Obtaining citizenship in a foreign country is a dream cherished by many expatriates. The desire to fully integrate into the society and culture of the country of their choice is a natural aspiration. Albania, a beautiful and welcoming nation in Southeast Europe, offers several pathways to acquiring citizenship. What makes Albania particularly appealing is the relatively low threshold to acquire citizenship compared to other countries. In this article, we will explore three distinct routes to obtaining Albanian citizenship: through naturalization, marriage, birth, or adoption.
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Albanian citizenship is a stable legal relationship between an individual and the Albanian state governed by international law principles. The law specifies that no one can be arbitrarily deprived of Albanian citizenship, and individuals can get it under certain conditions.
There are three ways of granting the Albanian Citizenship
1. By Birth Right
- Children born to two Albanian nationals automatically acquire Albanian citizenship.
- If one parent is Albanian, and the child is born in Albania, they acquire citizenship unless the parents decide otherwise.
- Children born outside Albania to an Albanian parent may acquire citizenship if the other parent is stateless or has an unknown citizenship.
- Children born abroad to an Albanian parent with another citizenship may acquire Albanian citizenship with both parents’ consent.
2. By Naturalization
- Foreigners applying for naturalization must be at least 18 years old.
- They should have legally resided in Albania for a minimum of 5 years.
- Adequate accommodation and financial means are required.
- No criminal prosecution exceeding 3 years of imprisonment.
- Basic knowledge of the Albanian language.
- Citizenship should not compromise the security and defense of Albania.
- Exceptions for scientific, economic, cultural, or national interest and stateless individuals.
Special provisions for those married to Albanian citizens and for minors with qualifying parents.
3. By Adoption
If both adoptive parents are Albanian, an adopted child gains Albanian citizenship, even if one parent is not Albanian
Requirements for Albanian Citizenship
General Requirements One Should Meet Include
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Residency: Lawful residence in the Republic of Albania for a minimum of 5 years.
- Financial Means: Adequate accommodation and financial stability.
- Legal Record: No criminal prosecution for crimes with a penalty exceeding 3 years, unless for political reasons.
- Language Proficiency: Basic knowledge of the Albanian language.
- National Security: The acquisition of citizenship should not compromise the security and defense of the Republic of Albania.
Documents Required to Get Albanian Citizenship
- Request to the President of the Republic of Albania, including personal details, reasons for seeking citizenship, and contact information.
- Full identity details: Name, surname, date, and place of birth.
- Permanent residence address and contact information.
- Birth and family certificates (original and legalized in the embassy of the state of origin).
- Parents’ birth or death certificates.
- Explanatory confirmation by the regional police station and Prefecture about the citizenship status of the applicant’s parents.
- Three recent photos of the applicant.
- Additional Documents for Applicants over 14 years old:
- Notary declaration if applying for another citizenship.
- Certification from the relevant administrative unit.
Proof of application fee payment: €30 (to be paid to the embassy’s bank account).
Additional Documents for Various Circumstances
- Proof of asylum status if applicable.
- Notarized authorization to stay in Albania.
- Notarized act of ownership or rental contract for residence.
- Notarized work contract or tax office affirmation for self-employed applicants.
- Documents proving adequate financial means (savings book, bank guarantee, certificate of income, etc.).
- Proof of penalty records from the place of origin and legal residence for the past 6 months.
- Written evaluation by the regional police station regarding the applicant’s behavior.
Special Cases and Exceptions
- Proof of Albanian origin reduces the residency requirement to 2 years.
- Marriage to an Albanian citizen for at least 3 years reduces the residency requirement to 1 year, and language knowledge is not mandatory.
- Stateless individuals can apply, meeting a 5-year residency requirement.
- Children under 18 can acquire citizenship under certain parental and residency conditions.
How to Apply for Citizenship in Albania
- Submit the request to the regional police station or diplomatic/consular representations.
- The evaluation period is 9 months.
- Incomplete documentation requires resubmission within 1 month.
- The ministry decides on the submission to the President within 6 months.
- President issues the decree within 3 months.
- Copy of the decree is sent to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Justice.
- Published in the Official Gazette.
- Applicant takes an oath to the Republic of Albania.
Procedures for Renouncing and Acquiring Citizenship
The citizenship law thoroughly outlines the process of renouncing or acquiring Albanian citizenship. Read more about this here.
Transition and Final Provisions
If someone renounced their citizenship before these laws were in place, they can promptly regain Albanian citizenship by making a simple request. The old rules about citizenship are not valid anymore. The government can also ask people to pick only one citizenship, following international agreements. This part of the law helps make things clear for people about their citizenship, connecting the old rules with the new ones for a smoother transition.
Do You Need Assistance In Acquiring Citizenship In Albania?
As usual, feel free to ask TAX AI at the bottom of the article for any information, or to be put in contact with our legal experts to investigate your path to citizenship, residency, or visas.
