Foreign investors planning to enter the Albanian market often ask what documents they need to start a company in Albania. Albania’s business environment allows foreigners to fully own and operate companies, but specific legal documents are required for registration.
All official documents must be prepared in line with Albanian law, including notarization, legalization, and certified translations where applicable.
Required Documents for Registration
To register a company in Albania, foreign investors must provide:
– A valid passport copy for each shareholder and administrator
– A legalized and translated certificate of incorporation if a foreign company is a shareholder
– Notarized articles of association (company statute) in Albanian
– Proof of registered address for the company in Albania
– Appointment document for the company administrator
– Power of attorney if someone else files on behalf of the shareholders
Any documents issued outside Albania must be legalized by apostille (for countries part of the Hague Convention) or legalized through the Albanian consulate. Official translations into Albanian by a certified translator are mandatory for foreign language documents.
Why Legalization and Translation Are Essential
Albanian law requires that all company registration documents submitted to the National Business Center (QKB) be in Albanian and properly legalized. Missing an apostille, using uncertified translations, or filing incomplete documentation can result in application rejection or processing delays.
Proper preparation ensures compliance with registration procedures and speeds up company formation.
Can Foreigners Submit Documents Remotely
Foreign investors do not need to be physically present in Albania to submit these documents. A legal representative or agent can complete the process with a notarized power of attorney, allowing remote company formation.
This option is widely used by international clients who prefer to handle documentation from their home country while retaining full ownership and control of the company.
Understanding what documents foreigners need to start a company in Albania is critical for a smooth registration process. Preparing legalized, translated, and notarized documents in advance avoids delays and ensures compliance with Albanian law.