To support the viability of intercountry adoption as an option for permanency for children in Albania, the Office of Children’s Issues and the U.S. Embassy in Tirana sought information from the Albanian Central Authority regarding its legal requirements for the authorization of adoption service providers (ASP), pursuant to Article 12 of the Hague Adoption Convention.

Albania ratified the Convention on September 12, 2000, and entered into force in Albania on January 1, 2001. The Albanian Central Authority confirmed there have been no changes to the adoption law as of February 2021.

Albanian law requires U.S. ASPs be approved and recognized by the Approval Commission of Foreign Intermediary Agencies of the Ministry of Justice.

ASPs with questions about the information below or about pursuing authorization in Albania should contact the Albanian Central Authority, Komiteti Shqiptar i Birësimeve/ Albanian Adoption Committee, Ministria e Drejtësisë/ Ministry of Justice, Rruga “ Mine Peza” Pallati 87/3 Shkalla 2, Tirana, Tel./Fax: +355 226 465 / +355 227 487, E-mail: foreigndepartcivil@drejtesia.gov.al, Website: http://www.kshb.gov.al/

To obtain authorization, a U.S. adoption service provider must:

1)  Complete the standard request form.

2)  Provide a CV of the director and staff of the ASP.

3)  Provide documentation for the person authorized to submit the application (passport or identity card).

4)  Provide a notarized copy of the decision of registration as a legal entity in Albania.

5)  Provide a completed self-declaration form of judicial status.

6)  Provide copy of the authorization from the ASP’s home country or state.

7)  Provide a notarized copy of the statute and the act of establishment of the ASP.

8)  Provide a certification by tax authorities for the regular payment of tax obligations.

9)  Provide a description of the activity of the ASP.

10)  Provide a receipt showing payment of the licensing fee.

11)  And any other documents deemed necessary by the commission.

The Adoption Oversight Division in the Office of Children’s Issues can provide an accreditation verification letter to satisfy Albanian requirement 6. ASPs may email ASPadoption@state.gov to request this official communication.

For additional information, ASPs may wish to review the Albania country-information page.