- Lower Cost of Living: Albania’s cost of living is lower than that of other European countries, making it an economical country to live in.
- Agreeable Climate: Most cities have mild winters and cool summers.
- Rich Culture: Albania has a rich history and culture, with several festivals, traditions, and landmarks.
- Friendly Locals: Albanians are noted for their hospitality and friendliness, which helps newcomers integrate.
- Strategic Location: Owing to its location in the Balkans, Albania offers easy access to other European countries.
- Healthcare: Although improving, the healthcare system may not meet the standards of more developed countries, and private healthcare can be expensive.
- Economic Challenges: Despite much growth in recent years, Albania still faces economic challenges, including lower average wages and higher unemployment rates.
- Limited Job Market: Job opportunities can be limited and competitive, especially for foreigners.
- Political Instability: Albania’s political landscape constantly fluctuates and can be quite bad. Periodic political instability can affect the overall living and working environment.
- Public Services: Public services, including transportation and utilities, can be less reliable, and low-income individuals and families may face more issues than others.
Citizens of the EU and Schengen countries have the same employment rights as Albanian citizens. Anyone who is not an Albanian citizen and wants to live and work in the country is required to apply for a work permit. Approval or denial typically takes not more than 30 days after submitting all the documentation.
Those who are not Albanian citizens who intend to work in Albania for longer than three months must obtain a work permit. Before beginning work, you need to submit a work permit request. A work permit may be given with or without temporal limits. The type of work permit determines its validity time.
- Type A: Permits for economic activities for both employers and employees.
- Type B: Independent economic activity permits
- Type C: Permits for special occasions.
- Type D: Permanent work permits for eligible foreigners.
Type A Work Permit
- Type “A/P”, for employees
- Type “A/PS”, for seasonal work
- Type “A/TN”, for transfers within the company
- Type “A/PS”, for students
- Type “A/NK”, for border employment
- Type “A/SHV”, for people who offer volunteer services
- Type “A/AF”, for family members who enter the marriage
Type B Work Permit
Type “B/I” for investors
Short-Term Visa Type C
A short-term visa allows you to stay in Albania for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is typically issued for the following purposes:
- Tourism
- Medical treatment
- Scientific, cultural, sports, and humanitarian activities
- Official visits
Long-Term Visa Type D
A long-term visa allows you to stay in Albania for one year and is also issued if you plan to obtain a residence permit after entering the country. Depending on the purpose of your stay, this type of visa can be issued for various purposes, including:
- Student visa
- Family reunion visa
- Work visa
- Diplomatic or service visa
- Humanitarian or religious activities visa
- Seasonal employment visa
- Retirement visa
The Albanian Digital Nomad Visa, officially known as the Unique Permit invites remote workers to live and work in the country for up to five years. The initial visa term is valid for one year and is renewable for up to five years. After this, individuals can apply for permanent residency.
Like its neighbours, the Albanian government intends to draft a citizenship by investment program law, which will open new horizons for the country and foreign investors. On July 29, Albania decided, published on August 9, to revisit the citizenship issue. As a candidate to join the European Union by 2027, Albania is currently reviewing the draft Law on Golden Passports for investors. In 2020, the Albanian government approved the Citizenship Law, which includes an article granting citizenship to “special cases,” allowing foreign citizens over the age of eighteen to obtain citizenship if they perform significant works and services for Albania in fields such as science, economy, and sports, provided they do not pose a threat to public order and national security.
Although the government of Albania announced in July 2022 that it was working on its citizenship by investment program, the government is said to have recently abandoned such plans due to the EU’s reaction.
Establishing a company is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to gain residency in Albania. Another method is to obtain residency through real estate ownership. Real estate prices in the suburbs start from around €40,000, increasing as one moves closer to the city centre.
The employer must submit several documents to obtain a work permit for a foreign employee. These include:
- Standard application form signed by your employee
- A National Registration Center extract confirming your registration as an employer
- The Applicant’s employment contract
- Copy of their passport
- Five photos
- Employees will also need to pay ALL 6,000, or about 45 EUR, to get a work permit from the General Directorate of National Labor Service or the Labor Office of the relevant territory, which is a part of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least three months after your return date and in good condition. Include a copy of previous visas if applicable.
- Passport Photo: One passport-sized photo with a plain background.
- Application Form: Complete the form accurately without leaving any blanks.
- Bank Statement: Recent statement (last six months) proving financial stability.
- Travel Health Insurance: Proof of insurance with coverage of €30,000 for medical issues.
- Invitation Letter: If visiting friends or family, a letter from them stating they will host you.
- Proof of Accommodation: Documentation such as a rental agreement, invitation letter, or hotel reservation.
- Flight Itinerary: Document detailing your flight route, dates, and airline.
- Parental Consent: For children under 18, a document signed by both parents or legal guardians granting permission to travel.
- Valid Passport
- Work Remotely
- Earn at least $315 USD per month
- Albanian Bank account
- Clean criminal record
- International health insurance
- Address of accommodations
These are the required documents for the Albanian Residency by Investment program:
- Valid passport
- Three recent biometric photos
- Clear criminal record
- CV of the applicant
Step 1: Submit Your Application: Visit the E-Visa website, log in or create a new account, and complete the online application.
Step 2: Gather and Upload Documents: Collect the required documents listed in the ‘Albania Visa Requirements’ section and upload them in PDF format on the website.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the visa fee at the bank and attach the payment receipt with your other documents.
Step 4: Wait for a Response: You will receive your visa decision via text or email from the Consul.
Step 1: Open a bank account
Opening a local bank account is necessary. Some banks allow foreigners to open an account with a passport and proof of accommodation, while others may require a residence permit.
Step 2: Gather documents
- Copy of passport
- Passport size photographs
- Proof of remote work in the form of employment or service contract
- Proof of financial means in the form of payslips or bank statements
- Address of accommodations in Albania, such as Airbnb reservation
- Proof of Albanian bank account
- Certified criminal background check
- Proof of valid health insurance
Step 3: Submit application
Once you have gathered and digitised your documents, submit your application through the Albanian e-visa portal by registering an account with your name and email address. After registration, click “Apply Now” and select “digital mobile worker” from the available Type D visas list. Complete the requested information, upload the necessary documents, and pay the visa fee via credit card, which varies depending on your nationality and matches the fee
Since March 2020, Albania has implemented a reciprocal visa fee rule, where citizens of other countries must pay a visa fee equivalent to what Albanian citizens are charged by their home country. For example, if an Albanian citizen must pay €80 to enter Argentina, then an Argentinian citizen must pay the same €80 fee when applying for an Albanian visa.