Work in Armenia for Ukraine citizenship

As a general rule, an Armenian visa holder is not allowed to work in Armenia unless he/she also has a work permit. Highly qualified expatriates, business owners, executives and certain other categories of workers are exempt from work permit requirements. A work permit is submitted on behalf of a legitimate employer and is issued for the duration of the employment contract, but not more than one year.

Exceptions

Work permit requirements do not apply to the following categories of foreigners:

• Holders of a permanent or special residence permit;
• Holders of a temporary residence permit if such a permit is issued on the basis of belonging to a family member of a citizen or another holder of a permanent (special, temporary) residence permit;
• Founders and directors of commercial organizations with foreign investments;
• Foreigners working in representative offices of foreign companies;
• Foreign specialists hired to install or repair machinery and other equipment purchased from foreign companies or to train local personnel in the operation of such machinery or equipment;
• Highly qualified foreign specialists in the field of natural sciences, and information technology (1. technician for the operation and maintenance of computers and computer systems; 2. technician for the operation of computers, complexes, systems, and networks; 3. web designer), agriculture (1. specialist in agriculture; 2. farmer; 3. agricultural technician), as well as foreigners with higher education in the field of 1. information and communication technologies; 2. management and administration; 3. food technology; 4. finance;
• Family members of diplomatic personnel;
• Workers 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 media;
• Refugees and foreigners granted an asylum;
• Students during their studies and within 1 year after graduation;
• Foreigners arriving in Armenia on the basis of international agreements;
• Foreigners exempted from work permit requirements by virtue of international treaties, namely citizens of the EAEU countries: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
• Employees who are employed by a foreign company (remain on the payroll of the foreign organization) are generally exempt from work permit requirements.

Procedure

1. If a foreign individual is not exempt from work permit requirements, the employer must first obtain a work permit and work-based residence permit by contacting the Migration Service (workpermit.am).
2. The process at the Migration Service includes checking the Armenian market to ensure that there are no qualified and available Armenian workers to fill vacancies. If the Migration Service identifies Armenian citizens who may meet the requirements of the employer, they will be referred to the employer for an interview. The employer must not advertise the job or offer a fixed salary (subject to meeting 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 good reasons, the employer can apply for a work permit for a particular foreigner. The work permit has a fixed term and can be extended upon request. From the moment a work permit is issued, a foreigner can start working in Armenia.

Documents, terms and fees

The issuance of a work permit and a temporary residence card 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 temporary residence permit (AMD 105,000 or about USD 219).

The following documents must be submitted by the employer to the Migration Service:

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

Fines

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

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