Albania · Common questions
Which documents are needed for Albanian citizenship?
The applicant and spouse normally need: passport-format photographs (one blue-background and one white-background digital file each), a certified Chinese-English translation of the birth certificate, a notarised and certified police clearance, scans of the valid passport, proof of identity, the parents' names and dates of birth, and a CV. Children under 16 additionally require a certified Chinese-English translation of the birth certificate, certified copies of the parents' passports or ID cards and a signed parental consent letter; where one parent has sole custody, a court decision or equivalent evidence.
Applicant and spouse
- Photographs: one blue-background and one white-background digital file each; different clothing recommended
- Birth certificate: certified Chinese-English translation
- Police clearance: notarised and certified
- Scans of the valid passport
- Proof of identity: national ID card
- Parents' information: names and dates of birth
- CV (personal history)
Children under 16
- Birth certificate: certified Chinese-English translation
- Parents' proof of identity: certified copies of passports or ID cards
- Parental consent letter, signed by the parents
- Where one parent has sole custody: a court decision or equivalent evidence
Process steps
| Step | Matter | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Confirm and sign the agreement | Written agreement signed; first instalment paid |
| 02 | Prepare and submit documents | Digital files, scans and certified documents per checklist; spouse's documents follow the same requirements |
| 03 | Await the approval letter | Review by the authorities; remaining instalment paid after approval |
| 04 | Travel to complete formalities | Tirana for identity documents and passport; roughly 7–10 days on site |
Payment milestones are normally the first instalment on signing and the balance after the approval letter is issued; the exact proportions, amounts and refund arrangements are governed by the written agreement. The programme file indicates a reference timeline of about 5–6 months; actual progress rests with the authorities.
Preparing the documents: what takes the time
Most delay in document preparation comes from three places: obtaining the police clearance, having the Chinese-English translation certified, and completing legalisation where the authority requires it. These steps depend on third parties — public security bureaux, notaries and legalisation services — and cannot be compressed by the adviser.
Photographs and ID scans are quick by comparison, yet they are frequently the reason for a request to resubmit: the specified background, the number of copies and the requirement that clothing differ between the two copies are all checked.
- Start the police clearance and the translation early — they set the pace
- Confirm the exact legalisation route required before notarising
- Keep scans at the resolution and in the format requested
- Recheck the current checklist with us before sending anything
What we cannot do on your behalf
Three things remain with the applicant, whoever is appointed as adviser: obtaining documents from the issuing authority in the country of origin, having them certified and legalised there, and attending in person for biometrics and the collection of identity documents.
We also cannot guarantee that the authorities will accept a file, or that they will not ask for further documents. What we can do is check the file against the current checklist before submission, and tell you in advance which item is most likely to be queried.
- Obtaining police clearances and birth certificates from the issuing authority
- Certification and legalisation in the country of origin
- Attendance in person for biometrics and document collection
- Any assurance about the authorities' decision
How the seven years are evidenced: three records that must agree
Article 8 requires at least seven years of continuous residence and a valid permanent residence permit at the time of application. The file is assessed against a combination of records rather than a single document: the history of residence permits with their type, validity and renewals; passport stamps or border-system entries; and the civil-registry registration that follows any permit valid for one year or more (Law No. 79/2021, Article 36(3)).
Where the three records do not line up, the authority will normally ask for an explanation with supporting evidence, such as an employer assignment letter or medical records. Periods of study or professional training count at half for permanent residence under Article 87(2), but that does not automatically mean they count towards the seven years for naturalisation; the application of Article 8 is for the competent authority to assess.
- History of permits and renewals
- Passport stamps or border-system records
- Civil-registry registration for permits of one year or more
- Written explanation and evidence for any gaps
Four consistency checks before filing
The most common reason a naturalisation file is returned is not a missing document but an inconsistency: name spelling across the passport, the residence permit and notarised translations; date of birth; document validity; and the form of translation and legalisation. Any mismatch can require the document to be reissued during examination.
Before filing, confirm which version of the checklist applies. The document list is set by a Council of Ministers decision and reflected in the e-Albania application; older lists may already be out of date. Checking against the current list saves a correction round later.
- Name and date of birth consistent across documents
- Passport valid through the examination period
- Translation and legalisation in the current required form
- Checked against the current e-Albania list
Frequently asked questions
Do the documents need notarisation and legalisation?
The birth certificate and police clearance are normally notarised with Chinese-English translation and certified as required by the authorities. The precise requirements are governed by the competent authority and the written agreement.
Can documents be submitted in stages?
In practice a file is accepted once it is complete. Where a single item is outstanding and its absence does not change the assessment, we will tell you whether it can follow later, based on the requirement in force at the time.
Does an expiring passport affect the application?
Yes. The passport should remain valid through the examination period; expiry triggers a correction round and delay, and a passport replaced during examination should be notified promptly.
Where can I find the current document list?
Use the application page on e-Albania and the authority's current checklist rather than an older list or screenshot supplied by an intermediary.
Do I need to report a change of address or job?
Residence and civil-registry details should be updated promptly; whether a change affects examination is for the authority to judge, and it should not be assumed that nobody checks.
Sources and verification
- Ministry of Interior of Albania (Ministria e Brendshme) — https://mb.gov.al
- e-Albania national e-government portal — https://e-albania.al
- Citizenship Law No. 113/2020, Article 8 — https://president.al/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Ligj-per-Shtetesine.pdf
- e-Albania — naturalisation application and document list — https://e-albania.al/
Related pages
Would you like to look into this further?
Tell us the practical question you want to resolve, who in the family is involved and your expected timing. We will verify the applicable route and your circumstances first, then set out the next steps and the documents needed.