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Policia e Shtetit

email: policiaeshtetit@mrp.gov.al

Adresa: Bulevardi Bajram Curri, Tiranë-Shqipëri

REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA

Council of Ministers

D E C I S I O N

No. 362 dated 01.4.2009

Determining the criteria, procedures and documentation for entry, stay and treatment of foreigners in the republic of albania

In reliance on article 100 of the Constitution and articles 13, point 1 and 2, 14 point 5, 15 point 1 and 3, 16 point 4, 19 point 6, 24 point 1 and 4, 30 point 3, 32 point 1, letter “dh”, 36 point 3, 37 point 4, 67 point 1, 93 point 2, 94 point 5, 104 point 2 and 108 of law no.9959 of 17th July 2008 “On foreigners”, on proposal of Minister of Interior and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Council of Ministers,

D E C I D E D:

I. GENERAL

1. The foreigners who enter, transit, stay and exit the territory of Republic of Albania are obliged to cross the state border only through the Border Crossing Points (BCP). Crossing of the state border beyond the BCPs is considered ilegal, except for cases foreseen by bilateral or multilateral agrement and also cases when the foreign citizens appear in person at the state border to ask for asylum or protection in the Republic of Albania, in line with international conventions recognized by the Republic of Albania (to which Albania is party).

2. At and beyond the BCPs, after checking of documents at the entry and exit, there is performed the registration of foreigners, which means:

a) registration of all foreigners who legally enter into and exit from the Republic of Albania;

b) registration of all foreigners who are refused entry into the territory for reasons foreseen by law or subordinate legal acts;

c) registration of all foreigners who illegally enter or have entered into the territory;

d) registration while exiting of foreigners who have stayed in the territory irregularly or at variance with the provisions of law no. 9959 of 17th July 2007 “On foreigners”

3. The foreigner, who according to provisions of law no.9959 of 17th July 2008 “On foreigners”, within 30 days of uninterrupted stay appears in person at the Regional Directorate of Border and Migration or Migration Offices, Commisariates of Border and Migration Police in the territory of his/her stay, shall complete Annex 1 attached to this decision.

4. Foreigners, who enter into the territory of Republic of Albania, with a visa, may be asked by the border control authorities at the BCP to present one or some of the following supporting documents:

a) Letter of Invitation by the host in Albania;

b) Return ticket;

c) Confirmation of accommodation;

ç) Work permit;

d) Financial means, according to provision of article 10 of law no.9959, of 17^th July 2008 “On foreigners”;

dh) Original international certificate of vaccination when the person arrives from countries affected by an epidemic disease or illness, as required by the Albanian legislation. In case the person does not possess this certificate, the specialised structures of Ministry of Health are notified to take jointly the proper measures according to the legislation in force.

II. CRITERIA, PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION FOR ISSUANCE OF VISAS

The visa applicant, travelling with an ordinary passport, shall present to the consular post, to the representation offices of Republic of Albania abroad, the following documents:

A) Type-A Visa

Cases of application for this type of visa and the list of countries subject to this type of visa are reflected, according to the needs, as annexes to this decision, list which will be regularly updated on the proposal of Minister of Foreign Affairs.

To obtain this type of visa, the applicant needs to submit to the Embassy or Consular Office of Republic of Albania abroad the following documents:

a) Passport, which should be valid at least 3 months after the expiry of the term of the requested visa;

b) Copy of pages of passport containing personal information;

c) Copy of pages of passport providing important travel information;

ç) Completed form in Annex 2 and 2 recent passport-size photographs

d) Copy of visa of destination country, if entry visa for that country is required

dh) Health insurance cover policy for the days needed for transiting

e) Certificate of vaccination when the foreigners arrives from countries affected by epidemic diseases

B) Type-B Visa

a) Passport, which should be valid at least 3 months after the expiry of the term of the requested visa;

b) Copy of pages of passport containing personal information and also pages providing important travel information;

c) Copy of visa of destination country, if entry visa for that country is required

ç) Completed form in Annex 2 and 2 recent passport-size photographs

d) Health insurance cover policy for the days needed for transiting

dh) Sufficient financial means according to provision of article 10 of law no.9959 of 17^th July 2008 “On foreigners” for transit days according to the provisions of joint instruction of Minister of Interior and Minister of Foreign Affairs

e) Certificate of vaccination when the foreigners arrives from countries affected by epidemic diseases

C) Type-C Visa

C.1. Main documents:

a) Passport, which should be valid at least 3 months after the expiry of the term of the requested visa;

b) Copy of pages of passport containing personal information and also pages providing important travel information;

c) Completed form in Annex 2 and 2 recent passport-size photographs.

ç) Proof of health insurance

d) Round-trip ticket, ticket or proof of possibility of personal transport

dh) A regular statement according to the respective legislation of the country, issued by the parent/s (guardian) allowing travel in case of minors.

C.2. Additional specific documents according to the purpose:

C.2.1. For tourism:

a) Financial guarantee, proved through documents specified in article 10 of law no. 9959 of 17^th July 2008 “On foreigners”, of the amount foreseen in the joint instruction of Minister of Interior and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

b) Document proving the existence of a stable employment relationship in the country of origin. In absence of such employment relationship, the foreigner should prove to have interest in returning to the country of origin, by submitting a certificate of retirement or other incomes.

Employment certificates shall be completed and signed by the employer, in a letter form, containing the emblem and seal of the company, institution or other entity, and they shall contain the following data:

- Personal information of visa applicant and passport number;

- Duties performed by the employee;

- Employment date;

- Period of leave;

- Monthly salary;

- Accurate and complete address of the company, institution or other entity.

c) Documents proving stay

- In case the foreigner will stay in an Albanian hotel, there should be submitted a hotel reservation receipt for the requested period of stay;

- In case the foreigner has a hospitality statement by an Albanian or foreign citizen, the latter being a legally residing person in the Republic of Albania, completed according to the form in Annex 3, which specifies accurately the period of stay, coverage of expenses of stay for the entire period, declaration of host for assuming legal responsibilities, in case the foreigner violates the law “On foreigners” accompanied by the identification document or passport, if he/she is an Albanian citizen, or copy of valid residence permit, if he/she is a foreign citizen

C.2.2. For tourism, organised tourist groups invited by an Albanian tourism agency

- Copy of pages of passport indicating legal entry and stay of the foreign citizen in the country of stay at the moment of visa application

- Documentation proving the stay of foreigner for tourism purposes in the country where visa application will be lodged

- Certified copy of the licence of Albanian tourism agency that invites the foreign tourist group for tourism

- Letter of guarantee for the tourist group

C.2.3. Visa for cultural and sports events purposes

a) Letter of invitation by the local cultural, sports institution for the participation of the foreigner in the event for which the issuance of the respective visa is required;

b) Hotel reservation or hospitality declaration.

c) Financial guarantee, proved through documents, specified in article 10 of law no. 9959 of 17^th July 2008 “On foreigners” for the days of stay, calculated based on the amount determined in the joint instruction of Minister of Interior and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

ç) Document proving the existence of a stable cultural or sports relationship in the country of origin of the visa applicant, translated and certified by the respective local authorities.

C.2.4. Visa for official purposes

a) Letter of invitation by the host institution

b) Verbal note by the institution where the foreigner is emloyed

C.2.5. Visa for medical purposes

a) Letter of invitation by the host institution

b) Anamnesis, original or copy, mainly of the diagnosis issued by the local physician, translated and certified by the respective local authority

c) Declaration of the medical licenced institution, public or private, indicating: type of medical treatment, date of commencement and approximately the duration of medical treatment, approximate cost of treatment and also the entity to cover such costs

ç) Documents proving the existence of necessary and sufficient resources to cover medical expenses and also expenses of stay outside the medical institution or expenses for the return of the person under treatment and his/her accompanying person to the homeland, according to article 10 of law no 9959 of 17^th July 2008 “On foreigners”

d) Proof of health insurance of the person/s accompanying the sick person, in order to afford all the necessary expenses of immediate hospitalisation, for his stay in Albania and also expenses for returning to the homeland.

C.2.6. Visa for employment purposes (professional, commercial

a) Letter of invitation by the host institution

b) Document proving the professional, commercial activity in the respective country related with the purpose of the visit

c) In case of a commercial entity, documents proving the legal status of the entity

ç) Copy of the recent official document issued by respective local bodies proving the settlement of all taxation and social insurance obligations, authenticated according to the provision of the respective domestic legislation

For the drivers there is required even:

i. licence of international transport of the vehicle (truck);

ii. international circulation permit

iii. international driving licence

D) Type-D Visa

D.1. Main Documents

a) Passport, which should be valid at least 3 months after the expiry of the term of the requested visa;

b) Copy of pages of passport containing personal information and also pages providing important travel information;

c) 2 recent passport-size photographs

ç) Completed form in Annex 2

d) Proof of health insurance

dh) A regular declaration, according to the legislation of the respective country, issued by the parent/s (guardian) allowing travelling of minors.

e) Certificate of criminal status issued not ealier than one month before the application

D.2.1. Additional specific documents for D/AE/AP/AT/APU visas

a) Letter of invitation by the host

b) Document proving the professional, commercial activity in the respective country related with the purpose of the visit

c) In case of a commercial entity, documents proving the legal status of the entity

d) Employment contract with the host in Albania

dh) Work permit issued by the respetive Albanian authority

e) Document proving the registration of foreigner who is applying for visa with the responsible employment institions in own country, recognized according to the employment agreements.

D.2.2. Additional specific documents for D/ST visas

a) Document proving admission with an Albanian education institution

b) Property guarantee document proving the coverage of expenses for subsistence and education

c) Health insurance document corresponding with the duration of stay in the territory

ç) Declaration of the foreigner concerning the possibility of accommodation in the Republic of Albania

d) Document proving knowledge of the language to be used in the course of studies by the visa applicant. Proof of language may be done through an interview by the staff of the representation office.

D.2.3. Additional specific documents for D/BF visas

a) Copy of residence permit of foreigner in Albania applying for family reunification, certified and legalised by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Albania

b) Personal certificate with photograph of the foreigner applying for family reunification

ç) Certificate issued not later than one month prior to visa application by the respective authorities in the country of origin proving the relationship of the person that applies for family reunification in Albania.

d) Other additional documents (photographs, movies etc) proving the stable relationship with the person requiring family reunification

dh) Documents proving that the host has a suitable place of residence in Albania (rent agreement or document proving ownership over a place of residence)

e) Document proving that the host foreigner is employed or self-employed and has sufficient income to guarantee the subsistence of person/s that will visit the Republic of Albania

D.2.4. Additional specific documents for D/AF visas

a) Personal certificate with photograph of the foreigner applying for family reunification

b) Original birth certificate of the Albanian citizen who is the subject of the application for family reunification by the foreigner, legalised by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Albania

c) Certificate issued by the respective authorities in the country of origin proving the relantionship with the person applying for reunification in Albania.

ç) Other additional documents (photographs, movies etc) proving the stable relationship with the person requiring family reunification

D.2.5. Additional specific documents for D/AF visas

a) Personal certificate with photograph of the foreigner applying for visa

b) Copy of the license to exercise humanitarian activity

c) Statement on the purpose of visit by the entity recognized by the albanian state

D.2.6. Additional specific documents for D/ DS visas

a) Verbal note by the institution where the foreigner is emloyed

b) Letter of invitation by the host institution, when necessary

D.2.7. Additional specific documents for D/ QT visas

a) Personal certificate with photograph of the foreigner and family certificate of the foreigner applying for visa

b) Documents proving other purposes for which visa is requested

D.2.8 Additional specific documents for D/ PS visas

a) Letter of Invitation by the host

b) Employment contract with the host in Albania

c) Work permit issued by the respective Albanian institution

ç) Document proving the registration of the foreigner applying for visa with the responsible employment institution in own country, recognised according to sesional employment agreement

D.2.9. Additional specific documents for D/ H visas

a) Personal certificate with photograph of the foreigner and family certificate of the foreigner applying for visa

b) Documents proving other purposes for which visa is requested

3. Long term Type-D visa issued for period of stay of 180 days, for a one year period, shall be used by the foreigner in compliance with the criterion 90 days for period of 180 days, except for cases foreseen for D/PS visa, in point 2 of article 14 of law no.9959 of 17^th July 2008 “On foreigners”.

4. There shall be exempted from the obligation to appear in person at the Albanian representation office, on a case by case basis:

a) foreigner, holder of diplomatic passport

b) humanitarian cases

c) high state officials and delegations, accompanying them in visits for official purposes

ç) Foreigners organised in tourist groups invited by an Albanian tourism agency, who apply to one of our consular representation offices in the neighbouring country or other countries, which are not their countries of origin

5. The foreigners, in whose countries or neighbouring countries there is no Albanian diplomatic representation, shall apply for visa at the diplomatic representation of the Republic of Albania in one of the countries mentioned in list in Annex 4 attached to this decision. Visa application outside the countries indicated in this list is made by approval of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The authority and approval procedures are specified in the instruction of Minister of Foreign Affairs.

6. The visa of minors who, for various reasons, do not have a personal passport, is noted in the visa of the parent or legal guardian in whose passport the minor has been registered according to the listing of their registration in the passport, under the heading “notes” of the visa sticker, with initials X1, X2, X3 etc

7. Visa application by foreigners organised in tourist groups, invited by an Albanian tourist company, if lodged with one of our consular representations in neighbouring or other countries, which are not their countries of origin, may be done also by the representative of a tourism agency. Procedure of issuance or refusal of visa in such case requires not more than 24 hours.

The procedure is approved by joint instruction of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Interior.

8. All the documents to be submitted for the issuance of a visa, according to the specification of this decision, shall be translated into Albanian language and certified by the responsible authorities.

9. The procedure for the issuance of visa at the border, in cases foreseen by law no. 9959 of 17^th July 2008 “On foreigners” is defined by the joint instruction of Minister of Interior and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

10. The countries whose citizens have an ordinary passport or identity card and are exempted from visa requirement to enter into the Republic of Albania have been listed in Annex 5 of this decision.

11. The countries whose citizens have diplomatic or service passport and are exempted from visa requirement to enter into the Republic of Albania are listed in the Annex 6 of this decision.

12. The countries whose citizens are required to obtain visa to enter into the Republic of Albania and the respective visa fees are listed in the Annex 7 of this decision.

The countries whose citizens, organised in tourist groups invited by Albanian tourism agencies, apply for tourist visa to one of our consular representation offices in neigbouring or other countries which are not their countries of origin and the respective visa fees are listed in Annex 7/1 of this decision.

Visa fee waiver may be done for justified state reasons, at request of authority of state institution and upon the approval of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also ambassadors of RoA, at the diplomatic representations abroad.

13. In cases of annulment, invalidity or refusal of a visa, according to letters “b” and “ç” of article 19 of law no. 9959 of 17^th July 2008 “On foreigners”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, if the foreigner is in the territory of Republic of Albania, is responsible for damage revocery caused to the visa holder, in accordance with the legal provisions in force and the joint instruction of Minister of Interior and Minister of Foreign Affairs “On visa issuance procedure”.

14. The instruction aforementioned provides for the procedures of information and request for annulment, refusal or invalidity of visa to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, when the legal causes for the annulment, refusal or invalidity of visa have been noticed by several state authorities responsible for control of entry, stay, transit and exit of foreigners in the Republic of Albania.

III. CRITERIA, PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION FOR ISSUANCE OF RESIDENCE PERMITS

1. Application for residence permit or its renewal is lodged with the migration sectors or offices, at Regional Directorates of Border and Migration, in the territory where the foreigner is residing at the moment of application. The foreigner with legal residence in Albania appears in person for application for residence permit.

Procedures of acceptance, approval or refusal and also distribution of residence permits is defined by the instruction of Minister of Interior.

2. To obtain a residence permit, in the framework of economic, professional, commercial and employment activities, the foreigner needs to deposit the following main documents:

a) Completed Form in Annex 8;

b) Passport used for legal entry into the territory of Republic of Albania and also a copy of pages of passport containing official notes of interest

The expiry date of the passport should be at least 3 months after expiry of the deadline of residence permit applied for. Passport is returned to the person concerned at the time of application, while the copy is kept in the fascicle.

c) Certificate of criminal status obtained in the country of origin and/or in the country where the concerned person has legally resided, translated into Albanian language, issued in the recent semester, certified and legalised by the diplomatic or consular representations of the Republic of Albania abroad. Legalisation or not of these documents is based on obligations deriving from bilateral agreements.

ç) Sales contract or lease agreement of the place of residence;

d) Personal and/or family certificates translated into Albanian language, issued in the recent semester, certified and legalised by the diplomatic or consular representations of the Republic of Albania abroad. Legalisation or not of these documents is based on obligations deriving from bilateral agreements.

dh) 2 passport-size photographs

e) Declaration by the host or employer for the reason of stay

ë) Copy of work permit or copy of licence to exercise the respective activity

f) Health certificate (for citizens who come from countries affected by epidemic diseases) according to the specification of Ministry of Health

g) Receipt of payment for residence permit

3. To obtain a residence permit for purposes of study, the foreigner needs to deposit the following documents:

a) Completed Form in Annex 8;

b) Passport used for legal entry into the territory of Republic of Albania and also a copy of pages of passport containing official notes of interest

ç) Certificate by the head of education insitution for enrollment in the academic year

d) Sales contract or lease agreement of the place of residence, in Albanian language and certified, or a respective declaration if accommodation is guaranteed by education institution

dh) 2 passport-size photographs

e) Bank deposit in a banking institution in Albania in order to cover education expenses, or certificate by the respective education institution for the granting of scholarship

ë) Proof of financial means required for subsistence, according to provisions of article 10 of law no.9959 of 17^th July 2008 “On foreigners”

f) Certificate of knowledge of language of education in Albania by the non-Albanian speaking foreign citizen

4. To obtain a residence permit for family reunification of a foreigner with another foreigner who legally/regularly resides in Albania, the former need to deposit the following documents:

a) Completed Form in Annex 8;

b) Passport used for legal entry into the territory of Republic of Albania and also a copy of pages of passport containing official notes of interest

ç) Copy of residence permit of spouse, or civil partner

d) Personal and/or family certificates translated into Albanian language, issued in the recent semester, certified and legalised by the diplomatic or consular representations of Republic of Albania abroad. Legalisation or not of these documents is based on obligations deriving from bilateral agreements.

dh) 2 passport-size photographs

e) Sales contract or lease agreement of the place of residence. The place of residence needs to have adequate space to ensure normal living for the number of persons after reunification

ë) Copy of the document of health insurance contributions (for foreign citizens residing in Albania)

f) Request by host spouse/civil partner

g) Notary declaration of the civil partners

h) Documentation of the civil partner serves only for cases foreseen in article 21 of law no 9959 of 17^th July 2008 “On foreigners”.

5. To obtain a residence permit for family reunification of a foreigner entering with a visa with an Albanian citizen, the foreigner needs to deposit the following documents

a) Completed Form in Annex 8;

b) Passport used for legal entry into the territory of Republic of Albania and also a copy of pages of passport containing official notes of interest

c) Copy of identification document or passport of Albanian spouse

ç) Personal and/or family certificates translated into Albanian language, issued in the recent semester, certified and legalised by the diplomatic or consular representations of the Republic of Albania abroad. Legalisation or not of these documents is based on obligations deriving from bilateral agreements.

d) 2 passport-size photographs

dh) Documents proving their cohabitation for a time period of not less than one year (common lease agreement, several photographs, etc)

6. To obtain a residence permit for family reunification with an Albanian citizen, the foreigner who enters without a visa needs to deposit the following documents:

a) Completed Form in Annex 8;

b) Passport used for legal entry into the territory of Republic of Albania and also a copy of pages of passport containing official notes of interest

c) Copy of identification document or passport of Albanian spouse

ç) Family certificate from the country of origin and the marriage certificate issued in Albania or in the country of origin, within the recent semester, translated into Albanian language, certified and legalised by the diplomatic or consular representations of the Republic of Albania abroad. Legalisation or not of these documents is based on obligations deriving from bilateral agreements

d) 2 passport-size photographs

7. To obtain a residence permit, in the framwork of humanitarian or religious activities, the foreigner needs to deposit the following documents:

a) Completed Form in Annex 8;

b) Passport used for legal entry into the territory of Republic of Albania and also a copy of pages of passport containing official notes of interest

d) 2 passport-size photographs

dh) Copy of the licence to exercise humanitarian activity or declaration by the host religious institution

8. To obtain a residence permit for exceptional cases, foreseen in article 31 of law no 9959 of 17^th July 2008 “On foreigners”, the foreigner needs to deposit the following documents:

a) Completed Form in Annex 8;

b) Travel document or identification document if available

c) Request by the state institution for the issuance of the residence permit not exceeding one year, indicating the reason constituting an exceptional case

ç) 2 passport-size photograph

The procedure of application and issuance of the residence permit for exceptional cases is approved by instruction of Minister of Interior.

9. To obtain a residence permit for other purposes, the foreigner needs to deposit the following documents:

a) Completed Form in Annex 8;

b) Passport used for legal entry into the territory of Republic of Albania and also a copy of pages of passport containing official notes of interest

ç) Certificate of ownership over the place of residence.

d) Bank certificate over financial means to cover expenses according to the purpose of stay for the requested period of stay

dh) Personal and/or family certificates translated into Albanian language, issued in the recent semester, certified and legalised by the diplomatic or consular representations of the Republic of Albania abroad. Legalisation or not of these documents is based on obligations deriving from bilateral agreements

e) 2 passport-size photographs

ë) Statement on the purpose of stay

f) Receipt of payment for residence permit

10. To renew the residence permit, the foreigner needs to deposit the following documents:

a) Completed Form in Annex 8;

b) Passport used for legal entry into the territory of Republic of Albania and also a copy of pages of passport containing official notes of interest

c) Copy of previous temporary residence permit

ç) Document/s proving the reason/need to renew the residence permits similar to those specified in this decision for the issuance of termporary residence permits, apart from the certificate of criminal status from the country of origin.

11. To obtain a two-year residence permit, the foreigner should have legally resided for one year period (with temporary residence permit) in the RoA and needs to deposit the following documents:

a) Completed Form in Annex 8;

b) Passport used for legal entry into the territory of Republic of Albania and also a copy of pages of passport containing official notes of interest

c) Copy of previous temporary residence permit

ç) Document/s proving the reason/need to be provided with a two-year residence permit similar to those specified in this decision for the issuance of termporary residence permits, apart from the certificate of criminal status from the country of origin.

12. To obtain a permanent residence permit, the foreigner needs to deposit the following documents:

a) Completed Form in Annex 8;

b) Passport used for legal entry into the territory of Republic of Albania and also a copy of pages of passport containing official notes of interest

c) Copy of previous temporary residence permit/s proving residence for five consecutive years in Albania.

ç) Document/s proving the reason/need to be provided with the temporary residence permits similar to those specified in this decision for the issuance of termporary residence permits, apart from the certificate of criminal status from the country of origin.

13. Issuance of termporary residence permis, for special reasons, upon order of Minister of Interior, is done for important state interests, state security and public order. The request for issuance of a residence permit is addressed to Minister of Interior by the concerned institution. Documents to be submited to the responsible state authority for treatment of foreigners at regional/local level are:

a) Completed Form in Annex 8;

b) Passport used for legal entry into the territory of Republic of Albania and also a copy of pages of passport containing official notes of interest

c) When appropriate, confirmation by the head of central institution for having employed or contracted the foreigner.

14. To obtain a permanent residence permit, for special cases, the foreigner needs to deposit the following documents:

a) Completed Form in Annex 8;

b) Passport used for legal entry into the territory of Republic of Albania and also a copy of pages of passport containing official notes of interest

c) Copy of temporary residence permit

ç) According to the circumstances indicated in point 1, article 35 of law no.9959 of 17^th July 2008 “On foreigners”, a copy of (permanent) residence permit of spouse/parent, family certificate of parent or grandparent, personal certificate of the child

d) 2 passport-size photographs

15. To obtain a temporary residence permit for special purposes (expert to come in the framework of bilateral or multilateral agreements, lecturer, member of scientific staff, pedagogue of university, who due to their expertise work in the Republic of Albania), the foreigner needs to deposit the following documents:

a) Completed Form in Annex 8;

b) Passport used for legal entry into the territory of Republic of Albania and also a copy of pages of passport containing official notes of interest

c) Confirmation by the head of central institution for having employed or contracted the foreigner

16. The set of documents, to be submitted for the issuance of residence permit, in the framework of economic, professional, commercial and employment activities, should be translated into Albanian language and certified by the local respective authorities.

17. The procedure of approval of the issuance of residence permit includes verification with the card-index of Criminal Police at the State Police, and also confirmation by the State Intelligence Service.

18. Following submission of documentation for residence permit by the foreigner, and the acceptance by the responsible state authority at regional/local level, the latter provides the foreign citizen immediately with temporary residence permit, which is valid for the period of examination of the foreigner’s application for residence permit.

19. In case of loss of a travel document or a residence permit, the responsible state authority at regional/local level declares the lost document wanted, annuls the residence permit denounced to have been lost, provides the foreigner with a temporary certificate according to Annex 9 and take the measures to provide the foreigner, if requested by him, with a travel document, temporary residence permit and, consequently, residence permit.

20. Residence permit is issued in the form of biometrical card.

20.1 The minors until 14 years of age are provided with residence permits for minors in the form of biometrical card without fingerprints.

21. Residence permit fee for foreign citizens is indicated in Annex 10 of this decision.

22. Foreigners who work for non-profit organisations, charity, humanitarian organisations, foundations and religious associations, based on the provisions of bilateral agreement with the Albanian state for exemption from residence permit fee and also categories determined in article 31 of law no 9959 of 17^th July 2008 “On foreigners”, are provided with free of charge residence permit. Cost of the residence permit card for this category is covered by the budget of Department of Border and Migration.

IV. FINAL AND TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

1. Until the adoption, production and circulation of new samples of documents for foreigners, visa stickers and residence permits, there will be used the documents, visa stickers and existing samples of residence permits.

2. Administrative measures foreseen in article 104 of law no 9959 of 17^th July 2008 “On foreigners” are decided by the responsible state authority at regional/local level, according to the form in Annex 11. Enforcement of sanctions in line with law no. 7697 of 7^th April 1993 “On administrative infringements” is assumed by the responsible state authority at regional/local level.

3. Decision of Council of Ministers no. 439 of 4^th August 2000 “On entry, stay and treatment of foreigners in the Republic of Albania”, amended and all other subordinate legal acts issued to implement it, shall be repealled upon entry into force of this decision.

4. One year residence permits issued until the moment of production of new biometrical card will be valid until their expiry as long as they are not annuled by the responsible state authorities or made invalid, in implementing the provisions of this law.

5 year and existing permanent residence permits will be valid until 31^st December 2009. Replacement of existing residence permits with permits in the form of biometrical card will be made against the cost of the card production.

5. Minister of Interior and Minister of Foreign Affairs are tasked with the enforcement of this decision and the issuance of necessary subordinate legal acts within 30 days from the date of adoption of this decision.

The decision enters into force after publication in the Official Journal.

P R I M E M I N I S T E R

SALI BERISHA

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