Military service in Armenia is the duty of a citizen of the Republic of Armenia to participate in the defense of the Republic of Armenia.
These relations are regulated by the law on military service of the Republic of Armenia.
The conscription process is carried out by the commissions of military commissariats in January and May of the respective year.
Citizens are obliged to present themselves at the military commissariats of their registration place (and if not registered, at the military commissariats of their place of residence) for military registration and conscription for mandatory military service. After the announcement of conscription for mandatory military service, all pre-conscripts are obliged to appear at their registration place's military commissariats within the time specified by the notification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: I have not served in the military. What consequences may arise?
Answer: If you have not fulfilled your obligations, a criminal case is initiated in Armenia, and according to the legislation of the Republic of Armenia, you will be declared wanted.
Question: When and how can criminal prosecution be terminated?
Answer: If you have turned 27 and have not served in the Armenian army, the law of the Republic of Armenia on "Citizens who have not served in mandatory military service in violation of established procedures" applies (please refer to the official clarification provided by the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia below).
Citizens who are subject to exemption from mandatory military service or obtaining a deferment in accordance with established procedures, upon reaching the age of 27, can pay a one-time fine of 3,600,000 AMD (general procedure). Other options are also provided by the same law.
Attention: The law is in effect until December 31, 2019, and its validity will not be extended. Therefore, every citizen who has turned 27 must apply by December 31, 2019.
Question: I do not wish to serve in the army due to my religious beliefs. Is there an alternative?
Answer: Yes. For such citizens, the law on "Alternative Service" of the Republic of Armenia was adopted on December 17, 2003.
Question: I am also a citizen of another country and have already served in that country's army. Am I obliged to serve again in the military in Armenia?
Answer: A citizen of a foreign state who has accepted the citizenship of the Republic of Armenia is exempt from mandatory military service if he/she has served at least 12 months in the armed forces of that foreign state or has completed at least 18 months of alternative military service before accepting the citizenship of the Republic of Armenia, except for the states specified by the Government of the Republic of Armenia.
A citizen of the Republic of Armenia who has accepted the citizenship of a foreign state is not exempt from mandatory military service, regardless of whether he/she has served in a foreign state or not.
Dual citizens are not exempt from military conscription and training gatherings.
Question: I have not served in the Armenian army, then obtained citizenship of another country where I also did not serve in the military.
Answer: Citizens who have not served in mandatory military service in Armenia and later obtained citizenship of another country, upon reaching the age of 27, can also be exempted from the obligation of military service by paying 3,600,000 AMD (please refer to the official clarification provided by the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia below).
Attention: The law is in effect until December 31, 2019, and its validity will not be extended. Therefore, every citizen who has turned 27 and meets the relevant conditions must apply by the end of 2019.