Adopting from Kosovo
Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.
The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
Contents
About Kosovo
The central Balkans were part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires before ethnic Serbs migrated to the territories of modern Kosovo in the 7th century. During the medieval period, Kosovo became the center of a Serbian Empire and saw the construction of many important Serb religious sites, including many architecturally significant Serbian Orthodox monasteries. The defeat of Serbian forces at the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 led to five centuries of Ottoman rule during which large numbers of Turks and Albanians moved to Kosovo. To learn more please read About Kosovo.
Hague Convention Information
Kosovo is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). To learn more please read about Kosovo and the Hague Convention.
Who Can Adopt
To bring an adopted child to United States from Kosovo, you must be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. To learn more please aread about Who Can Adopt from Kosovo.
How to Adopt
Adoption Authority
Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare Social Services Division Adoption Coordinator
The Process
The process for adopting a child from Kosovo generally includes the following steps:
- Choose an Adoption Service Provider
- Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
- Be Matched with a Child
- Adopt the Child in Kosovo
- Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
- Bring Your Child Home
To learn more about this process please read about How to Adopt from Kosovo.
Traveling Abroad
Applying for Your U.S. Passport
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Kosovo. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Kosovo.
After Adoption
What does Kosovo require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?
We strongly urge you to comply with the wish of Kosovo and complete all post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that country's history of positive experiences with American parents.
What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?
Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
Here are some good places to start your support group search:
Child Welfare Information Gateway
North American Council on Adoptable Children
NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
Contact Information
U.S. Embassy in Macedonia
Address: Samoilova Street, No.21, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia Tel: (02) 310 2000 Fax: (02) 310 2299 Email: SkopjeACSmailbox@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Macedonia
Tel: +381-38-200-26-052 or +381-38-212-503 Fax: +381-38-211-940 Email:Fitore.s.rexhaj@ks-gov.net
Embassy of Kosovo
Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo Presidential Plaza 900 19th Street, NW, Suite 400 Washington DC, 20006 Tel: +1 202 380 3581 Fax: +1 202 380 36 28 E-mail: embassy.usa@ks-gov.net
Office of Children's Issues
U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
SOURCE
Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=kosovo