Armenia Social Card (Public Service Number) for Foreigners

By WSE.AM editorial team, edited by Mark Muzyka · Updated 23 October 2026

How a foreigner gets Armenia's social card (public service number), even without residence: documents, 1 working day, fees and who can apply online.

Armenia's public service number (ՀԾՀ, still widely called the "social card" or "social security number") is a 10-digit number you need to receive a salary, pay taxes and open a bank account. Foreigners with a residence permit get it on their residence card, and a foreigner staying in Armenia legally without residence status can request one at the Migration and Citizenship Service. The number is issued within 1 working day.

Up to date as of 23 October 2026. This is not legal advice: laws change, check the source or a lawyer before acting.

What the Armenian social card (public service number) is

The ՀԾՀ (հանրային ծառայությունների համարանիշ) is a 10-digit public service number. It was formerly known as the "social card", which is why people still search for "Armenia social card" or "Armenia social security number". Under the law it is mandatory:

• when a salary, pension or benefit is paid to you;
• when your taxes are calculated;
• when you open a bank account.

In practice you will need it soon after you move: for your first job contract, for payroll and for your bank. If you plan to work for an Armenian employer, read our guide to the work permit in Armenia as well.

Can a foreigner get a social card in Armenia?

Yes, and a residence permit is not required. What matters is that you are in Armenia legally.

So a visitor, a remote worker or a newcomer who has not applied for residence yet can still get a number. If you are planning to stay long term, see residence permit types and documents and the new residence rules from November 2026.

Documents you need

A foreigner without residence status applies in person to the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with:

1. An application. 2. A foreign passport. 3. A notarised translation of the passport.

The translation must be certified by a notary. The state duty for a notary to certify a translation is 500 AMD per page. Government decision N 419-Ն, which sets the procedure, lists only these documents for this case.

How long it takes and how much it costs

The "Armenia social card price" is a popular question, but we could not find an official fee anywhere in the published rules. Ask the Migration and Citizenship Service before your visit.

Applying online

An online application exists only for two groups: foreigners who are getting a work-based temporary residence permit, and EAEU citizens receiving a certificate of legal residence. They can apply for the ՀԾՀ through the unified electronic platform workpermit.am. EAEU citizens do not need a work permit; non-EAEU nationals do, and the employer arranges it on the same platform.

For a foreigner without residence status the official procedure is an application with the documents listed above. We found no official online booking or online number lookup for this case, so we cannot confirm one.

What is changing

The Law on the Public Service Number will cease to apply from the day after the new state population register database is launched. This is set by law ՀՕ-233-Ն of 3 July 2025. The launch date is not named in official sources, and we did not find what will replace the ՀԾՀ. For now the number is still required for work, taxes and banking.

If you have just arrived and are looking for a place to live, browse apartments for rent in Yerevan or ask our team to find a flat for you.

Sources

• Law of the Republic of Armenia on the Public Service Number (arlis.am)
• Government decision N 419-Ն on the procedure for assigning the public service number (arlis.am)
• Law on State Duty, notary fees (arlis.am)

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner get an Armenian social card without a residence permit? Yes. A foreigner who is in Armenia legally without residence status can request a public service number. You need an application, your passport and its notarised translation.

How long does it take to get a social card in Armenia? The number is assigned within 1 working day after you submit the documents. It is issued as a certificate.

What is the Armenia social card price? No official fee for assigning the number to a foreigner is published in decision N 419-Ն. Check the amount with the Migration and Citizenship Service; budget separately for the notarised passport translation (500 AMD state duty per page).

Can I apply for the Armenia social card online? Only if you are getting a work-based residence permit or you are an EAEU citizen receiving a certificate of legal residence: then you can apply via workpermit.am. Other foreigners apply in person.

Do I need a separate number if I already have a residence permit? No. For residence permit holders the public service number is printed on the residence card.

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