Knowledge base / Living in Armenia
Public services number in Armenia: how a foreigner gets one
What it is
The PSN is your personal identification number in Armenia, similar to a social security number elsewhere. It used to come as a plastic card, hence the name "social card". Today you get a certificate with the number.
Banks, the tax office, employers, notaries and state systems all use it. Your income, taxes and social contributions are recorded against it.
The number does not make you a tax resident and does not by itself give you the right to live or work in Armenia. It is simply your record number in Armenian databases.
Who needs it
- Anyone opening a personal or business bank account. Banks almost always ask for the number or a certificate of refusal.
- Anyone taking a job with an Armenian company. Without it, the employer cannot easily pay your salary and taxes.
- Anyone registering an IE or LLC who will deal with banks and the tax office.
- Anyone who plans to use Armenian online public services and the tax office's personal account.
Any foreigner legally present in Armenia can get a PSN. You do not need a residence permit.
How to get it
- Get a notarised translation of your passport.
An Armenian translation certified by an Armenian notary. If you already hold residence status, your residence document works instead. - Go to a Migration and Citizenship Service office.
Any branch will do, including the main office in Yerevan. Addresses are on the service's website; the hotline is 8422. - Submit the application.
Bring your passport, the translation and copies of both. - Collect the certificate.
It is issued straight away. Make a few copies and keep a scan.
You can also apply online, but only after logging in with Armenian electronic ID. For newcomers it is easier to go in person.
Key facts
- Cost: free.
- Timing: same day.
- Documents: passport, notarised Armenian translation, copies.
- The number is assigned once. If you lose the certificate, you can request it again.
If you do not want a number
You can get a certificate of refusal instead. It is also free and issued on the spot. Banks accept it in place of the number. You can apply in person or through a representative, and the power of attorney does not need to be notarised.
Common mistakes
- Arriving without a notarised translation of your passport. The application will not be accepted.
- A typo in the Latin spelling of your name in the translation. Your data will not match your bank records later.
- Paying an intermediary for "fast processing". The service is already free and quick.
The usual next step is a bank account: see Personal bank account in Armenia. If you plan to work for yourself, read how to register a sole proprietor.
Frequently asked questions
What is the public services number or social card in Armenia?
It is your personal identification number in Armenian databases, used by banks, the tax office and employers. It does not make you a tax resident or give you the right to live or work in Armenia.
Do I need a public services number to open a bank account in Armenia?
Banks almost always ask for the number or a certificate of refusal. It is also needed for a job with an Armenian company and for dealing with banks and the tax office as an IE or LLC.
How does a foreigner get a public services number in Armenia?
Take your passport, a notarised Armenian translation of it and copies of both to any Migration and Citizenship Service office. The certificate is free and issued the same day.
Can I refuse to get a public services number in Armenia?
Yes. You can get a free certificate of refusal on the spot, and banks accept it instead of the number. A representative can apply for you with a power of attorney that does not need to be notarised.
Starting a business in Armenia?
We register IEs and LLCs and help with the bank account, tax regime and reporting.
Sources: migration.mia.gov.am — PSN certificate, migration.mia.gov.am — certificate of refusal of a PSN