Digital Nomads – Why Armenia?

Work online, and have fun offline 😉

Despite its small size and potentially overlooking neighbors, Armenia packs a punch by becoming an up-and-coming destination for Digital Nomads. Due to its affordable cost of living in Armenia, low tax rates, hospitable people, and growing tech industry, Armenia proves to have a big potential to become a perfect destination for IT companies and communities. Without any doubt, the capital city, Yerevan, is home to a number of startups, and businesses and offers a bunch of restaurants, cafes, and co-working spaces in Yerevan and the outskirts. While the country’s breathtaking landscapes, crystal lakes, scenic mountains, and ancient monasteries will become a desired place to relax and take a break. However, the advantages of Armenia for digital nomads cannot be this limited, let’s go through some of the most important points. 

In comparison with other countries, Armenia does not have too many visa requirements. Recently, the Armenian government has made changes in visa requirements for digital nomads that made the process easier and stress-free. The newly introduced nomad visa, allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up to 180 days per year. The visa is open to anyone who works remotely, such as a foreign employer, business owner, or freelancer. For the visa approval applicants must provide proof of employment or freelance job, along with health insurance coverage and a criminal record check. Surely, do not forget about a valid passport, its translation, and a complete application form. The visa for temporary residence costs 105.000 AMD or $270 equivalent, while for permanent residence is 140.000 AMD or $360. Both can be obtained through the Armenian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country, or upon arrival in Armenia. It takes around 2 months to get the approval. 

The hot spot of the country from all perspectives, the capital Yerevan will amaze its visitors with its modern style of architecture, affordability, and flexibility. Regardless of its small size, Yerevan equips everyone with all possible means to work remotely. The city center is very comfortable as Yerevan apartment rentals are not high and there are lots of coworking spaces around. Transportation is very cheap and offers a variety to choose from, like subway stations, public transport, car rentals, and taxi services. Also recently the capital was added with bicycle and scooter renting services. Cafes and restaurants comprise a large portion of the city’s life. Each one of them offers a variety of local and international cuisines. The prices are reasonable and affordable. In addition to this, cafes and restaurants offer free and fast wifi and comfortable zones to work remotely. The capital also has a big number of business centers, where companies, banks, and offices are located with all possible means. 

Armenia, in general, is considered to be an affordable destination for digital nomads. The cost of living can vary based on your lifestyle, apartments, and the city you choose to live in. Compared to the other cities of the country, Yerevan is much more expensive, but significantly lower than in most European cities. The apartment rentals in Yerevan can vary from $400 – 700 per month, while in European cities it can cost up to $1500 per month. As mentioned above, Yerevan is booming with its sheer number of cafes and restaurants and co-working spaces. In this case the average meal costs from $5-7, while in a much more expensive one, it goes upwards to $10-20. Grocery prices are relatively low. You can buy your needed foods, vegetables, fruits, so said everything from near markets without spending too much money. In any case, Yerevan is a perfect destination for those who are looking for a cheap destination, where prices are more than worth it.

Finally, we have come to the cultural advantages of the country. Despite its traumatic history, Armenia takes pride in its rich cultural heritage and millennia-old history. Being one of the cradles of civilization, Armenia is the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion and carries some of the oldest churches and monasteries inside of its borders. However, this is not the end. Armenia has a rich cultural heritage and those are mainly preserved in national museums of the country. Matendaran and the National Museum of Armenia are some of the must-visit museums of the country. While festivals all around the year will keep the spirits high and give a big portion of energy, fun, and entertainment. In other words, Armenia gives you a large variety of opportunities to discover the land and fall in love with its culture, history, and people. Digital nomads, you will not get bored, for sure. Besides this, you can find lots of clubs of any sort of music, and dance, museums dedicated to the professionals in their fields, monasteries and historical sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and incredibly delicious cuisine.

This is the section that maybe plays the most important part of the scenario. Armenians differ from others thanks to their hospitality. Enough to mention that during the times of paganism, only the Armenian nation had the God of Hospitality – Vanatur. When guests visit an Armenian home, they are welcomed with an abundance of food, drinks, and warmth. And sometimes, refusing any of the dishes, they may take it personally. Armenians also `enjoy hosting large family meals and social gatherings, often preparing special dishes for these occasions. Guests are treated with the utmost respect, and it’s common for hosts to go above and beyond to ensure their comfort. Armenians believe that hospitality is a moral duty and treat guests as an extension of their family.