It goes without saying that having a strong employment foothold in Armenia is key when making a move to the country. The job market has evolved rapidly in recent years, offering both career opportunities and complex challenges for those who choose to return. Whether you’re a member of the diaspora planning to move to Armenia for work or a professional curious about the country’s growing industries, you need to understand the realities of working in Armenia in 2025 in order to make more informed decisions.
 

Armenia’s Job Market in 2025

Armenia’s economy continues to roll with the punches. In early 2025, we saw the highest number of salaried jobs, over 783,000 positions, with unemployment dropping to around 13.9%. The Armenia job market 2025 is diversifying, with growth in IT, finance, tourism, education, and renewable energy. The most promising areas for repatriates and foreign professionals in Armenia include software development, UX design, content creation, marketing, project management, and fintech. Ever since COVID-19, many companies, especially those in Yerevan, have adopted hybrid and remote-friendly models, creating flexibility for newcomers. The government is also following suit. It supports innovation and entrepreneurship, making employment in Armenia 2025 not only about finding a job, but also about building new ventures.

Why Repatriates Have an Edge

Because of its evolving state, Armenia is in constant need for skilled professionals. This gives diaspora Armenians a natural advantage. International experience, bilingual communication skills, and exposure to Western work culture are all in demand from many employers. This unique background helps repatriates bridge local and global business mindsets. Organizations such as Repat Armenia, Birthright Armenia, and COAF provide networking and relocation assistance, helping people transition smoothly into living and working in Armenia. The combination of cultural familiarity and professional experience makes repatriates valuable assets to Armenia’s evolving workforce.

Challenges of Working in Armenia

As expected, returning isn’t without obstacles. The challenges of working in Armenia often start with bureaucracy: permits, paperwork, and administrative steps can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a newcomer.

A Different Working Style

Then there’s adjusting to the working culture in Armenia. Communication styles and hierarchies might be completely different from what you’re used to. Some repats, like Nareg from Digitain, also had problems adjusting to working hours. “I had a 7-4 schedule before. I’d get home at 5 PM and had the whole evening ahead of me. Starting at 9 AM or 10 AM in Armenia felt like I was running behind all the time!”

Salary Expectations

A major issue in finding employment in Armenia is salary expectations. Wages have been increasing across sectors, but salaries in Armenia are still lower compared to Western economies. For example, the national average salary is around 275,000 AMD per month (roughly $700 USD). While this may appeal to the local workforce, someone from abroad may look at it as meagre earnings compared to their country of origin. That being said, tech and international companies often pay above average, making jobs in Armenia for repatriates more financially viable.

Adjustment Periods

Aside from all of this, we receive reports from repatriates needing patience during the first months of adaptation. After all, it’s not just about landing a job. Finding housing, opening bank accounts, and understanding tax systems all take time. Yet many say the long-term reward outweighs the short-term inconvenience.

How to Find a Job in Armenia as a Repatriate

There was a time when the only credible way of finding employment in Armenia was the “I know someone who knows someone” approach. We’ve come a long way since then, thanks to active job portals and professional networks. Top platforms like Staff.am, Job.am, and LinkedIn feature hundreds of listings each month, many of which welcome diaspora candidates. You can also check out facilitation programs like the one offered by Repat Armenia in collaboration with Staff.am to give yourself a headstart. Another rosetta stone for repatriation jobs in Armenia is networking. It plays an even bigger role here than in many other countries. We advise attending local events, coworking spaces, or joining diaspora communities. This is where you can uncover opportunities that aren’t advertised online. Volunteering or freelancing also serve as entry points while building credibility in the local market. It’s a modern version of “I know someone who knows someone,” without the extra headaches!
 

If you’re not a citizen, you might require a work permit in Armenia or temporary residency card. However, many repatriates are eligible for simplified procedures through dual citizenship or special repatriation programs. If you’re an expat instead, we suggest speaking to your employer as many companies help their employees in acquiring the necessary paperwork.

Career Opportunities for Repatriates and Expats

The strongest job opportunities in Armenia currently lie in:

• IT and digital services (software engineering, QA, data science)
• Creative industries (marketing, UX/UI, content writing, animation)
• Education and NGOs (international schools, development projects)
• Tourism and hospitality (hotels, tour companies, event planning)
• Startups and entrepreneurship (early-stage ventures seeking talent)

Remote and hybrid roles also enable professionals to work for international companies while living in Armenia, blending global income with local life quality. For repatriates seeking both purpose and career development, Armenia’s startup ecosystem provides a unique chance to shape industries from the ground up.

Stories and Insights from Repatriates

Who better than repats to capture the real experience of working in Armenia?

Take Armen Mardirossian, for example. Born in the U.S., Armen decided to repatriate after volunteering with Birthright Armenia. After navigating paperwork and multiple interviews, he landed a position at ServiceTitan, a top employer in the country. His advice? “The greater the risk, the greater the reward. You only know if you can truly build your life here after two or three years.”

Nagash, who left Spain after the 2020 war, returned to Armenia and soon joined PicsArt as a tech specialist. If you look at his leap of faith, you’ll be reminded that aligning work with personal values can be as important as financial gain.

Tsoleen Sarian also has an interesting story: She moved from Boston to Yerevan in her 40s, which was quite the daring move. Tsoleen emphasizes patience: “It’s not about perfection; it’s about participation. I came to live, not to visit.”

Their stories underline one truth: success in Armenia requires adaptability, initiative, and emotional commitment.
 

Adapting to the Local Work Culture

If you’re in it for the long run, you need to understand the working culture in Armenia. Workplaces here often balance formal respect for hierarchy with a friendly, family-like atmosphere. Initiative and reliability are highly valued, but so is patience. Compared to Western countries or places like Japan, processes move at what feels like a snail’s pace. That being said, results are always delivered.

Ask any repat who’s been in Armenia for more than a decade, and they’ll concur that English proficiency is improving in the country, especially in Yerevan. While that’s the case, knowing Armenian (or Russian) can make professional life smoother. For foreign professionals in Armenia, this linguistic adjustment can open new doors.
 

Look Outside the Box
 

You’ve heard of success stories in IT, tourism, and other sectors. But what if you looked at employment from a whole other perspective? Case in point: Narine Poladian. She moved to Armenia from Beirut and became known as the first female khachkar master in the country. She currently lives and works in Gyumri with her husband, and has released a line of miniature DIY khachkar kits for kids and adults. Perhaps you can find a unique angle like Narine, and start a fresh concept in Armenia after you repatriate. The country is growing, and the sky’s the limit!
 

How to Make the Transition Easier

To ease your move, plan ahead. Start applying for jobs three to six months before you actually arrive in Yerevan, and secure temporary housing early on. It’s also a good idea to build a financial cushion to manage initial expenses and currency differences. Don’t be shy, either. Try to join communities like Repat Armenia’s network or coworking hubs such as Impact Hub Yerevan to connect with like-minded returnees. Consider short-term freelance or consulting work while settling in. And most importantly, stay open to learning; Armenia’s evolving landscape rewards you if you’re flexible enough.
 

Living and Working in Armenia: The Big Picture

Repatriating is more than a career move. It’s a journey where you rediscover not just yourself in a new context, but Armenia as well. For many, working in Armenia means finding meaning beyond a paycheck: contributing to a country on the rise, reconnecting with roots, and being part of a shared future.

Yes, challenges exist. But as the country modernizes and industries expand, the balance between opportunity and risk is shifting favorably. Whether you’re seeking career development in Armenia, a slower pace of life, or a meaningful impact, there’s room for you here. Go ahead and book that flight - but after doing your research!