the employer does not provide the position for which the permit was obtained, the employer is obliged to cover the costs of return travel, accommodation and transportation of personal belongings of the employee and accompanying family members.

1. Learn the language:

While some jobs may speak English, learning some basic Armenian phrases can improve communication and make you more competitive in the job market.

Consider attending language courses to improve your language proficiency.

2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job posting:

One of the most important steps in finding a job in Armenia is to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This means that you should emphasize your skills and experience that match the job requirements and use keywords from the job description. Be sure to study the company's information and include its values and mission in your documents. A well-written resume and cover letter can make a big difference in attracting the attention of potential employers and getting an interview.

3. Research startups and technology companies:

Armenia has a growing tech sector. Explore opportunities in startups and tech companies, especially if you have a background in IT or related fields.