Foreign nationals married to Albanian citizens or to legal foreign residents in Albania can apply for a residency permit based on family ties. This process, often referred to as a spouse visa or family-based residency, allows couples to live together legally in the country, as long as their relationship is properly documented and meets all legal requirements.
Who qualifies for this permit?
To apply for a spouse-based residency permit, you must be legally married. The marriage must be recognized by the Albanian authorities, which typically means it must be registered in Albania or officially legalized and translated if it was conducted abroad.
This type of permit is open both to spouses of Albanian citizens and to spouses of foreigners who already hold legal residency in Albania. In both cases, the applicant must show proof of the marital relationship and the intention to live together.
What documents are required?
The application process requires several key documents. These include a marriage certificate, proof of identity for both spouses, a valid passport, a clean criminal record from the applicant’s country of origin, and health insurance that covers the duration of the stay.
If the spouse is already living in Albania, proof of their legal residency status is also required. Additionally, the couple must provide evidence of accommodation and financial means to support their life together in Albania.
All foreign documents must be translated into Albanian and properly legalized before submission.
Application process and renewal
The application must be submitted at the regional migration office. If everything is in order, the residency permit is typically granted for one year and can be renewed annually.
The renewal process requires updated documentation and proof that the marital relationship is still valid and ongoing. In cases where the marriage ends or the couple no longer resides together, the residency permit may not be extended.
Spouse-based residency permits offer a reliable path for couples to build a life in Albania together, provided all conditions are met and kept up to date.