Company seal and documentation requirements in Albania

Setting up a company in Albania requires navigating several legal and administrative steps. Among the most commonly asked questions by foreign investors: Do I need a company seal? What documents are required to register and operate a company legally?

Here’s a clear breakdown of what you need to know when forming and managing a company in Albania.

Is a Company Seal Required in Albania?

No—a company seal (also known as a corporate stamp) is not legally mandatory in Albania. The commercial registry and Albanian law do not require companies to use or obtain a physical seal to validate contracts or legal documents.

However, some businesses choose to create and use a seal voluntarily, especially when dealing with traditional partners, banks, or institutions that may expect stamped documents for procedural clarity.

When a Seal Might Still Be Used:

• Submitting documentation to banks

• Dealing with suppliers or contractors that prefer sealed documents

• Maintaining a formal brand image on contracts and invoices

In these cases, a seal serves a symbolic or procedural function rather than a legal one.

Required Documentation to Register a Company in Albania

To open a company in Albania (such as a sh.p.k. – Limited Liability Company), you will need to prepare and submit several legal documents to the National Business Center (QKB).

These include:

1. Articles of Association (Act of Establishment)

   • Outlines the company structure, capital, shareholders, and activities

2. Founders’ Identification Documents

   • Passport or ID card (for both local and foreign individuals)

   • If a shareholder is a company: certificate of incorporation and legal representative documentation

3. Legal Representative Appointment

   • Identification and official declaration of the person acting as company administrator

4. Registered Office Address

   • Must be a physical address in Albania; lease agreement or ownership deed may be required

5. Proof of Initial Capital Contribution

   • Usually deposited in a temporary bank account (minimum capital for sh.p.k. is ALL 100)

6. Power of Attorney (if applicable)

   • Required if the registration is done through a third party or local representative

7. Application Form and Declaration Forms

   • Filed through the QKB system, either online or in person

All foreign-issued documents must be translated into Albanian and legalized with an apostille or through consular authentication, depending on the issuing country.

Post-Registration Documents You’ll Receive

After successful registration, your company will receive:

• NIPT (Tax ID number)

• Company registration certificate

• Extract from the Commercial Register

• Social Insurance registration

• Optionally: VAT certificate (depending on activity and turnover)

These documents allow the company to legally operate, open bank accounts, invoice clients, and hire employees.

While a company seal is not legally required in Albania, having one may still be useful for formal operations. The documentation requirements for company formation are straightforward but must be handled with care, especially when foreign partners are involved.