Dua Lipa expresses gratitude for her Kosovan nationality
Pop Sensation Dua Lipa Receives Kosovan Citizenship
Popular British-Albanian singer Dua Lipa has been awarded Kosovan citizenship by President Vjosa Osmani in a formal ceremony held around August 1, 2025. The ceremony, adorned with Kosovo's national flags, honoured Lipa's significant contributions to Kosovo's international image and her deep connection to the country.
Born in London to Kosovar Albanian parents, Lipa lived in Pristina, Kosovo's capital, between ages 11 and 15. This citizenship recognises her role in promoting Kosovo's culture internationally and her influence as a global music star.
President Vjosa Osmani described Lipa as "one of the most important cultural and artistic personalities in the history of our country." She emphasised that "Dua and Kosovo have always been inseparable," highlighting how Lipa carries Kosovo’s story with strength and pride on the world’s biggest stages.
The event included a symbolic presentation of a citizenship certificate and performances, including children singing Lipa's hit "Levitating." President Osmani praised Lipa for being a "symbol of hope and inspiration for young people."
This citizenship complements Lipa’s existing ties, as she is already a citizen of the UK and Albania (granted Albanian citizenship in 2022 for promoting the country). Lipa expressed that receiving Kosovan citizenship "feels like my two sides are now one," signifying a personal and familial milestone deeply meaningful to her.
The occasion coincided with the Sunny Hill music festival in Pristina, which Lipa co-founded and where she performed. The gesture highlights Kosovo's appreciation of its diaspora’s role in shaping the country’s global image and cultural identity.
Lipa has been a vocal advocate for her Kosovar roots and has worked to bring global recognition to Kosovo, a country that declared independence from Serbia in 2008. She co-founded the Sunny Hill Foundation, which supports arts and cultural development in Kosovo.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Lipa wrote, "Thank you President Vjosa Osmani for this incredible honour. It means the world to me to be officially part of the Kosovo family." The post featured a photo of Lipa standing side by side with President Osmani as she received the official document for her Kosovan citizenship. President Osmani's caption read, "Mirë se erdhe në shtëpi, Dua!", which translates to "Welcome home, Dua!" in Albanian.
[1] BBC News, "Dua Lipa awarded Kosovan citizenship," August 1, 2025. [2] The Guardian, "Dua Lipa receives Kosovan citizenship," August 1, 2025. [3] The Independent, "Dua Lipa receives Kosovan citizenship," August 1, 2025.
Dua Lipa, recognized as a global music icon and a staunch advocate for her Kosovar roots, was described by President Vjosa Osmani as "one of the most important cultural and artistic personalities in the history of our country." Additionally, the reception of Kosovan citizenship signifies a significant step in Lipa's journey, as she carries Kosovo’s story with strength and pride on international stages.
