What do temporary, permanent and special residency statuses mean? Who is each granted to, and for how long?

Temporary residency status is granted to any foreign national who can provide evidence that there is a reason for them to live in Armenia for a duration of one year such as education, work permit, foreign national spouse, child or parent who has temporary residency status, spouse or close relative (parent, child, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, grandchild) of an RA citizen or a foreign national with permanent or special status in the RA, a business venture, Armenian origin, and other cases as prescribed by law.

Temporary residence status is granted for a period of up to one year with the option of extending it for one year each time. Applications for renewing a temporary residence permit must be submitted at least 30 days before the expiration date of the existing temporary residence permit.

Permanent residency status is granted to foreign nationals who can provide evidence of the presence of a spouse or close relative (parent, child, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild) who hold RA citizenship or special residence status and reside in RA, they have a means of living and a place to live in RA, and before applying to receive permanent residency status have lived in RA for at least 3 years, or are of Armenian origin, or are implementing entrepreneurial activity in the Republic of Armenia. 

A permanent residence permit is issued for a period of 5 years with the option of renewing it for the same period each time. The application for the renewal of a permanent residence card must be submitted at least 30 days before the expiration date of the existing permanent residence card.

Special residency status is granted to foreign nationals of Armenian origin. Special residency status may also be granted to foreign nationals engaged in economic or cultural activities in the Republic of Armenia. A special residence permit is issued for a period of 10 years. It can be issued more than once.