Mortgage Program for Families Displaced from Artsakh: How to Get Housing with Government Support?

Since June 2022, families forcibly displaced from Artsakh have been eligible for state assistance to purchase housing in Armenia. The government has approved a special program that allows displaced individuals to use state-issued certificates for buying or building a home, as well as to cover mortgage payments — all with no interest and no down payment.

The program came into effect on May 16, 2024, and will remain active indefinitely, as long as support is needed.

Who Is Eligible to Participate?

To qualify for the program, the following requirements must be met:

1. All family members must be forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh.
2. Each family member must be a citizen of the Republic of Armenia.
3. The minimum age of participants is 18 years.
4. If a participant has not yet obtained Armenian citizenship, they must acquire it.

Important: If any family member is not a citizen of Armenia, the family cannot participate in the program.

Terms of State Support

What Kind of Benefits Does a Family Receive?

The program includes several types of support, making it possible to buy or build a home even without personal savings. Here’s what is provided:

1. Certificates for the purchase or construction of housing.
2. Mortgage payment compensation — the state covers all interest payments on the loan.
3. No down payment required, which is especially important for families in difficult financial situations.
4. Support is provided for each family member, increasing the total amount of assistance.

Example: A family of four relocating to a city may receive up to AMD 20 million (4 × 5 million) in state support.

Compare Terms: Which Banks Offer the Best Rates and Lowest Down Payments?

The AFM platform features mortgage offers from banks participating in the government support program for families displaced from Artsakh. The following banks are currently involved:

1. Evocabank
2. Unibank
3. Fast Bank
4. Ameriabank

The terms vary significantly between banks in key areas:

Key Differences Between Banks:

1. Rates vary greatly: Unibank offers some of the lowest effective rates (as low as 0.5%), while Fast Bank and Ameriabank offer rates above 13.9%.
2. Maximum loan amount: Fast Bank provides the highest amount — up to AMD 55 million.
3. Minimum down payment: Evocabank, Fast Bank, and Ameriabank offer options starting from 0%, which is crucial for families without savings.

Conclusion: Choosing the right bank matters — conditions can differ significantly.

On AFM, you can quickly compare offers, select a bank by the lowest rate, down payment, or maximum loan amount, and apply directly through the platform. This saves time and helps you find the most favorable government-supported mortgage.

On our platform, in the “Mortgage” section you can compare the terms of all banks participating in the same government program and choose the one that fits your needs best.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Join the Program

1. Confirm Armenian citizenship for all family members.
2. Obtain official status as a forcibly displaced person. Where and how?
3. Contact your local self-government body (municipality) based on your current residence.
4. Fill out an application to participate in the program.
5. Wait for approval and receive the state housing certificate.
6. Choose a property (or a land plot for construction).
7. Sign a mortgage agreement with a partner bank and receive interest compensation.

Where and How to Obtain Displacement Documents?

1. Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia

This ministry is responsible for registering and supporting displaced persons.

Visit the nearest territorial office of social protection (Citizen Service Center).

1. One-Stop Centers for Displaced Families

In some regions, there are dedicated reception centers where you can submit documents, receive certificates, and get consultations.

1. Through Local Self-Government Bodies

Municipalities and regional administrations (Marzpetarans) also register newly arrived displaced individuals and can issue necessary documentation based on local registration data.

Required Steps

1. Provide a valid ID card (ot passport).
2. Confirm arrival from Nagorno-Karabakh (proof of prior residence registration, certificates, entry documents, other official papers).
3. Fill out the application for forcibly displaced person status.
4. Receive the official certificate, which will be used when applying for participation in the state program.

Tip: If you're unsure where to go, start with the social support department at your local community office or district administration. They will guide you to the appropriate place.

You can also view a complete overview of all current government programs and bank terms on our platform.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Housing Program for Families Displaced from Artsakh (FAQ)

Q: Can I use the certificate to buy a home in a village?

A: Yes. For rural areas, the program provides support of up to AMD 4 million per person.

Q: Is taking out a mortgage required if I have personal savings?

A: No. You can use the certificate even without applying for a mortgage.

Q: What documents are needed to apply?

A:

1. Armenian passport
2. Displacement documentation
3. Application form
4. Proof of current residence registration

Q: Can I purchase a home on the secondary market?

A: Yes. The program does not limit your choice — you can buy either new or existing housing.

Summary

The housing support program for families displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh is a unique opportunity to secure a home with no interest, no down payment, and per-person financial support. It can be combined with the income tax refund program.

Who is eligible: Only citizens of Armenia who are officially recognized as forcibly displaced. If you don’t yet have citizenship, you must obtain it to participate.

Program terms:

1. Up to AMD 5 million per person in cities
2. Up to AMD 4 million per person in villages
3. 0% interest
4. No down payment required

Types of assistance:

1. Government-issued certificates for purchasing or building a home
2. Interest compensation even if you don’t take out a mortgage

Advantages:

1. No expiration date — the program remains active as long as needed
2. Applies to all family members
3. Suitable for both urban and rural properties
4. The larger the family, the greater the support amount

How to participate:

1. Confirm your displacement status and citizenship
2. Submit an application through your local government office
3. The process is clear and step-by-step

Easy start:

You don’t need savings — you can use the certificate even without taking out a loan.

Flexibility:

You can choose a new or pre-owned property, or even build your own home.

If you meet the program’s criteria, don’t miss this chance — it’s a real way to secure housing for your family with minimal cost.

Share this information with others who may have also been displaced — they might need this support most right now.

Explore other mortgage programs on AFM — get personalized recommendations, compare offers, and avoid overpaying!