Nationality of Kosovo: all obtaining pathways
Kosovo naturalizes after five years of permanent residency under article 10 of its law; the spouse of a Kosovar citizen needs three years of marriage and one of residence. Refugees and stateless persons have their own cases, and birth citizenship is acquired by descent or adoption.
1Citizenship by birth (descent)
Citizenship by birth (descent)
Requirements
- Born in the territory of Kosovo to at least one citizen-of-the-Republic-of-Kosovo parent, or born abroad to a Kosovar citizen parent (arts. 6-9 of Law No. 10/L-023 of 2026)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Citizenship document of the parent
2Citizenship by adoption
Citizenship by adoption
Requirements
- Minor adopted by a Kosovar citizen under the law (art. 8 of Law no. 10/L-023)
Documentation
- Judicial adoption decision
- Documents of the adopter
3Naturalization (art. 10)
Naturalization (art. 10)
Requirements
- Be an adult
- Have resided 5 years without interruption in Kosovo after obtaining the permanent residence permit
- Accept the constitutional and legal order and be integrated into Kosovar society (criteria of the MIA regulation)
- Sufficient financial means without social assistance
- Meet tax obligations to the State
- Accredit reading and writing in one of the official languages and knowledge of the culture and social order of Kosovo
Documentation
- Form of the Ministry of Internal Administration (MIA), instructions 04/2014
- Travel document
- Proofs of residence, income and language
4Naturalization of the spouse of a Kosovar citizen
Naturalization of the spouse of a Kosovar citizen
Requirements
- At least 3 years of marriage to a citizen of Kosovo (or 3 years since the naturalization of the naturalized spouse)
- At least 1 year of regular residence with a valid residence permit
- Mutatis mutandis application of the integration, means, tax and language requirements of art. 10
Documentation
- Marriage record
- Residence permit
- Identity documents of the spouse
5Naturalization of refugees and stateless persons
Naturalization of refugees and stateless persons
Requirements
- Reside in Kosovo at least 5 years from recognition of refugee or stateless status (art. 14 of Law no. 10/L-023)
- Reunited family members benefit from the grant
Documentation
- Recognized refugee/stateless status
- Proof of 5 years of residence
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Kosovo
How many years of residence does Kosovo require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Kosovo (Naturalization (art. 10)), the term is 5 years after permanent residency. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Kosovo be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization of the spouse of a Kosovar citizen pathway (3 years of marriage plus 1 year of residence). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Kosovo require?
The Naturalization pathway requires: Form of the Ministry of Internal Administration (MIA), instructions 04/2014; Travel document; Proofs of residence, income and language.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Kosovo?
Kosovo provides 5 pathways: Citizenship by birth, Citizenship by adoption, Naturalization, Naturalization of the spouse of a Kosovar citizen, Naturalization of refugees and stateless persons.
Residence and nationality updates
Subscribe to know when a country changes its residence or nationality routes. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about Kosovo?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about nationality pathways in Kosovo, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.