Starting a business in Albania is quite easy, and registration formalities take a few days. Investors incorporate under one of the legal forms of Law No. 9901/2008 “On entrepreneurs and companies” and register with the commercial register held by the National Business Center (NBC).
From our guide “Doing Business and Investing in Albania”, 2024 edition. Rates and rules change, and the Fiscal Package 2026 brought further changes. Use this page as an overview and talk to us before acting on it.
Choosing a legal form
| Legal form | Liability | Minimum capital |
|---|---|---|
| Limited liability company (SHPK), the most common form | Limited to the unpaid contribution to capital | ALL 100 (about €1); not required up front |
| Joint stock company (SHA) | Limited to the unpaid contribution to capital | ALL 3.5 million (about €34,000) without a public offering; ALL 10 million (about €97,000) with one |
| General partnership (Shoqëri Kolektive) | Unlimited | None |
| Limited partnership (Shoqëri Komandite) | Limited for limited partners; unlimited for the general partner | None |
| Branch of a foreign company | Treated as an Albanian entity for tax | – |
| Representative office | Non-profit operations only | – |
A natural person can also trade as an entrepreneur (Person Fizik, Tregtar), the simplest form, which needs only an ID or passport but leaves the individual personally liable. A joint venture between two or more investors is governed by the Civil Code and is usually used for ad hoc operations; it must still be registered with the commercial register.
An SHPK is managed by one or more administrators, who must be individuals, appointed by the General Shareholders’ Assembly for up to five years, renewable. In a joint stock company at least a quarter of the nominal value of cash contributions must be paid in on establishment, and the company can choose a one-tier or a two-tier board.
Registering with the National Business Center
Every business vehicle registers with the Albanian Commercial Register held by the NBC. Registration gives the company its Unique Business Registration Number (NUIS), which is also its tax identification number. If the file is accurate and complete, registration is completed within one day.
For a new company you need:
- The application form, filed by the administrator or an authorised person
- The Articles of Incorporation and the Statute, signed by the founding shareholders or their representatives
- Where a shareholder is a company: the parent company’s decision to establish the company in Albania, its statute, its certificate of registration, a certificate of good standing issued within 90 days, and a copy of the signatory’s passport
- A copy of the passport of each administrator
- A power of attorney for the person filing, where the incorporation act does not already authorise them
Documents issued abroad must be originals or certified copies with an apostille from the country of origin. Registration with the commercial register also registers the business for national and local tax, so no separate tax registration is needed.
Beneficial owners
Under Law No. 112/2020 “On the Registry of Beneficial Owners”, companies registered with the NBC, including branches and representative offices of foreign entities, must declare their ultimate beneficial owners: individuals who own or control 25% or more, directly or through a chain of entities. The filing is made through e-Albania together with the company registration or within 40 calendar days of it, and verification takes about two days.
| Late beneficial-owner filing | Fine |
|---|---|
| Not filed within the first 40 calendar days | ALL 50,000 |
| Not filed within a further 40 calendar days | ALL 600,000 |
| A change not registered within 90 calendar days | ALL 400,000 |
Opening a bank account
Once the company is established, the administrator and, depending on the bank, shareholders owning more than 20% must appear in person at the bank with the Articles of Association and Statute, their passports, the NBC registration number and extract, and, for foreign shareholders resident in Albania, their residence permit.
How long does it take to register a company in Albania?
Registration with the National Business Center is completed within one day of the application, provided the file is accurate and complete. Allow extra time to prepare and apostille documents issued abroad, and to open a bank account.
What is the minimum capital for an SHPK?
ALL 100 (about €1), and paid-in capital is not required up front when the company is registered.
Do I need a separate tax registration?
No. Registration with the commercial register also registers the business for national and local tax purposes. The beneficial-owner declaration is filed separately, through e-Albania.
Setting up in Albania?
Our International Business Helpdesk advises on the right structure and handles the set-up, with local and international tax advice.
More from the guide
Taxes in Albania
From the Doing Business in Albania guide.
Albanian tax calendar
From the Doing Business in Albania guide.
Employing people in Albania
From the Doing Business in Albania guide.
Residence and work permits
From the Doing Business in Albania guide.
Fiscalisation and e-invoicing
From the Doing Business in Albania guide.