Albanian citizenship by birth

Albanian citizenship by birth is primarily determined by the principle of jus sanguinis, which means that citizenship is acquired through descent from Albanian parents or ancestors. However, there are a few additional provisions for acquiring Albanian citizenship by birth.

How to get citizenship by birth in Albania

There are three ways of getting Albanian citizenship by birth:

1. Descent from Albanian parents. A child is automatically considered an Albanian citizen if at least one of their parents is an Albanian citizen at the time of the child’s birth.
2. Unknown parents or foundlings. If a child is found abandoned on Albanian territory and their parents are unknown, the child is considered an Albanian citizen by birth.
3. Stateless children. If a child is born on Albanian territory and would otherwise be stateless, they are granted Albanian citizenship by birth.

It’s important to note that Albanian law does not recognize birthright citizenship solely based on the principle of jus soli, which grants citizenship to anyone born within the country’s territory regardless of their parents’ citizenship. Therefore, being born in Albania does not automatically confer Albanian citizenship unless one or both parents are Albanian citizens.

Documentation and Application

To acquire Albanian citizenship by birth, you need to fulfill certain criteria based on the principles of jus sanguinis (citizenship by descent) or specific circumstances outlined in Albanian citizenship laws. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:

1. Determine your eligibility. Albanian citizenship by birth is primarily obtained through descent from Albanian parents. If at least one of your parents is an Albanian citizen at the time of your birth, you are automatically considered an Albanian citizen. This applies regardless of where you were born.
2. Gather necessary documents. Collect the required documentation to prove your eligibility for Albanian citizenship. This typically includes birth certificates, passports, and any relevant documents that establish the citizenship status of your Albanian parent(s). It’s important to consult the Albanian embassy or consulate for specific document requirements and any additional steps.
3. Contact the Albanian embassy or consulate. Reach out to the nearest Albanian embassy or consulate in your country of residence to inquire about the process for acquiring citizenship by birth. They will provide you with detailed information on the required documents, application forms, and any specific procedures to follow.
4. Submit your application. Complete the necessary application forms and submit them along with the required documents to the Albanian embassy or consulate. Ensure that you have provided all the requested information accurately.
5. Application review and processing. Once your application is submitted, it will undergo a review process by the competent authorities. They will examine the documents and verify your eligibility for Albanian citizenship by birth.
6. Notification and decision. You will be informed of the decision regarding your application. If approved, you will be issued an Albanian citizenship certificate or other relevant documentation confirming your citizenship status.

Dual Citizenship

The Albanian government revised its citizenship laws in 2019, removing previous restrictions on dual citizenship. Now Albania allows dual citizenship, which means that individuals can hold Albanian citizenship while also being citizens of another country.