Entry, stay and work of foreign nationals are governed by Law No. 79/2021 “On foreigners”. Anyone staying more than 90 days needs a residence permit; for work and business it is a unique permit, which covers the work approval, the type D visa and the residence permit in one application.
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.
Who needs what
Unique permits are granted for employment, self-employment, seasonal work, intra-company transfers, highly qualified experts, digital nomads, investors and contract services, among others. Other residence permits cover family reunion, study, research, pensioners and owners of property in Albania.
A first permit lasts no more than one year and can be renewed; after five consecutive years of legal residence, a permanent permit can be granted. Citizens of the EU, the Schengen area, the USA and some other countries are exempt from the visa and from the yearly work approval while they stay in the same job.
Step by step
- The employer advertises the job on e-Albania, open to Albanian applicants for at least seven days.
- Apply for the unique permit online, uploading the documents for the work approval, the visa and the residence permit. The work approval is reviewed within seven days.
- Pay for and receive the visa through e-visa.al, where one is needed (15 to 30 days).
- Within 30 days of entering Albania, file the documents and payment in person with the border and migration police; a provisional permit allows you to stay while the application is reviewed (4 to 12 weeks).
- Register and collect your ID: register with the civil registry of foreigners and apply for a foreigner’s ID card, ready in about two weeks.
Renewals are filed online at least 60 days before the current permit expires. Digital nomads who work online and can support themselves do not need a work approval.
Once you are resident
Foreign residents have the same access to public employment services as Albanians, the right to join a trade union, and, where their home country gives no better cover and there is no bilateral agreement, the same social security protection as Albanian employees.
How long does a residence permit take in Albania?
The work approval is reviewed within seven days, a visa (where needed) takes 15 to 30 days, and the residence permit application is reviewed within 4 to 12 weeks, during which a provisional permit lets you stay.
Do EU citizens need a work permit in Albania?
Citizens of the EU, the Schengen area, the USA and some other countries are exempt from the visa and receive an unlimited exemption from the yearly work approval while they stay in the same job. They still apply for a residence permit.
Moving people to Albania?
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