One of the most common mistakes residency applicants make in Albania is assuming that an Airbnb receipt or booking confirmation can be used as proof of accommodation. While Airbnb might be convenient for short stays, it is not accepted for residency applications. Immigration authorities require a formal, notarized rental agreement — and Airbnb contracts do not meet that standard.
Why Airbnb Is Not Accepted
Airbnb rentals are designed for short-term tourist stays. They are not considered valid long-term housing under Albanian law.
The documents provided by Airbnb do not include the legal details required for residency applications, such as:
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The landlord’s full legal name and ID
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A fixed-term contract (usually 12 months)
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Notarized signatures
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Proof of the landlord’s ownership or legal right to rent the property
Without these elements, the agreement cannot be used to prove your legal address in Albania.
What You Need Instead
To apply for a residency permit, you must provide a formal rental agreement signed by both parties and notarized by a local notary. This contract must show that:
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You are renting the property for a fixed period (not less than one year)
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The landlord is legally allowed to rent it out
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You have a stable, long-term address in Albania
Even if your Airbnb host agrees to write a private contract, it must still be notarized and legally structured to be accepted by immigration officials.
What Happens If You Submit an Airbnb Contract?
If you submit an Airbnb confirmation, your residency application will be rejected or delayed until you provide a valid rental contract. Immigration officers will not accept informal bookings or online reservations as proof of legal accommodation. Some applicants try to convert an Airbnb stay into a long-term rental, but without a proper notarized contract, this attempt will not work.
How to Avoid the Issue
If you plan to apply for residency, secure a real rental contract before submitting your documents. Look for landlords who are willing to sign long-term agreements and complete the notarization process. This is a legal requirement — not just a formality.
If you’re unsure whether your accommodation qualifies, speak to a consultant before applying. Having the wrong contract is one of the easiest ways to get rejected, and fixing it later often causes delays that could have been avoided.
A clean, legal rental agreement is not just a box to check — it’s the foundation of your residency file. Avoid shortcuts, and you’ll avoid problems.