Armenia’s parliament adopted amendments to the Law on Foreigners in January 2026, and those changes take effect on 1 November 2026 - less than a month away. The overhaul affects overstay enforcement, work authorisation, and long-term residency categories. Short-stay tourists from visa-free countries are largely unaffected, but digital nomads and longer-stay visitors will want to read the details before they travel.
What changes on 1 November
Stricter overstay enforcement. The 180-day-per-year allowance for visa-free nationals has always existed, but enforcement was inconsistent. From November, fines of AMD 50,000–100,000 (~$130–$260) are applied more systematically at exit, and a significant overstay can result in a one-year re-entry ban. If you are tracking a multi-trip year in Armenia, count your days carefully - the limit is cumulative, not per visit.
New work entry visa. Nationals who currently need a visa to enter Armenia and intend to work must now obtain a dedicated work entry visa (AMD 15,000 / ~$38) from an Armenian embassy before travelling. This requirement does not apply to visa-free nationals - US, UK, EU/Schengen, Canadian, Australian, and most GCC passport holders can still enter and work remotely without a specific work visa.
Special Residency eliminated. The Special Residency category - widely used by digital nomads and long-term expats - is being abolished. It is replaced by restructured temporary and permanent residence categories, now subject to an annual government quota. Anyone currently holding Special Residency should check their options under the new system before the transition date.
Higher residence permit fees. A one-year temporary residence permit rises to AMD 155,950 ($395); a five-year permanent permit reaches AMD 255,950 ($648). Applications will move to a single portal at permit.am, and paper documents are replaced by biometric cards - which Armenia began issuing in September 2026.
Who is affected
Tourists on standard short visits - a week or two exploring Yerevan, the monasteries, or Lake Sevan - will notice no change at the border. The practical impact falls on:
- Visa-required nationals planning to work while in Armenia, who now need to apply for a work entry visa before travelling
- Digital nomads on extended stays who use the 180-day annual allowance and should track their days more carefully
- Expats and long-term residents who held Special Residency and need to apply under the new categories
For entry requirements by nationality, our Armenia visa requirements guide is kept up to date. Visitors planning a working stay should also read the Armenia digital nomad visa guide for context on how the new rules sit alongside the existing framework.
The full text of the amended law is published through the Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs. Independent legal analysis is available from EY Armenia.