Albania and Turkey enjoy close diplomatic and economic relations, and this is reflected in the simplified procedures available to Turkish citizens who wish to live in Albania. Whether you’re planning to stay for work, business, study, or simply for lifestyle reasons, Turkish nationals have a clear and accessible path to legal residency in the country.
Visa-Free Entry and Legal Stay
Turkish citizens can enter Albania without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This gives you enough time to explore the country, find accommodation, or even set up a business before applying for a residence permit.
However, if you plan to live in Albania for more than 90 days, you must apply for a residency permit before your visa-free period ends.
Residency Options for Turkish Nationals
Turkish citizens can apply for a variety of residency permits based on their purpose of stay. The most common categories include:
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Employment – if working for an Albanian company or under a bilateral agreement
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Business ownership – if registering a company or investing in Albania
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Family reunification – if joining a spouse or immediate family member living in Albania
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Study – if enrolled in an accredited Albanian educational institution
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Retirement or real estate ownership – if you own property or receive income from abroad
The application must be submitted through the e-Albania portal, followed by an in-person appointment at the local Migration Directorate.
Required Documents
To apply for a residency permit, Turkish citizens will need:
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A valid Turkish passport
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Proof of accommodation in Albania
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Health insurance valid for your entire stay
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Criminal record certificate from Turkey
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Proof of sufficient income or financial means
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Supporting documents based on your permit type (e.g. work contract, business registration, property deed)
All foreign documents must be translated into Albanian and legalized via apostille or consular authentication. In most cases, notarization inside Albania is also required before submission.
Permit Duration and Renewal
Most initial permits are issued for one year and are renewable annually. After five continuous years of legal residence, Turkish citizens may qualify for permanent residency, which provides a more stable status and removes the need for yearly renewals.
It’s important to renew your permit before it expires. Late renewals may lead to fines, temporary bans, or rejection of future applications.
Advantages for Turkish Citizens
Thanks to strong Albania–Turkey relations, Turkish nationals benefit from smooth processing, growing community support, and ease of doing business. Many Turkish investors, entrepreneurs, and retirees already reside in Albania, particularly in cities like Tirana, Durrës, and Vlorë.
The cultural closeness and mutual respect between the two countries make Albania a natural relocation choice for Turkish citizens seeking a safe, affordable, and welcoming environment in the Balkans.