How long you can live in Armenia without a residence permit in 2026: the 180-day rule

Current as of 20 October 2026. Entry rules differ by country. This covers citizens of Russia and other countries that do not need a visa for Armenia, including EAEU citizens.

Short answer

• Russians may stay in Armenia without a visa for up to 180 days within a year. A short exit and re-entry does not reset the limit (per the T-J review; we have not opened the article of law, see open questions).
• For longer you need a residence permit: grounds are listed here.
• For EAEU citizens, from 1 November 2026 a stay over 180 days in a year will require a lawful residence certificate (per law-firm publications; HO-11-N Art. 3 introduces such a certificate for foreigners working under a contract).

Table: who and how long

EAEU citizens may work without a work permit (under the EAEU Treaty).

How to count 180 days

• Count days actually spent in the country over a year, not consecutive days.
• A day trip to Georgia or another country does not reset the counter.
• Keep passport stamps, tickets and electronic entry records.
• If you near the limit, apply for a permit early: a decision takes 30 days from filing (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

Registration at the place of stay

According to secondary sources, registration is not needed for up to 30 days and is required for longer stays. We have not opened a primary source; check with police.am.

Penalties

• A fine of AMD 50,000-100,000 under Art. 201(1) of the Code of Administrative Offences for living without a valid permit or with invalid documents (migration.e-gov.am).
• Expulsion and an entry ban are possible: under HO-11-N re-entry after expulsion is closed for 3 years (Art. 19(1)(1)).
• An expired permit cannot be renewed retroactively: file at least 30 days before expiry.

How to extend your stay

1. Obtain a residence permit on the ground of work, sole proprietorship, study, family or Armenian origin (up to 1 year, renewable).
2. EAEU citizens: obtain a lawful residence certificate once over 180 days, from 1 November 2026; law-firm publications cite a AMD 30,000 duty plus a card fee, not confirmed by a primary source.
3. File through the new online platform after 1 November (see New rules 2026).

What not to do

• Leave "for a day" to reset the counter: it does not reset.
• Live and work as a sole proprietor without status once you are over 180 days.
• Rely on outdated summaries: the rules change on 1 November 2026.

Duties and document lists for the new procedures depend on implementing acts that were not published as of 20.10.2026.