Owing to the circumstances of the Russian-Ukrainian war, which has been ongoing for weeks, the flow of tourists coming to Armenia from Russia and Ukraine has increased; they are also applying to the relevant Armenian authorities with issues related to Armenian citizenship and residence status. According to Ara Mkrtchyan, head of the Passport and Visa Department of the Armenian Police, since the start of military operations on February 24, the Armenian authorities have received a total of 355 applications from Russian and Ukrainian citizens regarding the acquisition of Armenian citizenship. Of those who submitted applications, 349 are Russian citizens and 6 are Ukrainian citizens; the overwhelming majority of them are Armenians by nationality. According to the official, at present, Armenians who emigrated to Russia and Ukraine at various times and who, due to events, have returned to Armenia, have expressed a desire to obtain Armenian citizenship or to restore that status which they previously held. From February 24 to March 14, 74 Russian citizens and 11 Ukrainian citizens applied to the Passport and Visa Department to obtain residence status in Armenia.
It should be noted that citizens of EAEU countries have the right to reside freely within the Union for up to 6 months. The registration requirement begins to apply after six months of presence in the given country. If a person continues to reside in Armenia after that period and engages in certain work, they receive residence status. It should also be noted that Russian citizens can work in Armenia even without residence status, provided they have an employment contract confirming work in Armenia, on the basis of which a citizen of the Russian Federation is registered at a temporary residence address, receives a public services number to fulfil tax obligations and to enjoy their rights as an employee.
