shtetasi

Shtetasi is a term in Albanian that designates a person who holds the citizenship of a state. In grammar, it is a masculine noun; the feminine form is shtetasja. The word is used in formal and legal contexts to refer to individuals who possess the civil status associated with membership in a political community, typically including rights such as voting and protection by the state, as well as duties like obeying laws and paying taxes. The term derives from shtet, meaning state, with the suffix -asi, forming a noun that indicates a person connected to that state.

In legal contexts, shtetasi denotes the bearer of citizenship regardless of other statuses such as residency. It is distinct from permanent residency, refugee status, or statelessness. Citizenship can be acquired by birth, descent, naturalization, or other methods defined by a state's nationality law; many states regulate or allow dual citizenship under specific conditions. The concept of shtetasi is central to national identity, civil registration, and access to public rights and services.

In everyday usage, the term appears in government documents, official forms, and journalism when referring to citizens. Related terms include shtetësi (citizenship) and shtetëror (state-related) though contexts differ.

See also: Citizenship, Nationality law, Statelessness, Albanian language.