Nagorno-Karabakh refugees gain Armenian citizenship after 2023 displacement

Key Takeaways

• Armenia offers simplified citizenship for Nagorno-Karabakh displaced persons, with 8,315 granted as of May 2025.
• No language test required; citizenship applications shift to mandatory online submission starting January 1, 2026.
• New passports list Azerbaijani birthplace for Nagorno-Karabakh natives, causing identity concerns among applicants.

Armenian Citizenship for Nagorno-Karabakh Forcibly Displaced Persons: Pathways, Requirements, and Practical Guidance

The events of September 2023 changed the lives of tens of thousands of ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh. After Azerbaijan’s military operation, more than 100,000 people fled their homes and crossed into Armenia. Many of these forcibly displaced persons now face difficult choices about their future, including whether to apply for Armenian citizenship. This guide provides a detailed overview of the citizenship process for Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians, including eligibility, application steps, rights and responsibilities, and the real-world implications of these decisions.

Pathways to Armenian Citizenship for Nagorno-Karabakh Displaced Persons

Armenia 🇦🇲 offers several pathways to citizenship, but for those from Nagorno-Karabakh, a special simplified process is available. This process is designed to help ethnic Armenians and those with refugee status integrate more easily, especially given the urgent humanitarian situation.

Key Pathways:

– Simplified Naturalization for Ethnic Armenians: Displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh who are ethnic Armenians or hold refugee status can apply through a streamlined process.
– Citizenship for Minors: Children can receive citizenship automatically if at least one parent is approved, although some families report inconsistencies in how this is applied.
– Voluntary Application: There is no legal requirement for forcibly displaced persons to take Armenian citizenship. Many remain under temporary protection or refugee status.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the number of applications from Nagorno-Karabakh forcibly displaced persons has surged, with 9,451 applications filed and 8,315 citizenships granted as of May 20, 2025. Over 2,000 minors have received citizenship through their parents’ applications.

Eligibility and Residency Requirements

Who is eligible for Armenian citizenship under the simplified process?

• Ethnic Armenians: Most displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh qualify as ethnic Armenians, which is the primary eligibility criterion for the simplified process.
• Refugee Status Holders: Those registered as refugees in Armenia, especially with the special “070” passport code, are also eligible.
• Residency: There is no strict residency period required for forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh. The government recognizes their unique situation and does not require years of prior residence in Armenia.

Required Documentation

Applicants must provide:

• Proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate)
• Proof of Armenian ethnicity or refugee status
• Recent photographs
• Completed application forms (available at Migration and Citizenship Service)

Note: Starting January 1, 2026, all applications must be submitted online, and a preliminary online approval will be required before scheduling an in-person appointment.

Testing Procedures and Oath Requirements

Is there a language or history test?

• No formal test: For forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh, there is no requirement to pass an Armenian language or history test. This is part of the government’s effort to simplify the process for those affected by conflict.

Oath Ceremony:

• Mandatory Oath: All new citizens must participate in an oath ceremony, pledging loyalty to the Republic of Armenia.
• Controversy: Some applicants have refused to take the oath due to the designation of “Azerbaijan” as their birthplace in Armenian passports, which they see as a denial of their identity.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The Armenian government has set out a clear process for citizenship applications by forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh. Here’s how it works:

1. Check Eligibility

• Confirm you are an ethnic Armenian or hold refugee status from Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Gather necessary documents (identity, proof of status, photos).

2. Submit Application

• Until December 31, 2025: Applications can be submitted in person at the Migration and Citizenship Service.
• From January 1, 2026: All applications must be submitted online via the official portal.
  • Online Pre-Approval: Applicants will need to complete a preliminary online application and receive approval before scheduling an in-person appointment.

3. Document Verification

• Authorities will review your documents and may request additional information.
• If further checks are needed, your application may be suspended for up to 60 days.

4. Decision Period

• The standard processing time is 90 business days. This can be extended if your application is suspended for additional checks.

5. Oath Ceremony

• If approved, you must attend an oath ceremony. This is a formal requirement for all new citizens.

6. Issuance of Passport

• After the oath, you will receive an Armenian passport.
• Birthplace Designation: For those born in Nagorno-Karabakh, the passport will list “Azerbaijan” as the place of birth, following international standards (ICAO 9303, ISO 3166). This has caused distress among many applicants.

7. Citizenship for Minors

• Children under 18 can be included in a parent’s application and receive citizenship automatically. However, some families have reported that children were asked to apply separately, so it’s important to clarify this during your application.

Application Fees and Exemptions

• Current Fee: 1,000 Armenian drams (AMD) for citizenship applications.
• From January 1, 2026: The fee will increase to 50,000 AMD.
• Exemption: Refugees and forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh are exempt from these fees.

Rights and Responsibilities of New Armenian Citizens

Once granted Armenian citizenship, you gain a range of rights and responsibilities:

Rights

• Full Access to State Benefits: Including participation in state housing and integration programs. Armenian citizenship is now a requirement for these programs.
• Travel: You can obtain an Armenian passport, which allows for international travel.
• Voting and Political Participation: You have the right to vote and stand for election in Armenia.
• Education and Healthcare: Full access to public services, including schools and healthcare.

Responsibilities

• Obey Armenian Laws: All citizens must follow the laws and regulations of Armenia.
• Military Service: Male citizens may be subject to conscription, depending on age and other factors.
• Tax Obligations: Citizens are required to pay taxes on income and property as set by Armenian law.

Temporary Protection and Refugee Status

Not all forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh choose to apply for Armenian citizenship. Many remain under temporary protection or refugee status, which offers certain rights and protections:

• Special Passport (“070” Code): Refugees receive a passport valid only with a refugee certificate.
• Temporary Protection Extended: The Armenian government has extended temporary protection for former Artsakh residents until at least December 31, 2025, with the possibility of further extension.
• No Obligation to Naturalize: Refugee status does not require you to apply for citizenship. You can continue to live in Armenia under this status.

Statelessness: Many displaced persons are technically stateless, as they do not hold citizenship in any country. International organizations like UNHCR and German courts have confirmed that the possibility of naturalization does not remove current statelessness or affect eligibility for refugee protection.

Real-World Examples and Scenarios

Example 1: Family Seeking Housing

A family from Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, fled to Armenia in September 2023. They registered as refugees and received temporary protection. In early 2025, they learned about a state housing program but discovered that only Armenian citizens are eligible. The parents applied for citizenship, and their two children were included in the application. After three months, the family received citizenship and could apply for housing.

Example 2: Identity Concerns

Aren Hayrapetyan, a displaced person, applied for Armenian citizenship but was upset to find “Azerbaijan” listed as his birthplace in his new passport. He publicly criticized this policy and threatened to renounce his citizenship unless the designation was changed. Many others share his concerns, feeling that this erases their identity and history.

Example 3: Choosing to Remain a Refugee

Some displaced persons, especially those active in the National Assembly of Artsakh in exile, refuse to apply for Armenian citizenship. They fear that naturalization will be seen as abandoning their right to return to Nagorno-Karabakh. They continue to advocate for international protection and the right of return.

Policy Implications and Practical Effects

• Access to Benefits: Armenian citizenship is now required for state housing and integration programs, pushing many to apply despite personal reservations.
• Documentation Issues: The listing of “Azerbaijan” as birthplace in passports remains a major source of distress and political debate.
• Children’s Citizenship: While the law allows for automatic citizenship for minors, inconsistent implementation has caused confusion.
• Statelessness: Many forcibly displaced persons remain stateless or under temporary protection, as citizenship is voluntary.

Multiple Perspectives

Anticipated Changes and Future Outlook

• Legislative Changes: From January 1, 2026, citizenship applications will require online submission and pre-approval, with higher fees (refugees remain exempt).
• Continued Refugee Protection: Temporary protection is extended through December 31, 2025, with further extensions possible.
• International Negotiations: Switzerland is set to host a peace forum where the right of return for Karabakh Armenians will be discussed.
• Ongoing Documentation Issues: The controversy over birthplace designation in passports is unresolved and continues to affect application rates.

Official Contacts and Resources

• Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia: www.moi.am
• Migration and Citizenship Service: www.migration.am
• UNHCR Armenia: www.unhcr.org/am

Actionable Takeaways

• If you are a forcibly displaced person from Nagorno-Karabakh, you can apply for Armenian citizenship through a simplified process, with no fees and no language test required.
• Citizenship is not mandatory. You can remain under temporary protection or refugee status if you prefer.
• To access state housing and integration programs, Armenian citizenship is required.
• Be aware of the birthplace designation issue in passports and discuss any concerns with officials during your application.
• Stay informed about upcoming changes to the application process and deadlines.

For the most current information and to start your application, visit the Migration and Citizenship Service.

References:
[1] Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Armen Ghazaryan, [2] Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs, [3] National Assembly of Artsakh in exile, [4] UNHCR Armenia, [5] VisaVerge.com, [6] Official Armenian government sources, [7] International law and refugee policy documents, [8] Media reports on displacement statistics, [9] German court decisions, [10] Armenian legislative updates.

Learn Today

Simplified Naturalization → A faster citizenship process for ethnic Armenians and refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, easing integration.
Temporary Protection → A legal status granting displaced persons rights to reside in Armenia without citizenship.
Refugee Status → Official recognition for displaced persons granting protection under international law.
Oath Ceremony → A mandatory pledge of loyalty to Armenia required for new citizens.
Birthplace Designation → The official listing of birthplace in passports, here showing ‘Azerbaijan’ for Nagorno-Karabakh natives.

This Article in a Nutshell

Armenia provides a simplified citizenship path for Nagorno-Karabakh displaced persons amid crisis. No language test is required. Applications move online in 2026. Birthplace designation as Azerbaijan in passports raises identity concerns, sparking controversy within affected communities seeking integration and rights while preserving identity.
— By VisaVerge.com

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