Foreign investors planning to start a business often ask what the minimum capital requirements are to open a company in Albania. Albania’s business environment offers accessible entry points, with relatively low capital thresholds compared to other European jurisdictions.
The minimum capital required depends on the company’s legal form.
Minimum Capital by Company Type
Under Albanian law, the official minimum capital requirements to open a company in Albania are:
– 1 Albanian Lek (€1) for a Limited Liability Company (sh.p.k.)
– 3,500,000 Albanian Lek (€35,000) for a Joint-Stock Company (sh.a.) when privately held
– 10,000,000 Albanian Lek for a Joint-Stock Company (sh.a.) if publicly offered on the stock exchange
These capital requirements must be subscribed in full at the time of company formation and deposited into a bank account opened in the company’s name.
Is the Capital Always Paid in Cash
For an sh.p.k., the share capital is usually paid in cash. Contributions in kind are allowed but require an independent valuation and formal legal procedure. For an sh.a., capital contributions can be made in cash or assets, but valuation and approval rules are stricter due to higher corporate governance standards.
Share capital must be registered and documented with the National Business Center (QKB) as part of the incorporation process.
Can Foreign Investors Fully Own the Capital
Yes, foreign investors can own 100 percent of the capital in either an sh.p.k. or an sh.a. There is no legal requirement for an Albanian shareholder or partner unless specified for certain regulated industries. Both structures allow full foreign ownership under equal legal treatment.
The minimum capital requirements to open a company in Albania are accessible, especially for Limited Liability Companies (sh.p.k.), which require a symbolic amount to register. Joint-Stock Companies (sh.a.) have higher thresholds reflecting their broader shareholder structures.