Albania is becoming an attractive destination for international property buyers.
With growing interest from investors, expatriates, and retirees, a key question arises: can foreigners legally purchase property in Albania?
The answer is yes, but the law distinguishes between different types of property and ownership rights. Foreign buyers must understand these legal provisions to ensure a secure and compliant transaction.
Legal Rights of Foreign Property Buyers
Foreign nationals are permitted to buy property in Albania. Both EU and non-EU citizens may acquire ownership of apartments, commercial units, office spaces, and entire buildings.
There are no restrictions for foreigners purchasing residential or commercial property under these categories.
However, restrictions apply to land ownership. Under Law no. 7980, foreign individuals are prohibited from directly owning agricultural or rural land in their personal name. This legal limitation aims to protect agricultural resources and rural territories.
Foreigners may acquire urban land, provided the land is located within officially designated urban zones and zoned for residential or commercial development. This allows foreign buyers to purchase construction plots within city limits.
For those seeking to acquire agricultural or rural land, the law provides an alternative: establishing an Albanian-registered company. A legal entity incorporated in Albania may own land without the personal ownership restrictions that apply to individuals.
This structure is commonly used by foreign investors pursuing agricultural or development projects.
The Property Purchase Process
The property purchase process for foreign buyers largely mirrors that for Albanian citizens, with some additional requirements.
Foreign buyers must obtain a Tax Identification Number (NIPT) before engaging in a transaction.
Legal due diligence is necessary to verify the property’s registration, title, and any encumbrances through the Immovable Property Registration Office (IPRO).
The sale and purchase agreement must be signed before a licensed notary. Albanian law mandates the notary’s role as a legal authority responsible for validating the transaction.
The notary is required to:
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Verify the property’s legal status with the national cadaster
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Confirm clear title and absence of disputes or claims
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Ensure the property is legally transferable
If the notary identifies any legal issues, they are obligated by law to refuse authorization of the transaction. In such cases, the sale cannot proceed.
This mandatory verification process offers buyers a strong legal safeguard against acquiring disputed or encumbered properties.
Once notarized, the contract must be registered with the national property registry to finalize the ownership transfer.
Any documents issued abroad must be translated into Albanian and legalized (via apostille or consular certification, depending on the country of origin).
Legal Protections and Professional Guidance
Albania’s legal framework provides significant protections for property buyers through its mandatory notarial verification process.
Under Albanian law, a licensed notary is required to verify the property’s legal status directly with the national cadaster before authorizing any transaction. This process ensures that the property is properly registered, free of disputes or encumbrances, and legally transferable.
If any legal issue is identified, the notary is obligated to refuse authorization, preventing the sale from proceeding. As a result, buyers benefit from a high level of legal security built into the transaction process.
While the role of the notary provides comprehensive protection regarding property title and legal status, buyers may still choose to engage professional advisors for additional administrative or procedural assistance, particularly in more complex transactions.
Buying Property as a Foreigner in Albania
Foreign nationals are legally permitted to purchase property in Albania, including apartments, buildings, commercial units, and urban land. Direct ownership of agricultural or rural land by individuals is not permitted; however, land may be acquired through an Albanian-registered company.
With legal safeguards in place and a structured process for ownership transfer, Albania offers a secure environment for foreign property buyers. Professional legal support remains essential to navigate the process, comply with regulations, and ensure a smooth transaction.