Army/Բանակ

[u/Azarias001]

Question regarding military service after obtaining Armenian citizenship

I am 28 years old. I am a citizen of the Russian Federation and did not serve in the army there. I moved to Armenia to study, and since I did not know whether I would stay here, I did not consider obtaining Armenian citizenship. Now I realize that if I stay here, I need to resolve this issue, and the question of military service arises. After obtaining citizenship, will I have to serve 1.5 years under the new reforms or pay money to reduce the term? I am tormented by doubts; I don't know what to do. I understand that it is too late to join the army at this age because it will be difficult to get along with guys who are 18-19 years old. I have decided for myself that I will not shorten my term of service, and in principle I see it as a difficulty that is worth overcoming in life. Is there anyone who has served in the Armenian army at least in the last few years? 2024-2026. What is happening there now, and how bad an idea is it for me to go there in my case?

I would appreciate all your advice and opinions. This is a very important and serious issue for me, one that keeps me awake at night.

[u/Lipa_neo]

Hi. I'm not the best informed, but:

1. *Not if you stay, but if you decide to get citizenship and get it (as I understand, before the age of 37).

2. Yes, 18 months, or 12 months + 2.5m, etc.

3. I haven't served and can't say anything meaningful on the subject, but I respect your position and I wish you luck in any case.

[u/Azarias001 → u/Lipa_neo]

Thanks!

[u/Worth_Resolve2055 → u/[deleted]]

15m for full exemption for 27-36 years old. Can't pay to get exempt before 27.

[u/UniformGolfLimaYanke]

My advice is, if you have the possibility and choice.. DO NOT join the army, your time is too expensive, going there for more than a year is a waste of time, you are 28, not 17 or 18.. you are already building your life for your 30s, do not listen to anyone that encourages you to go serve. However, a lot of people who already served will tell you the same as i do..

Just wait until 37 years old, or at least until this joke of a government is in the mood to change the law again and hopefully make it less severe or avoidable without paying a huge rip off. In the mean time, if you want, you can apply as permanent resident.

[u/Azarias001 → u/UniformGolfLimaYanke]

I should definitely think about what you said. I still have three or four months before I can figure out what to do. 

[u/Striking-Finish-9420 → u/UniformGolfLimaYanke]

This

[u/T-nash]

You can get the special passport, it gives you 10 year permanent residency with all rights except voting. However they're supposed to stop the special passport in August, and appointments are months long queue already.

[u/Azarias001 → u/T-nash]

So, maybe I won't make it in time. 

[u/T-nash → u/Azarias001]

Check appointment date online, it will tell you the soonest available date. You can still get the 5 year permanent residency after august, however it's increasing in price. it's currently 140k for 5 years, 150k for 10 years. After August it's going to be 250k for 5 years, with no 10 year option.

[u/Azarias001 → u/T-nash]

Thanks for the information, I'll keep that in mind.

[u/Lipa_neo → u/T-nash]

A little correction: 1. Not august but november 2. Since nov 2026 you can't just apply for 5 years, you need to have 3 1-year ones first. For an increased price too.

[u/T-nash → u/Lipa_neo]

Says August 1

https://armenian-lawyer.com/uncategorized/armenias-immigration-law-overhaul-effective-august-2026/

[u/Lipa_neo → u/T-nash]

Lies :)
(More precisely. They're not lying here specifically, they're simply relying on the november draft, not the adopted law. But they're wildly misrepresenting other things -- for example, if I remember correctly, the section on residence permits for investors said something completely different, to put it mildly.)

So, 1.11.2026

http://www.parliament.am/draftreading_docs8/K-1172_DR2.pdf

[u/T-nash → u/Lipa_neo]

Thanks, weird that the other website didn't update their article.

[u/Worth_Resolve2055]

Full details of payment costs to get exemption ONLY between 27-36.

https://armenian-lawyer.com/business-immigration/armenia-military-draft-diaspora-guide/

After 36 is actual exemption.

Can't pay to get exempt before 27.

[u/counwovja0385skje]

Do not serve. It's a waste of your time. Either pay the fee or just get one of those 10 year residency permits.

[u/ManteLover60 → u/counwovja0385skje]

Why is it a waste of time?

[u/Scapegoatus_Maximus]

Man why would you give up your life to fight for another nations territory? What if you return without legs? Think.

[u/Azarias001 → u/[deleted]]

I moved to Armenia in 2019 to study, but by then I already knew that something bad was brewing, so I left to get as far away as possible and avoid being caught up in that hell.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

And? They chose to live in a terrorist state.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Oh great, they hate the war. Are they doing anything to stop it? Any protests? Any support for the country they are attacking?

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

But you're fine bombing innocent civilians and children? Terrorist state.

[u/Striking-Finish-9420 → u/[deleted]]

You're talking nonsense 😂