A common question from international investors is whether foreigners can be directors of an Albanian company. The answer is clear under Albanian business law: yes, foreign nationals can legally serve as directors (administrators) of companies registered in Albania, without requiring Albanian residency or citizenship.
This flexibility makes Albania an accessible jurisdiction for foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and shareholders looking to manage their businesses directly or appoint trusted representatives.
What Does a Director (Administrator) Do
In an Albanian company, the role of director—officially called administrator—is to act as the company’s legal representative. The administrator is responsible for managing daily operations, signing contracts, representing the company before public authorities, and ensuring compliance with legal obligations.
An administrator can be either one of the company’s shareholders or an external individual appointed by the shareholders. There is no legal requirement for the administrator to be a local citizen or resident, although a foreign administrator must obtain an Albanian tax identification number.
Do Foreign Directors Need Residency
Foreign nationals do not need to hold Albanian residency or a residence permit to serve as a company administrator. However, they must be officially registered as the company’s administrator in the National Business Center’s records and be issued a personal tax identification number for administrative purposes.
If the foreign director plans to live in Albania while managing the company, they may apply for a residence permit under business management or investment categories, but this is optional for fulfilling the legal role of administrator.
Can There Be Multiple Directors
Yes, Albanian company law allows companies to appoint more than one administrator if desired. The company’s articles of association must specify whether administrators act jointly or independently when signing on behalf of the company. This flexibility is useful for investors wishing to split management responsibilities or maintain oversight from multiple jurisdictions.
Foreign investors can legally serve as directors (administrators) of an Albanian company without needing Albanian residency or citizenship. The process is transparent, allowing international entrepreneurs to retain direct control or appoint foreign representatives to manage operations.