No More Retroactive Agreements: Details on Electronic Contracts

Starting from January 1, 2026, the electronic signature will be the only option for employment in Armenia. This was announced today at a press conference by Zhora Sargsyan, head of the Employment and Social Affairs Department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia.

Sargsyan reminded that according to the amendments made to the Labor Code of Armenia, which came into effect at the beginning of this year, employment contracts must exclusively be signed electronically starting from January 1, 2026.

“The electronic version significantly simplifies the process, as all necessary fields are presented online along with suggestions. Until now, we have had cases where employees either did not receive their copy of the employment contract or received it later than stipulated by the Labor Code of Armenia. This issue will be resolved with the electronic version, as the employee can sign the contract with their electronic signature within the 'I Am' system,” Sargsyan emphasized.

He also mentioned that thus it will no longer be possible to sign retroactive agreements.

The official pointed out that the presence of an electronic signature will only be mandatory except for certain exclusions: “There are groups that will continue to regulate their labor relations outside this system. These particularly pertain to employees of secret services.”

He added that the electronic platform for employment contracts is intended solely for employment contracts and will not apply to civil law, voluntary, or trial employment agreements.