The rise of digital shopping in Albania has opened new opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to sell products or services online. Whether you’re targeting local buyers or planning to operate across borders, your ecommerce business must be legally registered and compliant with local regulations. The process is straightforward but requires careful setup to avoid issues later.
Choosing your legal structure
The first step is selecting the right legal form for your online business. Most ecommerce founders choose to register as a limited liability company (SHPK) for better protection and credibility. Solo entrepreneurs who offer digital services may also register as a sole proprietor (Person Fizik) if the activity is small-scale and low-risk.
Regardless of the form, your company must be registered with the National Business Center and include ecommerce or digital trade in its list of activities.
Required registrations and licenses
After setting up the legal entity, you must apply for a tax number and register for VAT if your sales exceed the mandatory threshold. This also allows you to issue invoices and legally receive online payments.
Depending on the type of goods you plan to sell, you may need additional sector-specific approvals. For example, selling food, cosmetics, or electronics may trigger separate compliance requirements.
For most standard ecommerce businesses, no special license is required, but you must fully declare your business activity and follow Albanian consumer protection laws.
Setting up for online operations
To operate legally, your ecommerce platform must include proper terms and conditions, return policies, and privacy rules in line with local consumer law. You must also provide a clear company address, tax ID, and valid contact details on your website.
If you accept payments online, you’ll need to integrate with a payment processor that is licensed to operate in Albania or the EU. Your company must also report all online income and maintain clean accounting records, even if the majority of clients are abroad.
Ecommerce in Albania is growing, and legal registration gives you access to banking, logistics, and marketing tools that support long-term success. Starting with the right structure and paperwork ensures your online business operates without legal interruption.