Armenian nationality law
The Armenian nationality law was adopted on November 6, 1995 and was amended in 2007.
Acquisition of citizenship
It is based primarily on the principle of jus sanguinis. It includes the right of return for members of the Armenian diaspora.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship has recently been authorised after the constitutional amendment of the Armenian Citizenship Law No. 75-N on February 26, 2007. All male dual citizens regardless where they live are required to serve in the military as if they were Armenian resident citizen with certain exceptions. Most male Armenian citizens living outside of Armenia do not return to serve in the military. Armenian citizenship does not end simply because your passport expires or Armenian citizen lived outside of Armenia for extended period of time. Armenian citizen must submit a paper application to renounce his or her citizenship, go through a process and be approved. The child of 2 Armenian citizen parents, regardless of his or her place of birth, acquires Armenian citizenship. Foreign born male Armenians get in trouble with the law when they visit Armenia, because they held Armenian citizenship without knowledge and failed to show up and register to serve in the military. There now exists an option to do civil service instead of military, but civil service takes 46 months instead of 24 in the military and those who are interested must apply early. Those who have reached 27 and did not serve, may pay a fine of about $4500, and avoid prosecution for evading military service. Always consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in Armenian citizenship before speaking to Armenian government officials.
External links
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