The protection of family unity is an important human right. If you were separated from your family before or during your flight, you may apply for them to join you in Albania, under specific conditions. Whether your family can join you ultimately depends on the type of legal status you are granted and the nature of your relationship.
Remember to apply for family reunification within 3 months of being granted status in Albania. Furthermore, it is important to seek individual counselling and assistance in the family reunification procedure. See below more information and contact details.
Who is eligible for family reunification?
If you are a refugee or a person enjoying subsidiary protection status in Albania you can submit a Family Reunification application to the Directorate for Asylum, Foreigners and Citizenship to request to be reunited with your family who are outside Albania. Note, this application is designed for the following family members:
- Spouse.
- Children of the refugee and of his/her spouse, including adopted children.
- Children including adopted children of the refugee where the refugee has custody and the children are dependent on him or her.
- Children, including adopted children of the spouse, where the spouse has custody and the children are dependent on him or her.
- Parents, siblings and other family members only if you are a child under 18-years old (an unaccompanied child).
If you are an asylum-seeker in Albania, you may not apply for family reunification until you have been granted a protection status to stay in Albania.
How to apply for family reunification?
You must submit the application for the family reunification to the Directorate for Asylum, Foreigners and Citizenship. You will be told what documents you need to provide when you apply.
Who can help you in the family reunification process?
In Albania, you can seek assistance and individual counselling free of charge from the following organization:
Refugee Migrants Services Albania (RMSA)
The RMSA office can be contacted, from Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, at +355 69 2666 267 (Arabic/Albanian) and +355 69 8120 836 (English/Albanian) or at [email protected]
Please be informed that UNHCR in Albania does not accept reunification applications and does not make decisions in that regard. This is the responsibility of the Directorate for Asylum, Foreigners and Citizenship Directorate for Asylum, Foreigners and Citizenship.
Further information on family reunification
For more information on Family Reunification, please refer to the Directorate for Asylum, Foreigners and Citizenship