- Young residents: All male citizens during the year they turn 16.
- New citizens: Men who acquire Armenian citizenship (up to age 50) must register as a required step in the passport application process.
- Citizens living abroad: All male citizens residing outside of Armenia are required to complete their military registration through an Armenian Embassy or Consulate.
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Military Service in Armenia
Upon obtaining an Armenian passport, male citizens, including dual citizens, are subject to mandatory military service.
There is no military service obligation for non-resident foreigners or visitors. In addition, certain Armenian citizens may qualify for legal exemptions under specific circumstances.
Military Registration
Military registration is a state system for tracking pre-conscripts (ages 16-18), conscripts (ages 18-37), and those in the reserve. It allows the government to analyze the country's resources for the draft, trainings, and national mobilization.
No. Registration only places a citizen on record as part of the reserve.
Actual conscription (draft) occurs twice per year:
- Winter draft: January–February
- Summer draft: June–August
Upon receiving Armenian citizenship, all male citizens, regardless of age, must sign a Military Registration Acknowledgment.
This document confirms awareness of:
- Placement in the national reserve
- Legal obligation to participate in short-term reserve training camps (typically 15–25 days) when called by the state
Apply in-person for military registration in the Republic of Armenia
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Apply in-person for military registration abroad
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Mandatory Military Service
Military service is a specific type of state service defined by law within the systems of the Ministry of Defense, National Security, and State Protection bodies of the Republic of Armenia.
Military obligation is divided into two age groups:
- Ages 18–27: Primary conscription age. Eligible male citizens must serve the standard 18-month term.
- Ages 27–37: Under 2024 reforms, men who acquire citizenship later or previously evaded service remain liable until age 37. This group may choose a shortened service option (1, 6, or 12 months) by paying a state fee.
- For those drafted starting January 1, 2026, the service term is 18 months.
- Individuals already serving before this date will complete the original 24-month term.
Exemption from Military Service
Exemptions Options
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Medical Unfitness: Declared "unfit" for military service due to permanent health conditions. (Use Google auto-translate to view the English version of the list of diseases and medical conditions determining military fitness)
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Prior Foreign Service: Having served at least 12 months in another country’s armed forces or 18 months in a foreign alternative service before becoming an Armenian citizen.
Attention
If you already held Armenian citizenship (as a dual citizen) at the time you served in a foreign military, that service is not recognized and you remain subject to the Armenian draft.
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Family Loss: Being the only male child in a family where a parent or sibling died while performing military duties for Armenia.
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Age and Deferment: Reaching the age of 27 (for privates) or 35 (for officers) while holding a valid legal right to a deferment.
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Government Decision: Exceptional cases where the Government grants an exemption based on unique national interests or circumstances.
- Health (Temporary): A deferment granted for up to 1 year (renewable 3 times) for necessary medical treatment, or a one-time 3-year delay if the citizen is found "temporarily unfit" for service.
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Family Circumstances:
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Having 2 or more biological children.
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Being a single father raising a child without a mother.
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Being the sole caregiver for parents who are 65+, disabled, or legally incapacitated (if no other siblings can provide care).
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Having a wife who is at least 6 months pregnant with a second child or twins.
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Being the sole caregiver for a minor or disabled sibling.
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Education: Enrollment in Bachelor’s or Master’s programs under a contract to serve as an officer after graduation (usually until age 26).
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Significant Achievements: Recognized success in science, education, culture, art, or sports (subject to Government approval).
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Public Service: Serving as a Member of the National Assembly (Parliament) for the duration of the term.
No. Only Armenian citizens are required to serve. Temporary, permanent, or 10-year special residents are not subject to military service.
Paid Service Reduction
Men aged 27 to 37 may pay a state fee to reduce or fully waive military service.
- Full Exemption (0 months): 15,000,000 AMD
- 1 month of service: 10,000,000 AMD
- 6 months of service: 5,000,000 AMD
- 12 months of service: 2,500,000 AMD
The payment for exemption from military service in Armenia is usually made at the military office where you register. At the specific office where you complete your military registration, you will be provided with a card number so you can make the payment on the spot.
The guide was compiled by the Information Systems Agency of Armenia.
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