Armenia postpones mandatory electronic signature requirement for employment contracts

YEREVAN, February 13. /ARКА/. During an extraordinary session on Friday, Armenia's National Assembly approved amendments to the Labor Code concerning digital employment contracts in its second and final reading.

As Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan pointed out, the swift passage of this draft law is crucial for safeguarding the labor rights of tens of thousands of citizens amid ongoing digital reforms.

He mentioned that a prior decision had been made to shift to a mandatory digital format starting January 1, 2026, along with the digitalization of previously signed contracts throughout 2026. However, some citizens were unable to obtain ID cards in time, which are essential for activating an electronic signature.

New Formats

The newly adopted amendments have postponed the requirement for mandatory execution of employment contracts solely through a digital system until July 1, 2027. Up until that date, utilizing the digital system will be optional, and contracts, agreements, and orders processed through it will still hold legal validity. Transitional provisions will also apply to employment relationships that arise after January 1, 2026.

The deadline for the mandatory entry of existing employment contracts into the digital system has been extended to June 30, 2028.

The Minister emphasized that the system is already functional and meets international standards. This reform necessitates electronic signatures for both employees and employers, along with the use of ID cards. The issuance of new ID cards is anticipated by the end of the year.

Certain Categories of Workers

The amendments clarify that employment relationships with individuals based outside the Republic of Armenia and working outside the country will not be formalized through the digital system.

A special procedure has been established for foreign citizens, refugees, and asylum seekers residing in Armenia: after July 1, 2027, contracts with them will be concluded in paper form, provided they are subsequently entered into the digital system within three months of receiving a document confirming legal residence in the Republic of Armenia.

In general, the possibility of concluding employment contracts in paper form remains until the process of providing citizens with ID cards is completed.-0-