Albania offers several types of residency permits for foreign citizens who wish to live, work, study, or invest in the country. The process is regulated by the Law on Foreigners (Law no. 79/2021) and managed by the General Directorate of Border and Migration.
Each type of permit is tied to a specific legal purpose and has its own application criteria, duration, and renewal process.
Main Residency Permit Categories
Foreigners can apply for one of the following residence permits based on their legal status in Albania:
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Work permit – For employees hired by Albanian companies or international organizations
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Business permit – For individuals who open and operate a registered company in Albania
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Family reunification permit – For spouses, children, or dependents of legal residents
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Student permit – For foreigners enrolled in accredited Albanian educational institutions
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Pensioner/retiree permit – For individuals with stable pension income who wish to reside in Albania
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Research or academic permit – For scholars or researchers working under formal agreements
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Special cases or humanitarian permit – For stateless individuals, asylum cases, or approved special statuses
Each permit must be tied to valid documentation proving your purpose of stay, such as an employment contract, business registration, university enrollment, or marriage certificate.
Permit Validity and Renewal
Most residency permits are initially issued for 1 year and can be renewed annually. After five continuous years of legal residence, applicants may qualify for permanent residency.
All permits require the applicant to:
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Maintain a valid address in Albania
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Register with the tax authority if earning income
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Submit annual renewals before the expiration date
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Prove continued compliance with the original permit purpose
Failure to meet these obligations may result in cancellation or rejection of future applications.
Entry and Application Procedure
Citizens of many countries can enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 or 180 days, depending on their nationality. During this time, they may apply for a residence permit from within Albania—provided they meet all legal criteria.
In some cases, individuals must apply for the residence permit through the Albanian consulate in their home country before entering Albania.