Eric Adams Granted Albanian Citizenship, Receives Passport

NEW YORK, NY— Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been granted Albanian citizenship and issued an Albanian passport, according to a decree signed by President Bajram Begai.

The citizenship was approved following a request submitted by Adams, officials said.

A spokesperson for Adams said the former mayor has longstanding ties to the Albanian-American community and noted that New York City is home to one of the largest Albanian populations in the United States.

“The decision by the Republic of Albania to grant Mayor Adams citizenship reflects that enduring relationship and mutual respect,” spokesperson Todd Shapiro said in a statement. “Leaders around the world — including mayors and presidents — have historically been recognized with honorary or dual citizenships as a symbol of international partnership and shared values.”

Shapiro added that Adams viewed the mayoralty as a role with global reach.

“With the United Nations headquartered in New York City, the mayoralty carries a unique international significance,” the statement said. “This recognition further strengthens the bond between New York and Albania.”

Adams visited Albania in October 2025 while serving as mayor and has previously expressed close ties to the country and its diaspora community.

Former Eric Adams has faced mounting legal scrutiny tied to campaign finance and fundraising practices during and after his 2021 mayoral run, adding context to the attention surrounding his newly granted Albanian citizenship.

Federal investigators have examined whether Adams and his associates improperly steered foreign donations into his campaign and whether those contributions were used to access New York City’s public matching funds program.

Prosecutors have also looked at potential straw donor schemes, in which contributions are made in the names of others to bypass legal limits.

Adams has denied wrongdoing and has not been convicted of any crime.

Separate reporting has scrutinized Adams’ connections to donors and business figures with international ties, as well as his political action committees and fundraising networks.

The investigations remain ongoing, and no final determinations have been made in court.

Observers have pointed to broader context around the decision.

Albania maintains an extradition treaty with the United States that includes an exemption for “political offenses,” a provision that has drawn attention in discussions of high-profile figures obtaining citizenship abroad.

Others emphasize Adams’ personal affinity for Albania, including public praise for the country and its business community. His ties also extend into cultural exchanges; his son, Jordan Adams, previously appeared on Albania’s version of American Idol.

No further details about Adams’ plans following the citizenship announcement have been disclosed.