Living and working in Armenia
Armenia is a beautiful little country with a rich history, a welcoming society, and delicious food! On top of that, it is super cheap to live in, and you can explore stunning ancient ruins and beautiful nature every day.
Up for an adventure? On this page you will learn more about living and working in Armenia.
Click below to read more about:
Latest available jobs in Armenia
Korean Online Game Presenter – Armenia, paid visa
We are seeking Game Presenters to work in a fast-paced, international studio in Armenia. As a Game Presenter, you will host games, interact with players, and develop your presentation skills in a dynamic and entertaining environment.
Portuguese (Brazilian accent) Online Game Presenter – Armenia, paid visa
We are seeking Game Presenters to work in a fast-paced, international studio in Armenia. As a Game Presenter, you will host games, interact with players, and develop your presentation skills in a dynamic and entertaining environment.
Currency
The Armenian Dram (AMD) is the official currency in Armenia
Famous people
Some famous Armenian people are Charles Aznavour, Kim Kardashian (Armenian descent), and Alexander Ovechkin
Population
Armenia has ~2.9 million residents, mainly living in the capital Yerevan
Typical food
Among popular dishes you will find Dolma (stuffed grape leaves), khorovats (grilled meat), lavash (flatbread)
Avg. working week
Armenia has a 40-hour work week, 8 hours daily, 5 days a week
Location
Armenia is landlocked and borders Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran and Turkey to the south
Languages
The official language is Armenian, and many people also speak Russian
Healthcare
Armenia has free basic healthcare. Private health insurance becomes more popular, as it can provide access to a wider range of treatments
What you need to know about living and working in Armenia
Armenia offers a budget-friendly paradise with affordable housing, delicious food, and cheap daily expenses. The country is rich in history, with ancient ruins and a warm, welcoming community. The country has low crime rates, providing peace of mind for travellers. Yerevan, Armenia’s amazing capital city, has a long list of possibilities for exploring. Beyond the city, Armenia offers amazing nature, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts as well.
Armenia is the perfect destination for you if you love:
- Low cost of living allows for affordable food and accommodation.
- Historical wonders like ancient ruins and churches.
- Delicious Armenian food with fresh local ingredients and flavourful herbs.
- Beautiful landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts, including mountains and valleys.
One of the most iconic symbols of Armenia is Mount Ararat, which is considered a national symbol despite being located just across the border in Turkey. Moreover, the Armenian Apostolic Church has a big effect on Armenian culture and identity because it is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. The Armenian people are very proud of their architecture, rituals, and traditions.
What is it like to work in Armenia?
- Armenia provides an affordable lifestyle with a skilled workforce and a growing economy, particularly in tech and tourism.
- Finding work outside Yerevan can be challenging, especially for foreigners. Wages are generally lower than in Western countries, and navigating bureaucracy can be time-consuming.
- Armenian work culture is hierarchical, but is evolving towards a more collaborative style. The flat income tax rate can be beneficial for some. Despite these challenges, working in Armenia can be rewarding for those who value a lower cost of living, a skilled workforce, and a growing economy.
How to find housing in Armenia
To find housing in Armenia, use online platforms like Realestate.am, Ameria.am, and Spyur.am, join expat or housing-related Facebook groups, work with a licensed real estate agent, and consider short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb for temporary housing before finding a permanent place.
Websites:
- Realestate.am: A popular Armenian real estate website listing rentals and sales.
- Ameria.am: Another Armenian real estate website offering rental and sales listings.
- Spyur.am: A website catering to Armenians abroad, it might have listings for rentals suitable for expats.
Why should you start living and working in Armenia?
Armenia is a fantastic location for expats, workers, and businesses to settle down due to its low cost of living, rich history, and welcoming people. The country’s lower cost of living compared to Western countries attracts many young people to kickstart their careers.
The country is well-known for experiencing all four seasons. The country becomes a winter wonderland when the weather drops below freezing, and the summers are perfect for outdoor activities. Outside of the city, Armenia has plenty of stunning natural beauty with rivers and Mount Ararat. Opportunities exist to contribute to Armenia’s expanding economy, which is experiencing expansion in sectors such as technology and tourism.
Popular cities in Armenia
Speak to one of our recruiters
Hazal
Life in Armenia
If you’re looking for a beautiful and friendly place to live, filled with history and adventure, Armenia is the perfect place for you. There is a rapidly growing economy, an international work environment, and you will have the delicious Armenian food within reach. Their food is an experience. Come see for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.
How expensive is living in Armenia?
We list the most important costs for life in Armenia:
- Groceries: €185-€275 a month
- Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: €350-€500 a month
- Cheap meal in a restaurant: €7-€11
- Coffee in a café: €2-€3
- Beer in a bar: €1,40-€2,80 for 0.5L
- Cinema ticket: €6
Explore Armenian cuisine
Armenian cuisine is a colourful tapestry made with seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs:
- First things first, is dolma! These are tiny flavor bombs – like little grape leaves stuffed with rice, spices, and sometimes even meat.
- Armenians are experts at grilling meat. These incredible skewers of lamb, poultry, or fish that are roasted over charcoal to a juicy perfection are called khorovats.
- And to top it all off, Armenian sweets are like little bites of sunshine. They have this flaky pastry called gata that comes in sweet or savory flavors, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Where to learn Armenian?
There are always benefits when learning another language. For example having the possibility to feel more integrated in a new culture:
- The National Academy of Sciences of Armenia offers a comprehensive grammar course for Eastern Armenian on their website
- For beginners, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s “Learn Armenian” website provides a solid foundation
- Finally, if you want to focus on spoken Eastern Armenian, ArmenianPod101 is a great resource. Their website and podcast offer lessons and audio content specifically designed to improve your listening comprehension and speaking skills.
Taxes in Armenia
Armenia’s tax system is straightforward:
- There is a flat 20% income tax for most individuals
- Other income taxes include royalties and interest, with exceptions for specific income types.
- Value Added Tax (VAT) is a 20% tax added to goods and services, and property tax varies based on property type. The rate varies from 0.5% to 1% for residential and non-residential land, and higher for agricultural land (15%).
Still not convinced about Armenia?
Let us paint a picture for you: it might make you want to get your passport and start packing right now:
- Armenia offers a lifestyle that is both enchanting and fulfilling, with lots of natural beauty, rich culture, welcoming locals, and a wide range of arts and music.
- People in Armenia are known for being friendly and like one big family. They love to share their culture, including their amazing art, music, and delicious food (which is very affordable by the way!).
- There are modern art galleries to explore and lively music places where you can dance all night.
- Armenia is a great starting point to travel around the Caucasus region. You can visit nearby countries like Georgia and Azerbaijan, or take a road trip through the stunning mountains. There’s always something new to discover!
FAQ
EU citizens don’t need a visa to visit Armenia for tourism, but a work permit is required for employment, typically applied for and taken care of by the employers.
English is less widely spoken than Armenian, but it is understood in tourist areas and especially in the capital city, Yerevan, with many Armenians and younger tourists speaking English.
Armenia has a diverse climate. On average the seasons will be like this:
- Spring: Mild and fresh. 6–12°C early spring, 15–24°C late spring
- Summer: Hot, dry and sunny. 25-35°C
- Autumn: Mild, sunny and scenic. 8-25°C
- Winter: Cold and snowy. -5 to 0°C in lower regions, temperatures can drop to -10°C in colder or mountainous areas
Armenia has a fairly well-developed transport system, especially in its urban centres. The capital city of Yerevan has taxis, minibuses (called marshrutkas), and a public bus system. Although there may be fewer options for getting around outside of the the city, major towns are connected by minibuses and intercity buses. For travelling across the country, renting a car is another alternative.
