Moving to Yerevan in 2026: A Practical Relocation Guide

By WSE.AM editorial team, edited by Mark Muzyka · Updated 12 October 2026

Moving to Yerevan? Housing, a bank account, a SIM card, internet, healthcare, schools and daily life: a step-by-step guide for anyone relocating to Armenia.

Moving to Yerevan in 2026: A Practical Relocation Guide

What should you do in your first weeks after moving to Yerevan?

The short answer: go in this order. Housing comes first: most people take a short-term rental for the first weeks to get their bearings, then look for a long-term apartment. Newcomers most often choose Kentron (the city centre) if the budget allows, Arabkir and Kanaker-Zeytun for a balance of price and comfort, or residential districts further out to save money. Second, get a local SIM card: the operators Team, Ucom and Viva-MTS issue them on your passport. Third, open an account with an Armenian bank: a foreigner usually only needs a passport, and you will need the account for rent, utility bills and property deals. Fourth, sort out your legal status: a residence permit is issued on the basis of work, business, study or Armenian origin, and owning a home makes the process easier. After that come healthcare and insurance and, if you have children, a school or kindergarten. Armenian is the official language, but Russian and English are widely spoken, and transport and groceries are inexpensive.

Why Yerevan is an easy city to move to

Yerevan is a comfortable city for people relocating from abroad: visa-free entry for citizens of many countries, a welcoming attitude to foreigners, a large Russian-speaking community, good infrastructure and reasonable prices. You can settle in quickly if you take things step by step.

Step 1. Housing

The first decision is where to live. Your options:

Short-term rental for the first weeks, while you look around.
Long-term rental, the main option for most newcomers.
Buying, if you are moving for the long haul.

Districts popular with newcomers: Kentron (the centre, more expensive), Arabkir and Kanaker-Zeytun (a balance of price and comfort), and the residential districts further out if you want to save.

Step 2. A bank account

Opening an account with an Armenian bank is straightforward for a foreigner: a passport is usually enough. You will need the account for rent, utilities, a mortgage and everyday payments. Cards issued by Armenian banks work with the international payment networks.

Step 3. Mobile and internet

Local operators (Team, Ucom, Viva-MTS) offer affordable plans. A SIM card is issued on your passport. Home internet in Yerevan is fast and cheap.

Step 4. Legal status

For a long stay you apply for a residence permit, on the basis of work, business, study or Armenian origin. Owning a home makes the process easier. Armenia allows dual citizenship.

Step 5. Healthcare

Yerevan has both public and private clinics. Many newcomers use private healthcare: it is reasonably priced and of decent quality. Getting health insurance is a good idea.

Step 6. Education

There are public, private and international schools. Russian-speaking families can also find schools that teach in Russian. Kindergartens are both public and private.

Step 7. Daily life and settling in

Transport: metro, buses and taxis (ride-hailing apps work, and fares are low).
Groceries: supermarkets and markets, with moderate prices.
Language: Armenian is the official language, but Russian and English are widely spoken.
Community: large expat and relocant communities help you settle in.

Checklist for the first weeks

1. Rent temporary accommodation. 2. Buy a local SIM card. 3. Open a bank account. 4. Find a long-term apartment. 5. Start your residence permit application. 6. Get insurance and sort out healthcare.

The bottom line

Moving to Yerevan goes smoothly if you take it one step at a time. Start with housing, and WSE.AM will help you find an apartment to rent or buy.

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Apartments in Yerevan | Rentals | New builds: find your property with WSE.AM.

_Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons. Image resized._

Frequently asked questions

Which districts of Yerevan do newcomers choose to live in? Most often Kentron, if the budget allows, as well as Arabkir and Kanaker-Zeytun as a balance of price and comfort. People who want to save look at the residential districts further from the centre.

Can a foreigner open an Armenian bank account with just a passport? Yes, a passport is usually enough, and opening an account as a foreigner is straightforward. Cards from Armenian banks work with the international payment networks, and you need the account for rent, utility bills and property deals.

On what basis can I get a residence permit in Armenia? A residence permit is issued on the basis of work, business, study or Armenian origin. Owning a home makes the process easier, and Armenia allows dual citizenship.

Where can I buy a SIM card after moving to Yerevan? SIM cards are issued on your passport by the local operators Team, Ucom and Viva-MTS, and their plans are affordable. Home internet in Yerevan is fast and cheap.