Can a bank card be issued remotely?
 

Armenia remains one of the most convenient countries for non-residents who want to open a bank account and use international payment systems. The local banking system is considered stable: fees are moderate, online services are developing rapidly, and mobile banking is available 24/7.
 

At the same time, there is an important requirement that non-residents should be aware of in advance: the first visit to a bank must be in person. Even if a bank’s website includes sections such as “For Non-Residents” or buttons like “Open Account Online”, these do not replace mandatory in-person identification. This is a legal requirement, and banks cannot bypass it.
 

To avoid misunderstandings, let’s go through the process step by step.

Why do non-residents open bank cards in Armenia?
 

Bank cards issued by Armenian banks are popular among non-residents for several reasons:

• a stable banking system and a high level of fund protection;
• full operation of Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and ArCa;
• the ability to open accounts in multiple currencies — AMD, USD, EUR, RUB;
• fast payments and convenient transfers;
• modern mobile apps and round-the-clock access to services.

As a result, Armenian bank cards are convenient to use both within the country and abroad.

Can a non-resident open a bank card in Armenia remotely?
 

The short answer is no, if you have never passed in-person identification at an Armenian bank before.

By law, a bank must personally verify a client’s identity at the first point of contact. Therefore:

• fully remote opening of the first card is not possible;
• video identification is not accepted;
• a representative cannot complete identification on your behalf.

After the initial in-person visit, the restrictions become less strict. Many banks allow existing clients to issue additional cards online and use remote services.

What can and cannot be done online
 

Available online:

• submitting a preliminary application;
• reviewing conditions for non-residents;
• issuing additional cards after personal identification;
• ordering virtual cards;
• receiving a card through an authorized representative.

Not available online:

• primary (first-time) identification;
• opening the first account and the first card;
• acting through a representative before identification.

Opening a card entirely remotely is not possible, but the process can be prepared for and simplified.

Why do banks use the terms “For Non-Residents” and “Open Account Online”?
 

These sections often cause confusion. In practice, they are not intended for remote issuance of the first card but rather to make the process more convenient for clients:

• to display conditions specifically for non-residents;
• to allow applications to be submitted in advance;
• to speed up service at the branch;
• to enable online issuance of additional cards for existing clients.

They do not replace an in-person visit.

Where to compare card conditions conveniently
 

When choosing a bank, it is important to see the full market picture rather than isolated offers. Financial product aggregators are useful for this purpose.

For example, AFM (Armenian Financial Marketplace) is an independent platform that collects up-to-date information on debit cards offered by Armenian banks, including options for non-residents. In the “Debit Cards” section, you can compare fees, tariffs, and bank requirements and understand in advance which options suit you best.

Representatives and powers of attorney
 

After you have personally completed identification, you may issue a power of attorney to another person.

A representative may:

• submit documents to the bank;
• receive the card and PIN envelope;
• sign documents within the granted authority;
• arrange card reissuance.

However, a representative cannot complete primary identification or open your first card on your behalf.

A power of attorney must be notarized and, in most cases, requires an apostille and translation.

How the card issuance process works in practice
 

The process begins with choosing a bank. Conditions for non-residents vary, so it is advisable to review offers in advance.
 

Many Armenian banks work with non-residents, including Ameriabank, IDBank, Evocabank, Ardshinbank, Artsakhbank, VTB Armenia, and others.

Next comes an in-person visit to a branch to complete identification. This is a mandatory step that cannot be replaced by online procedures.

After that, the card can be issued directly at the branch or an application can be submitted online if the bank allows this for non-residents. At this stage, you choose the account currency, payment system, and card type.

The card can be received in person at the branch, through a representative with a power of attorney, or online in the case of virtual cards.

Required documents
 

As a rule, banks request:

• a passport or international passport;
• a residential address;
• in some cases, a tax identification number or a bank statement;
• a power of attorney, if the card is collected by a representative.

Conclusion
 

A non-resident cannot open a bank card in Armenia completely remotely if they have not previously passed in-person identification.

However, after the first visit, online services become available, including virtual cards, issuance of additional cards, and interaction with the bank through an authorized representative.

To avoid unnecessary visits and expenses, it is advisable to compare bank conditions in advance and choose the most suitable option.