Employment in Armenia
Employment
Start searching for employment opportunities early. Make sure you’ve brought your diplomas and certificates with you, some employers may require translated copies. While most may not ask to see them. Some international institutions will require originals.
Update your CV/resume. Most Armenian companies use an American style as a template and prefer single page attachments to your email. Make sure you research the company you are applying to and match their needs. Repat Armenia offers career counseling as well as resume writing assistance.
The minimum wage in Armenia is currently 75,000 AMD, which nets at about 190 USD. As of summer 2023, the country average is more or less 249,278 AMD or around 640 USD.
NOTE: Armenian companies are not in the habit of long-distance recruitment. If they need an employee, they expect to hire immediately. At most, you’ll have a few weeks should they offer an online interview.
Actively network. The more people you meet, the easier your integration process will be. Update your LinkedIn, join relevant Facebook groups, attend repat and expat events.
Taxes and payments
- Personal income tax is flat for all levels at 20%
- Social security tax is 5% for salaries up to 500,000 AMD, 10% for over 500,000 AMD
- Military tax increases based on income, starting from 1,000 AMD per month
Work permits
If you are interested in working in Armenia before applying for and receiving citizenship or residency, you may need to obtain a work permit. Your employer has to apply for a work permit on your behalf with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MLSA).
Highly skilled foreign specialists, business owners, executives, specialists in certain areas required for training or installation of machinery, highly qualified specialists in a government-mandated sector (e.i. agriculture, natural sciences, IT, finance, food technology, or management), university lecturers, accredited foreign media representatives, refugees, or students in an exchange program are exempt from work permit requirements.
When applying for a work permit the Ministry will first need to ensure that there are no qualified local Armenian workers available to fill the position. If there are locals, MLSA will refer them to the employer for an interview. The employer doesn’t have to advertise the position, nor offer a specific wage. If no candidates are referred or the employer has valid reasons for rejecting the candidate, the Ministry will issue your work permit.
Once the work permit is issued (typically within 14 days), you must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit at the Passport and Visa Department of the Yerevan Police (OVIR). The application must be accompanied by supporting documentation, including medical test results. The temporary residence card is issued within approximately 30-45 days of the application date.
Required documents
The following documents must be filed by the employer with the MLSA:
- Application
- Passport
- Diplomas and other documents showing education or qualification, with consular legalization (or Apostille)
- Two photographs (3×4 cm)
- Proof of payment of the government fees (25,000 AMD paid for by you or your employer)
Contact information
State Employment Agency
68 K.Ulnetsi St.
Yerevan, Armenia 0069
(+374) 10 280625
Web-page: www.employment.am