On February 10, the Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs held a session to open bids for the public-private partnership project on biometric passport and ID card issuance infrastructure.

According to a government decision, a new biometric system will be introduced in Armenia by 2026, providing citizens with updated passport and identification card formats.

The deadline for bid submissions was February 7. Two internationally renowned consortia participated in the selection process: Germany’s AUGENTIC GmbH and Imprensa Nacional – Casa da Moeda, S.A., and France’s IDEMIA Identity & Security France SAS and A.C.I. Technology S.à.r.l..

The winning bidder will be announced on March 31, after which the final contract will be signed. The project will involve establishing a new server infrastructure, software solutions, modern printing equipment, and cutting-edge technology.

The production of biometric documents meeting high European standards will begin in 2026, marking a significant step towards visa liberalization.