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Police Clearance Certificate in Albania

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Police Clearance Certificate (Dëshmi Penaliteti) in Albania – 2026 Complete Guide

In Albania, the Police Clearance Certificate — officially known as Certifikatë e Gjendjes Gjyqësore or simply Dëshmi Penaliteti — is an official judicial record certificate showing whether a person has any criminal convictions registered in Albania. It’s often required for residence or work permits, citizenship, employment, or international applications.

1) What is the Police Clearance Certificate?

In Albania, the certificate is officially titled
Certifikatë e Gjendjes Gjyqësore (Judicial Records Certificate) or
Dëshmi Penaliteti.
It is generated electronically and carries an official digital seal,
making it valid for official and international use.

The document is issued by the Albanian Ministry of Justice via its
electronic system (through the Drejtoria e Përgjithshme e Burgjeve) and is available online through the
e-Albania platform.

2) Who needs it? (tourists, foreigners, citizens)

  • Albanian citizens: Commonly required for job applications, public tenders, or international procedures.
  • Foreign residents: Those living or working in Albania may be asked to present a PCC covering their stay in the country.
    In addition, most residence permit types also require a clean criminal record from the applicant’s home country.
  • Tourists or short-term visitors: Generally not required, unless specifically requested by an institution or embassy.

3) Where and how to apply

3.1) e-Albania (Online Application – Free)

Log in to e-Albania, search for “Certifikatë e Gjendjes Gjyqësore (Dëshmi Penaliteti)”,
fill out the form, and submit your request.
The document is usually available within minutes as an electronically sealed PDF.
Fee: 0 ALL (free of charge for online applications).

3.2) Posta Shqiptare (Post Office)

For foreign nationals who cannot use e-Albania, the PCC can be requested at selected post offices.
Bring your passport and valid Albanian residence/work permit.
You can collect the certificate at the same branch once processed.
Note: A small service fee may apply.

3.3) Through an Albanian Embassy or via Power of Attorney

People living abroad can apply via the nearest Albanian embassy or consulate
or authorize someone in Albania to apply on their behalf.
Applicants must provide their passport and any previous Albanian residence or work permit details.

4) Required documents

  • For Albanian citizens: ID card. (No extra documents for e-Albania users.)
  • For foreigners: Passport + valid Albanian residence/work permit.
  • For power of attorney applications: Notarized authorization and ID of the representative.

Tip: You can indicate the intended use of the certificate and target institution when filling out the request.

5) Fees, processing time, and validity

  • Fee: Free via e-Albania. Post office applications may have a small administrative fee.
  • Processing time: Online applications are typically processed within minutes. Postal or embassy requests may take longer due to logistics.
  • Validity: The PCC reflects your record at the time of issue.
    Most institutions accept certificates issued within the last 3 months.
    Always confirm validity requirements with the receiving authority.

6) Electronic seal and verification

Certificates obtained via e-Albania include a digital seal.
Even printed copies remain verifiable through the QR code or verification link displayed on the document.

7) Apostille and certified translation

If you plan to use the document abroad, you must obtain an apostille from the
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEFA) in Albania — provided the destination country is a
member of the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention.
Non-member countries require consular legalization and usually a certified translation.

Practical note: Some countries require a double apostille — one for the original document
and another for the translation.
Always confirm the specific legalization steps with the target country’s embassy.

8) Tips for residence permit applicants

  • General rule for foreigners: Most residence permit types require a
    criminal record certificate from your home country,
    duly apostilled and translated into Albanian.
  • Albanian PCC may also be requested: If you have lived in Albania for an extended period,
    immigration offices might ask for both the Albanian and foreign PCCs.

Tip: Double-check document issue dates, translation language, and apostille requirements before your appointment.

9) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can tourists apply for a PCC?

Tourists normally do not need a PCC from Albania, unless a foreign authority specifically requests it. In such cases, apply through the post office or an embassy.

Do I need a handwritten signature on the document?

No. The e-Albania certificate carries an official digital seal. For use abroad, you may still need an apostille or translation depending on the destination country.

Is there a fixed validity period?

The certificate shows your record at the date of issue. Most organizations only accept documents issued within the past 3 months.

Can anyone apply via the post office?

No. Posta Shqiptare accepts applications only from foreigners who cannot use e-Albania. Albanian citizens must apply online.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Legal procedures and requirements may change over time. Always verify the latest instructions with the official institutions before applying.