IT is a huge industry in Armenia. Indeed, it is no accident that the Armenian SSR became known as the “Silicon Valley of the Soviet Union.” The Yerevan Computer Research and Development Institute began conducting research in the field as early as 1958. With its long history of excellence in engineering and related fields, the country was poised to become a world leader in IT upon gaining independence.

Repats working in the field will find numerous possibilities for IT jobs in Armenia. Depending on your specialty and how you choose to get involved, there are a wide variety of ways that you can use your skills in the country.

Explore Remote Work Opportunities

Armenia is an excellent choice for remote workers. While the country does not offer a digital nomad visa per se, it does offer one-year and five-year residence permits. Obtaining one of these permits can eventually lead to Armenian citizenship. Requirements are straightforward, and there is no minimum income requirement as there are in many countries. 

Another advantage of living in Armenia on a residence permit is that you are not prevented from working with local businesses. Permit holders are free to explore the many avenues for collaborating with local IT companies, whether through full-fledged employment, partnerships, or other initiatives. 

Tap into Local IT Growth

The IT industry is big in the country, and it continues to grow. With some degree of fluctuation, the industry has generally been on a steady rise in recent years and is expected to surpass $143 million this year. While some of the world’s biggest tech names come from the diaspora - including powerhouses Noubar Afeyan, Alexis Ohanian, and others - talent in the republic also abounds. In fact, there is an entire ministry devoted to the field.

Tech companies in Armenia specialize in many different areas, including:

• Customized software
• Web design
• Mobile app development
• IT services
• Graphic design
• Gaming

The country is also becoming a world leader in machine learning/AI and many of the fundamentals of digitization that are helping to drive the field globally. It is truly the ideal place for specialists to find their niche and grow in new directions.

Start or Join a Startup

Startups in Armenia present diverse opportunities for repats. Some of the most famous companies have gone on to become global leaders in their respective fields. Picsart, Krisp, and SupperAnnotate are just a few names that have gone onto global acclaim. And there are numerous others that hold just as much promise.

The process of creating and registering startups has become simplified in recent years. There are also over 1000 startups with which interested people can collaborate, and even an academy that helps individuals and groups grow their businesses.

Connect with IT Communities

Depending on your particular sphere of interest, there are multiple IT communities that you can connect with in Armenia. One of these communities aims to assist interested specialists in many aspects of tech development in the country, from machine learning fundamentals to product creation to sharing new business opportunities. 

Connecting with IT communities can be invaluable to repats in the field. On a fundamental level, joining a community gives people a sense of how things are developing in the sector. It also provides avenues for collaboration, new project participation, and brainstorming ideas with local counterparts. The country now boasts top-notch facilities, labs, and coworking spaces that can rival the best in the world.

Benefits of the Armenian IT Sector for Repatriates

Repats with experience in IT can both contribute to and gain from collaboration with local IT companies. They can provide incubation support in the form of connections to outside companies, advisory support, and assistance with funding opportunities for startups. 

Collaborating with local startups can facilitate the exchange of ideas and open up new avenues for development. When working together, repats bring in knowledge from industry experts in their home countries and, combined with the knowledge they gain from their local counterparts, there is fertile ground for new ideas. These exchanges are mutually beneficial to repats and locals alike.

Explore IT in Armenia Today

If you work in IT and are potentially interested in moving to the country, you should start exploring job opportunities in Armenia today. The country has a wealth of talent and potential for growth, and locals are eager to collaborate with like-minded counterparts from the diaspora. Get on the bandwagon while you can!