Key Takeaways
- Albania offers many opportunities for investors who are looking to secure property in the country.
- At the moment, Albania does not allow foreign investors to acquire citizenship just by investing in the country.
- There are multiple ways to acquire citizenship in Albania, with “naturalization” suiting foreigners the best.
Here’s everything you should know about Albania’s citizenship scene.
Is Citizenship by Investment Viable In Albania?
Although work on the subject has been long underway prior to this development, the government of Albania expressed confidence in pushing the CBI program in August 2022, seeking a private company to partner up with and further the procedure. The idea was to attract potential investors to the country and in return, offer them permanent residency in Albania.
[The Ministry of Interior] will form a working group that will draft the program. Then, an international competition will be opened, where the winning company will be chosen based on the expertise and experience it offers in this field,” said Bledar Skenderi, the person put in charge for establishing Albania’s Citizenship by Investment model.
Fast-forward to March 2023, when Albania publicly declared that it was putting the program on hold, thereby delaying it indefinitely. The decision arrived after the European Union (EU) continued to oppose it, citing possible misuse of the program for money laundering, etcetera.
Albania has been looking to become a part of the Union since 2009, and accession negotiations are currently underway.
Therefore, as of right now, you cannot require Albanian citizenship by investing in the country, at least not until the EU’s case with Malta is over and the decision is made clear. On the other hand, there are other ways to obtain Albanian citizenship.
Albanian Citizenship Requirements – When is One Considered an Albanian National?
The Albanian citizenship requirements are straightforward but do vary from case to case. Here’s an overview of how you can become an Albanian national.
Anmerkung: The information outlined ahead has been cross-referenced with the Government of Albania to verify its authenticity.
If It’s Your Birthright
A person born to even a single Albanian parent living in Albania will be granted citizenship, as this falls under said person’s birthright. In addition, you’re also liable for Albanian citizenship if any of your parents is Albanian but live outside the country.
It’s just important to register the newborn child with Albanian Civil Registration shortly after birth to avoid any inconveniences.
If You’re Adopted by an Albanian Parent
A child adopted by Albanian parents can get a hold of Albanian citizenship granted that said parents (or a single parent) is a local and lived in the country at the time of adoption.
If You Apply For Nationality as a Foreigner
Foreigners and non-natives can also apply to Albania for citizenship, but in order to do so, a certain set of conditions have to be met. These are:
- Should be at least 18 years or above.
- Have lived in Albania for a minimum of 5 years.
- Can back up financial integrity and prove that there’s enough income for sustenance.
- Clean criminal record.
- Can speak Albanian at a basic level.
- Present no security threat to Albania.
If You Marry in Albania
If you’ve married someone in Albania and lived with them for 3 years in the country, you can apply for citizenship as well. Such applications are also considered to be exempt from meeting the language-speaking proficiency and a residency period of 5 years requirements.
Based on Special Merits
This particular method of citizenship is a little unorthodox but is real and recognized by the Albanian government. As per governmental rulings, a person may be eligible for Albanian citizenship even if he or she does not meet any outlined criteria on the basis of their contributions to the country. This is due to the following by Albania’s regulations:
Foreigners who are at least 18 years of age may acquire Albanian citizenship even without compliance of [certain] requirements if the Republic of Albania has a scientific, economic, cultural or national interest in such a person.
Through Citizenship by Investment
While not currently live, the Albanian citizenship investment plan will allow wealthy investors around the globe to acquire legitimate nationality by doling out a specific figure in the country.
It’s certainly something to look forward to in the coming years and has to be taken into account for future prospects if you’re considering Albanian PR.
How to Apply for Albanian Citizenship
To apply for Albanian citizenship, you first need to determine your eligibility criteria — whether you’re applying through marriage, your birthright, or naturalization — and then gather the relevant documents to prepare your application. If you choose to go through the naturalization route, here’s what you’ll require in the documentation:
- Translated and notarized birth certificate.
- Proof of a clean criminal background
- Reisepass
- Bank statements that prove your financial security
- Proof of residency in Albania
- A certificate that confirms your Albanian language-speaking proficiency
You will then need to visit an Albanian embassy near you if you’re applying from a country other than Albania. There, the government officials will brief you regarding the process and inform you of any applicable processing fees, which should be around 30 euros.
Next, an application will be handed out to you that has to be filled out and submitted back to the embassy with accurate information. From there on, your Albanian citizenship process should begin, but beware, this is not where your work ends.
You might be contacted by the Albanian embassy, should you be required to appear in an interview or provide more documents ad hoc.
Anmerkung: The Albanian citizenship approval process can take several months or perhaps even a year.
Does Albania Allow Dual Citizenship?
Yes, Albania allows dual citizenship, without any candidates of permanent residency having to renounce their existing nationality. This is highly convenient for anyone — especially investors — looking to acquaint themselves with the nation while not being forced to cut ties with their home country. All you have to do is follow the steps outlined above and you’ll be good to go.
Related: A Guide for Foreigners Moving to Albania (From the US, UK, Canada, and Australia).
Wrapping Up
Albanian citizenship investment is not an option for investors to approach at the moment, despite the government’s promising efforts in the past. While certain restrictions hold back Albania from offering this “Golden Passport” to foreigners out there, the country welcomes other forms of citizenship acquisitions if you’re opting to become an Albanian national. They’re easy to embrace and only require you to keep your legitimate documents handy.
If you’d like expert advice and curated guidance on the matter, feel free to contact us at Magic Towns Albania.
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Albania to Postpone CBI Plans Pending Outcome of EU Court Case Against Malta
