Armenia remains one of the most convenient countries for Russian citizens who want to open a bank account, get a card, and use international payment systems. The local banking system is considered one of the most stable in the region: fees are moderate, services are developing quickly, and online banking is available 24/7.

However, there is an important detail non-residents need to be aware of in advance: your first visit to the bank must be in person. Even if the bank’s website has buttons like “Open Account Online” or sections such as “For Non-Residents,” they do not replace in-person identification. This is a legal requirement, and banks cannot bypass it.

To avoid misunderstandings, let’s break down the entire process step by step.

Why Russians Open Bank Cards in Armenia

For Russian citizens, Armenian bank cards remain a highly relevant and useful tool. There are several reasons for this:

1. the stability of the banking system and a high level of funds protection;
2. full operation of Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and ArCa;
3. the ability to open accounts in multiple currencies – AMD, USD, EUR, and RUB;
4. fast payments and convenient transfers;
5. modern mobile apps and 24/7 access to banking services.

Thanks to this, using an Armenian bank card is convenient both within the country and abroad.

Can Russian Citizens Open a Bank Card in Armenia Remotely?

The short answer is no – not if you have never completed in-person identification at an Armenian bank.

Armenian law requires banks to verify a client’s identity in person during the first interaction. This means:

1. opening your first card remotely is impossible;
2. video identification is not accepted;
3. a representative cannot complete identification on your behalf.

However, once you’ve made that initial visit, the situation changes. Most banks allow clients to issue additional cards online, and the restrictions become much more flexible.

To understand what can and cannot be done remotely, let’s separate the process into two parts.

What You Can Do Online

1. submit a preliminary application (this speeds up the process at the branch);
2. review terms and requirements for non-residents;
3. after your first in-person visit – issue new cards online;
4. order virtual cards;
5. receive physical cards via a representative.

What You Cannot Do Online

1. complete initial identification;
2. open your first account;
3. open your first card;
4. act through a representative before identification.

In summary, you cannot open your very first card entirely remotely – but you can make the overall process much easier.

Why Do Banks Display “For Non-Residents” and “Open Account Online”?

Many people find this confusing. It’s important to understand that these sections are not about opening a card remotely – they are designed to make preparation easier.

They exist to:

1. show the specific terms and requirements for non-residents;
2. allow you to submit an application in advance;
3. speed up the process once you visit a branch;
4. organize card issuance for clients who are already identified.

In other words, the bank helps you prepare – but it does not replace the required in-person visit.

Who Can Act as Your Representative, and What Are They Allowed to Do?

Once you have completed in-person identification, you can issue a power of attorney to another person.

A representative can:

1. submit documents to the bank;
2. receive your card and PIN envelope;
3. sign documents within the scope of their authority;
4. request card reissue.

However, a representative cannot:

1. complete initial identification on your behalf;
2. open your very first card or first account.

A power of attorney must be issued through a notary, and in most cases, an apostille and translation are required.

How a Russian Citizen Can Open a Bank Card in Armenia: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that the basic logic is clear, let’s walk through the entire process step by step.

Step 1. Choose a Bank

Terms for non-residents vary from bank to bank, so it’s best to review the options in advance.

Banks that work with non-residents include: IDBank, Ardshinbank, Evocabank, VTB Armenia, Artsakhbank, Ameriabank, and others.

On AFM, you can view all cards using the “For Non-Residents” filter – this saves a lot of time.

Step 2. Complete In-Person Identification

This is a mandatory requirement for opening your first account or card.

Visiting a branch is the only option – and it cannot be bypassed.

Step 3. Submit an Application

After identification, you can:

1. open a card directly at the branch;
2. submit an application online through the mobile app (if the bank allows this for non-residents);
3. choose the currency, payment system, and card type.

Step 4. Receive Your Card

Banks usually offer several options:

1. In person at the branch – typically within 3–7 business days;
2. Through a representative – if you are already a client and have issued a power of attorney;
3. Online – virtual cards are available instantly, and physical cards can often be ordered remotely.

What Documents a Russian Citizen Needs

Prepare the following:

1. passport or international passport;
2. address of residence in Russia or Armenia;
3. if required – a taxpayer number or a bank statement;
4. power of attorney if a representative receives the card for you.

Which Banks in Armenia Allow Non-Residents to Open a Card

What Russian Citizens Can and Cannot Do Online

Tips Before Opening a Card

To avoid unnecessary expenses and additional visits, make sure to clarify in advance:

1. the most recent rules on the bank’s website, as they change often;
2. apostille and translation requirements for a power of attorney;
3. fees and limits associated with the card;
4. cash withdrawal tariffs abroad;
5. issuance timelines and whether a virtual card is available.

Conclusion

A Russian citizen cannot open a bank card in Armenia fully remotely if they have not yet completed in-person identification.

However, after your first branch visit, the process becomes significantly easier: you gain access to online card issuance, account management, virtual cards, representative services via power of attorney, and full online banking.

Banks that consistently work with non-residents include Ameriabank, IDBank, Evocabank, Ardshinbank, Artsakhbank, VTB Armenia, and others.

Before applying, it’s best to compare all conditions on AFM and choose the bank with the most suitable tariffs.