Armenia is moving forward with a major upgrade of its national identity infrastructure, selecting French technology company IDEMIA and its consortium partner A.C.I. Technology to develop a new biometric identification system. Full deployment of the system is targeted for the second half of 2026, with operational rollout beginning in March of that year. The project aims to significantly modernize Armenia’s identity management capabilities, bringing them in line with European and international security standards.
Implemented in partnership with HAYPASS CJSC—a local company established by the IDEMIA consortium—the initiative includes the creation of new biometric passports and ID cards. The documents will align with European Union identification standards, supporting Armenia’s broader visa liberalization efforts and improving the global recognition of Armenian identity documents.
The project addresses longstanding challenges in Armenia’s identity infrastructure. Previous systems, developed with other providers, were criticized for outdated technology, limited compliance with international standards such as eIDAS and ISO27001, and low adoption rates. Citizens have often faced long wait times and inadequate service facilities when applying for identification documents. The new system is intended to resolve these issues by expanding biometric enrollment and issuance centers to 126 locations nationwide, with further expansions planned.
According to official statements from the Armenian government, the infrastructure upgrade will include the deployment of advanced biometric data collection solutions, the modernization of server and printing infrastructure, and the installation of new service center equipment. A comprehensive geographic network will be established to improve accessibility and streamline the administrative process for citizens across the country.
IDEMIA was selected through a competitive tender process, achieving the highest score among bidders for its technical expertise and experience in deploying international identity solutions. A.C.I. Technology, part of the Corporacion America Group, will bring local operational experience to the implementation phase, supporting localization efforts and ensuring service continuity throughout the 11-year contract period.
While HAYPASS CJSC will oversee production and service delivery, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will retain oversight of critical functions, including population registry management, verification of citizen identities, and determination of legal status. This structure aims to balance efficiency gains from the public-private partnership with government control over sensitive identity-related processes.
The updated identity system is expected to support a range of new services for Armenian citizens, including automated border crossings (e-gates), online identity verification for electronic voting, and more efficient access to public services.
Sources: Mediamax, Arka, PanARMENIAN.Net
—
April 28, 2025 – by Ali Nassar-Smith
