Publications
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-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=1b2060b4f5a085390d04e8e0e129af3d "“What I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Armenia?” Reported Directly by Repats")
Repat Story18.08.2025Moving to Armenia is a deeply personal experience, often a mix of excitement, uncertainty and anxiety. For many diasporans, relocating to Armenia fulfills the dream of living in the homeland. But what is it really like to move to Armenia in reality? We spoke to a number of repats to ask what they honestly wish they knew before moving to Armenia. From unexpected cultural nuances to bureaucratic surprises, they share honest reflections on what they wish they had known before making Armenia their home. -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=c25a7b5c1540980c91d611d47c9bb4ca "A Breakdown Of The Repat Armenia Lexicon")
Tips15.08.2025You may have noticed that we use a lot of different terms at Repat Armenia to describe the different people who make up the community here in Armenia. From “Partial Repat” to “ABC”, we recognize that this terminology can sometimes get a little confusing. When learning about all these different words, you’ll quickly realize that there are many different types of people who contribute to daily life in Armenia. So, to help you understand about all the different people living and working in Armenia, here’s a complete breakdown of all the terms we use here at Repat Armenia. -
-webp(85)-o(jpg).webp?token=db051e762674c9d3b343a2fa151863b8 "Intro to Renting in Armenia + How to Rent Safely")
Tips10.08.2025Probably the first thing on your mind when planning a move to Armenia is how you’re going to figure out where to live. Accommodation in a new country can be difficult to navigate with unfamiliar processes that feel both overwhelming and intimidating. While we understand that many repats wish to buy in Armenia, we generally recommend renting for at least 6 months first to get a feel of different areas before settling on the property that is completely right for you. But how do you go about this? There are so many questions that race through our minds when renting in a new place. How to find a property? Is it safe? How do contracts work? Fear not! We’re here to help you navigate renting in Armenia. -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=6034d524e0be48494831556c38bb8d74 "Love in Craft: Shagé Ter-Arutyunyan and the Work of the “Brutshen” Studio")
Repat Story31.07.2025Shagé Ter-Arutyunyan was born in the Middle East in an artistic family, which determined both his professional path and his choice of rich colors and textures that represent his unique style. “I was born in Aleppo, grew up in a creative atmosphere: my father was a designer, my mother a poetess. Since childhood, I dreamed of coming to Armenia and studying here,” says Shagé. -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=af770e0fa4a9119a787db9b94b295c5b "Beyond Yerevan – My Homeland")
Repat Story28.07.20252 minAll her conscious life, Stacey Terteryan had heard many conversations about the historical homeland, about returning to it – but never saw it happen. And when she reached a difficult period of searching for herself, Stacey decided to begin that journey in the homeland. “I’m a pure Armenian. My parents are from Beirut, I was born in Fresno. I was three when my father passed away, and my mom and I moved to Los Angeles to live with my grandparents. In my family and community, there were always many stories about the homeland. My grandmother always spoke to me in Armenian. But I only visited Armenia for the first time after both my mom and grandmother passed away,” Stacey begins. -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=7f4b17729231378a3523f4f30fbe17f8 "Being Honest in the Love for the Village")
Repat Story23.07.20252 minMost repatriates look for work and new opportunities only in the capital, knowing that life in Armenia is concentrated in Yerevan, and it is easier to start a new life there. Today’s story is about a young woman who repatriated directly to Lori and, together with her husband, began creating work opportunities and changes for her family in the region. -
-webp(85)-o(jpg).webp?token=c66b95fa1357d37e7ad5ff044a90cc92 "Buying Property in Armenia for Non-Residents: Mortgages, Documents, and 2025 Nuances")
Tips15.07.2025In Armenia, only about 52 out of 206 mortgage programs are available to non-residents. However, there are advantageous exceptions for foreigners and repatriates, such as foreign currency loans, online application options, and accommodating banks. This article will walk you through the process of buying a home in Armenia without an Armenian passport. -
-webp(85)-o(jpg).webp?token=f217f848b07c527a715f1152f0b822ee "A Magnet for “The Big Commonwealth”")
Armenian by Choice13.07.2025“Armenia is magnetic,” says Ivan Krisanov The first time Ivan visited Armenia was in 2017 – just as a tourist. Soon enough, he returned for business forums: organizing, attending, and bringing others along. In 2019, he took part in the Shape Eurasia Forum, supported by the World Economic Forum, and later that year he brought a business mission of Ivanovo entrepreneurs to Yerevan. Big Friendship in a Small Camp -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=ce11a0269c3d409316d05f99e4592124 "Life in Armenia – Desire and Decision")
Repat Story12.06.20252 minThat Nairi Grigoryan is an artist is easy to guess from his image, his manner of speaking, and the environment and atmosphere he creates wherever he steps. In his hands, the brush moves smoothly, stone turns into a work of art, and even the smallest hall becomes a true stage. -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=eabd53951b08e2a236f0042bc787f0a5 "Armenia Has Many Layers…")
Repat Story11.06.2025We met Armen and Victoria Mnatsakanyan during Armenian language classes organized by Repat Armenia. Armen is a crisis manager, born and raised in Moscow, while Victoria is a psychologist who worked for many years in the social sphere: first at Russia’s first children’s home that began placing children into families, and later by training other specialists in this field. -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=e1c59d1c22282919f53b3720c85d994e "Lusine’s Return Home: “Here, Everything Just Feels Right”")
Repat Story05.06.2025You might find this story familiar – recently, Repat Armenia shared how Gayane Bayatyan moved to Armenia from Krasnodar, Russia. Lusine is her sister – and she has been on a similar path. Last September, she made the big move home too, this time through the iGorts program. -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=077a641764138087fa7aec8bbcfd797a "It All Starts With One Person")
Repat Story02.06.20251 minThe Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Sergey Smbatyan, continues to delight Armenian (and international) audiences with innovative programs and internationally acclaimed guest performers and conductors. One of the key figures behind these programs is the vibrant and charismatic Tatev With Wings, who joined the team last year through a three-party invitation from iGorts, the Orchestra, and the Keron Development Foundation. Tatev’s experience is so valuable to Armenia that instead of the usual one-year iGorts contract, she was offered a three-year agreement. -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=0381f574abe17d080228c67fc2b52f00 "Festivals of Faith, Food, and Folklore: Armenia’s Colorful Celebrations")
Tips19.05.20252 minAn Introduction into Armenia’s Favorite Festivals Armenians love a celebration and there are probably many Armenian traditions and festivals that you have never even heard of. Being a land steeped in ancient traditions - both Christian, and with Pagan origins - Armenia’s festivals offer an insight into the history of the nation. Prior to adopting Christianity in 301 AD, many Armenian festivals had Pagan roots, often celebrating the cycle of nature, the seasons and fertility. These festivals would involve dancing, feasting and symbolic rituals to ensure prosperity. Following the adoption of Christianity, these festivals were Christianized as opposed to eliminated, ensuring Armenia’s centuries-long traditions were preserved. Often accompanied by food, music and dance, Armenian festivals preserve Armenian culture and pass down traditions to the next generation. Keep reading to learn about some of Armenia’s most loved festivals that reflect the identity and spirit of the country. -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=a31e464efa8038c896ea02025f7800b6 "Chasing Ararat: An Armenian's Journey from Africa Back to His Roots")
Repat Story16.05.20252 minVicken DerSarkissian moved to Armenia five years ago, having previously lived in Africa for several decades. But this isn’t the first time Vicken has lived in Armenia, after finishing high school in Beirut, he moved to Armenia to study engineering at university for six years. He then went into his family business, which worked with diamonds, prompting his move to Africa. “In the Armenian school in the diaspora in Lebanon they paid great attention to putting Armenia in our minds and hearts”, he says, “When we came home from school, our parents did the same. So Armenia has been part of our hearts and minds since childhood.” Vicken set his heart on going to university in Armenia, not just to study, but to learn about Armenia. “When you apply for a visa, you write the purpose of your visit”, he says, “Everybody writes tourism or holiday or something. I was so filled with idolizing Armenia... I wrote pilgrimage! ... I said that no one goes to his homeland as a tourist. I'm going to my homeland on a pilgrimage!” -
-webp(85)-o(png).webp?token=711a0d66e13db2d7dcaf4e4c4fd5a8b7 "Life in Armenia After 50")
Repat Story30.04.20252 minSome people think that repatriation is only for those who are in their 20s or 30s and “can afford to start a new life.” At Repat Armenia we wholeheartedly disagree. Repats can be any age, and can come from anywhere. As a matter of fact, many repats relocate to Armenia in their 50s and choose to establish themselves from a place of wisdom and understanding, which lends itself to a more enjoyable transition than if they came to Armenia at full steam without any plan or knowledge. To that end, we decided to collect the stories of just a handful of our repats who are in their 50s as their stories will serve as inspiration to many that age is not going to hold you back from living a good life in Armenia.
