Foreign investors often ask how much it costs to start a company in Albania. Albania’s company formation process is designed to be accessible, with low official government fees compared to many other European countries.
Starting a company involves several mandatory government charges, which are fixed by law and apply equally to both local and foreign investors.
Government Fees to Register a Company
The key government fees to start a company in Albania include:
– A company registration fee payable to the National Business Center (QKB) when filing the application
– A fee for publishing the company’s registration details in the Official Gazette
– A small official fee to register the company seal, if applicable
These fees are standardized and published by the Albanian government. While the amounts are modest by European standards, they are required payments that must be settled before the company is officially registered.
In addition, certain business activities may require a government-issued operating license or permit, depending on the sector. Each license or permit carries its own official fee, set by the relevant ministry or authority.
Other Mandatory Administrative Costs
To complete the company setup, investors must cover notarization costs for official documents and shareholder signatures. These notary fees follow Albania’s national fee schedule and are paid directly to the licensed notary.
Companies must also open a bank account to deposit their share capital. While there is no high minimum capital requirement for an LLC (sh.p.k.), banks may apply a standard account opening charge as part of their procedures.
Registration with the Albanian tax office and social insurance agency is mandatory but does not carry additional government fees for the registration itself.
Why Use a Professional Service
Although the official government fees to start a company in Albania are low and fixed, the process involves navigating multiple administrative steps, preparing legally compliant documents, obtaining certified translations, and meeting regulatory standards. Any omission or error can cause registration delays or rejections.
Using professional company formation services helps ensure that every filing, notarization, and registration meets Albanian legal requirements from the outset, avoiding costly corrections.
The cost to start a company in Albania consists mainly of official government fees for registration, gazette publication, notary certification, and any sector-specific licenses. These are low compared to other jurisdictions but form mandatory steps to legally establish a business.