Albanian citizenship by descent

Albanian citizenship by descent, also known as citizenship by descent or jus sanguinis, is the principle by which individuals acquire Albanian citizenship based on their ancestry or parentage. The Albanian citizenship law allows for the acquisition of citizenship by descent under certain conditions.

To be eligible for Albanian citizenship by descent, you typically need to prove a direct line of descent from an Albanian citizen. The key factors for eligibility are usually based on the citizenship status of parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents.

How to get citizenship by descent in Albania

Here are some general guidelines for acquiring Albanian citizenship by descent:

1. Parents. If one or both of your parents were Albanian citizens at the time of your birth, you are likely eligible for Albanian citizenship. It doesn’t matter where you were born.
2. Grandparents. If your parents lost Albanian citizenship but your grandparents were Albanian citizens, you may still have a chance to claim citizenship. In such cases, you would need to go through a process to regain Albanian citizenship and demonstrate a connection to Albanian heritage.
3. Great-grandparents. In exceptional cases, where both your parents and grandparents lost Albanian citizenship, you may be eligible for citizenship if your great-grandparents were Albanian citizens. However, these cases often require additional evidence to establish a strong connection to Albanian ancestry.

Documentation and Application

When applying for Albanian citizenship by descent, you will typically need to provide specific documentation to prove your lineage and eligibility. While the exact requirements may vary, here are some common documents that may be requested:

1. Birth certificates. You will need to provide your birth certificate as well as the birth certificates of your parents, grandparents, and any other relevant ancestors in the direct line of descent. These documents should include information such as names, dates of birth, and places of birth.
2. Marriage certificates.: If applicable, you may need to submit marriage certificates to establish the marital status of your parents and grandparents.
3. Passports and identification documents. You will likely need to provide copies of passports or other identification documents for yourself and your parents, grandparents, or any other relevant individuals.
4. Proof of Albanian citizenship. If your parents or grandparents were Albanian citizens, you may need to provide documentation proving their Albanian citizenship at the time of your birth or their own birth. This can include Albanian passports, identity cards, or any other official documents.
5. Proof of lineage. In some cases, you may need to provide additional documentation to establish the direct line of descent. This can include documents such as family tree records, court records, or other relevant evidence.

Dual Citizenship

Albania allows dual citizenship, which means that individuals can hold Albanian citizenship alongside the citizenship of another country. The Albanian government recognizes and accepts the concept of dual citizenship, and there are no restrictions or limitations on acquiring or maintaining dual citizenship.