Yerevan: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Yerevan is the capital of Armenia, with about 1.1 million residents, a third of the country's population. The city lives on IT and software development, services, tourism, trade and finance. Since 2022 tens of thousands of Russian citizens and hundreds of technology companies have moved here, so the centre has new offices, cafés and coworking spaces, and rent has risen noticeably.

Yerevan suits developers and remote professionals, entrepreneurs working with Russia and the Eurasian Union markets, families who value safety and Russian in daily life, and anyone looking for an affordable base close to Europe and the Middle East.

Districts where expats live

• Kentron - the centre with the Cascade, Northern Avenue and the opera, everything within walking distance, the highest rent.
• Arabkir - a green prestigious district near the centre, quieter and better for families.
• Kanaker-Zeytun - on a slope with views of Ararat, cheaper than the centre.
• Davtashen and Ajapnyak - new buildings and parks, cheaper but further from the centre.
• Nor Nork - a large residential district with the most affordable rent.

Cost of living

The rate is about 362 drams per dollar on 6 October 2026, and the dram has strengthened in recent years. Groceries, taxis and restaurants are cheaper than in Moscow and European capitals, while rent in the centre is comparable to large Eastern European cities.

Practicalities: climate, transport, language

Climate. Sharply continental, with the city at about 1,000 metres: summers are dry and hot up to 35-40°C, winters are cold, down to minus 10°C. The best months are May, June, September and October. Transport. One metro line, buses and minibuses, and cheap, convenient ride-hailing taxis. Language. Armenian is the state language, Russian is understood almost everywhere, and young people speak English. Money. Banks readily open accounts for Russian citizens and cards are accepted in most places.

Taxes

You become a tax resident after 183 days in the country in a year. Income tax on salary is 20%, a sole trader providing services usually pays 10% of turnover, corporate tax is 18% and VAT is 20%. The zero regime for IT companies has been closed. More in taxes in Armenia.

Moving and legal status

• Russian citizens need no visa and can stay up to 180 days a year without a residence permit;
• citizens of Eurasian Union countries work without a work permit;
• a temporary residence permit for up to a year for work, business or study, with a decision in 30 days and a fee of about $290, rising to about $420 from 1 November 2026;
• from 1 November 2026 a permit holder who spends more than 183 days outside Armenia must notify the migration service within 10 days;
• citizenship is available after 3 years of residence, and dual citizenship is allowed.

We arrange the residence permit, register a company or sole trader and help open the bank account.

Business and banks

A company or sole trader is registered in one or two days, with almost no share capital required. Banks open accounts for non-residents but check the source of funds and sanctions risks, so payments to and from Russia take longer than before. Many keep an account in another country for payments with European clients.

Is the city worth considering

Pros: visa-free entry and a simple residence permit for Russian citizens, Russian in daily life, safety, affordable living outside the centre, fast business registration and great food. Cons: hot summers and cold winters, higher rent, weak public transport and bank checks. Yerevan works as a convenient base for remote workers and those trading with Eurasian Union markets.