How to participate in public tenders in Albania

Public procurement in Albania is open to both domestic and foreign companies. The process is regulated by the Public Procurement Agency (APP) and follows transparent procedures designed to ensure fair competition and value for public funds.

Participation in tenders can be an effective way to expand your business operations in Albania, especially in infrastructure, services, and government supply contracts.

Who Can Apply

Any company—Albanian or foreign—can participate in public tenders, provided they meet the legal and technical criteria specified in the tender documents. Foreign companies can bid directly or through a local branch or partner.

Bidders must have no record of blacklisting, fraud, or unresolved tax issues, and must prove their financial, legal, and technical capacity to fulfill the contract.

Registration and Access to Tenders

To access public tenders in Albania, companies must first register with the Albanian Public Procurement System (PPA portal), known as App.gov.al. This system hosts all government tenders and manages the full procurement cycle online.

Registration requires:

• A valid NIPT (Albanian tax number), or temporary registration for foreign companies

• Company documentation translated into Albanian

• Appointing a legal representative to handle bidding and communication

Once registered, businesses can access active tenders, download documents, and submit offers electronically.

Tender Process Overview

The standard public tender process includes the following steps:

1. Publication of the tender on the PPA portal, including specifications, deadlines, and eligibility criteria

2. Submission of bids through the online platform, along with required documentation

3. Evaluation of offers by the contracting authority based on price, qualifications, and technical compliance

4. Contract award and signing, followed by performance guarantees or execution bonds if applicable

Deadlines are strict, and late submissions are automatically disqualified.

Required Documentation

Typical tender submissions include:

• Business registration documents

• Financial statements and bank references

• Technical proposal or method statement

• Past experience or project references

• Tax clearance certificate

• Proof of qualifications or licenses (when applicable)

All documents must be translated into Albanian and submitted through the online portal in digital format.

Foreign Company Participation

Foreign companies may participate directly or form a consortium with an Albanian partner. If selected, they may need to establish a local branch or subcontracting structure to perform the contract.

In high-value projects, foreign bidders are often required to appoint a local legal representative and open a bank account in Albania for contract execution and payments.