Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the Kosovo authorities. Essential for citizens of Kosovo living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.
Kosovo consulates processing civil records
What can be registered?
- Birth registration: children of Kosovo parents born in the U.S. can be registered as Kosovo nationals
- Marriage registration: marriages of Kosovo citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
- Death registration: death of Kosovo nationals in the U.S.
- Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in Kosovo
Required documents
- Original U.S. vital record (birth/marriage/death certificate)
- Apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state
- Certified translation to the official language of Kosovo
- Passport and ID of the Kosovo citizens involved
- Application form completed
How to register
Most Kosovo consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the Kosovo civil registry office.
Some consulates accept mail-in applications for civil records. Check the official site of your consulate.
Costs and processing times
Registration fees: typically free or $10-$50 per record. Processing time at the consulate: 2-4 weeks; final registration in Kosovo can take additional months.