Albania offers one of Europe's most generous visa policies, with visa-free access for EU, US, UK, and many other nationalities. US citizens can stay up to one year without a visa. The country introduced a Unique Permit system in 2022 for digital nomads and remote workers, allowing stays of up to 5 years with a path to permanent residency. With affordable living costs, beautiful Adriatic coastline, and growing digital infrastructure, Albania is becoming a popular destination for remote workers and digital nomads.
6
Visa Types
95
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Tourist Visa (Type C)
Short-stay visa for tourism, business visits, or family visits. Valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Can be single, double, or multiple entry.
90 days
Duration
€60
$65 fee
+€120 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓Stay up to 90 days in 180-day period
✓Single, double, or multiple entries available
✓Valid for tourism, business meetings, family visits
•Visa fees are based on reciprocity - check current rates
•Albania is not in Schengen - separate visa needed for EU travel
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program
Unique Permit (Digital Mobile Worker)
Albania's digital nomad visa allowing remote workers to live and work in Albania for up to 5 years. Introduced in 2022 under Law 79/2021. Path to permanent residency after 5 years.
365 days
Duration
€180
$195 fee
+€400 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $9,800/per_year
Alternative: Bank statements showing consistent income, client contracts, or savings equivalent to annual income requirement
✅ Key Benefits
✓Legal residence in Albania for up to 5 years
✓Path to permanent residency after 5 years
✓Path to citizenship after 7 years
✓Work remotely for foreign companies legally
✓Access to Albanian banking system
✓Family members can be included
✓Affordable cost of living (USD 1,000-1,500/month)
Process: Apply for renewal through e-Albania portal at least 30 days before permit expiry. Submit updated proof of income and continued remote employment.
Renewal: Initially granted for 1 year, renewable for 2 years twice. After 5 years, eligible for permanent residency. After 7 years total, eligible for citizenship.
💡 Pro Tips
•Open Albanian bank account before applying - some banks accept foreigners without residence
•Consider tax implications - consult a tax advisor
•Tirana and Saranda have best digital nomad infrastructure
•Internet speeds average 80+ Mbps in cities
•Join local digital nomad communities for support
•Keep all documents updated for renewals
Long Stay Visa (Type D)
Special ProgramPopular
Long-term visa for stays exceeding 90 days. Required for work, study, family reunification, or residence permit applications. Valid for 1 year with 90-day entry period.
90d
Duration
€80
$87 fee
+€400 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱15-30 working days
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Type D visa application feeGovernment fee, varies by nationality and purpose
€80$87
Additional (estimated)
Document apostille and translationFor foreign documents
€150$163
Health insurance (1 year)Required for most Type D categories
€250$271
Required Total
€80$87
+ Additional (estimated)
€400$434
Estimated Total
€480$521
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
•Purpose-specific documents (job offer, enrollment letter, family ties proof)
•Proof of accommodation
•Proof of financial means
•Health insurance
•Clean criminal record certificate
•Medical certificate (if required)
📝 Application Steps
1Determine the specific Type D category needed
2Gather purpose-specific documents
3Visit e-visa.al portal
4Complete application for Type D visa
5Upload all required documents
6Pay application fee
7Wait for processing
8Receive visa and enter Albania
9Apply for residence permit within 90 days of entry
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must apply for residence permit after arrival
•Specific requirements per category
•Cannot change purpose after issuance
•Must enter Albania within visa validity
💡 Tips
•Identify correct Type D category before applying
•Gather all documents before starting application
•Apply well in advance of travel date
•Prepare for residence permit application upon arrival
Work Visa
Work
Type D visa for employment in Albania. Requires job offer from Albanian employer and work permit approval. Leads to Unique Permit combining work and residence authorization.
90d
Duration
€210
$228 fee
+€100 additional
📍Apply: Online
⏱30-60 working days (up to 12 weeks)
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Type D work visa feeGovernment application fee
€80$87
Work permit feeNational Employment Service fee
€50$54
Unique Permit (residence card)Biometric card production
€80$87
Additional (estimated)
Document translationFor qualifications and contracts
€100$109
Required Total
€210$228
+ Additional (estimated)
€100$109
Estimated Total
€310$336
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
3AKPA verifies no qualified Albanian candidates available
4Work permit approved by AKPA
5Apply for Type D visa through e-visa.al
6Upload work permit approval and other documents
7Receive visa and enter Albania
8Collect Unique Permit (combined work and residence)
⚠️ Restrictions
•Tied to specific employer
•Must maintain employment
•Job change requires new work permit
•Labor market test required for most positions
💡 Tips
•EU/EEA citizens can work without work permit
•US citizens have similar rights to Albanian citizens
•Western Balkans nationals (Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia) can stay up to 5 years
•IT sector workers have fast-track procedures
•Employer usually covers permit fees
Student Visa
Education
Type D visa for studying at recognized Albanian educational institutions. Programs over 90 days require this visa. Includes possibility to work part-time.
365d
Duration
€110
$119 fee
+€280 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱15-30 working days
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Student visa application feeGovernment processing fee
€60$65
Residence permit feeStudent residence card
€50$54
Additional (estimated)
Document legalizationFor academic transcripts and diplomas
€80$87
Health insurance (academic year)Required coverage
€200$217
Required Total
€110$119
+ Additional (estimated)
€280$304
Estimated Total
€390$423
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Acceptance letter from recognized Albanian institution
•Proof of payment of tuition fees
•Proof of financial means for living expenses
•Health insurance
•Proof of accommodation
•Academic transcripts and qualifications
•Clean criminal record
📝 Application Steps
1Apply and receive acceptance from Albanian institution
2Gather academic documents and get them apostilled
3Apply for Type D student visa through e-visa.al
4Upload acceptance letter and financial proof
5Pay visa fee
6Receive visa and travel to Albania
7Register with institution and apply for student residence permit
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must maintain full-time enrollment
•Limited work hours during term
•Cannot work full-time during studies
•Must show academic progress for renewal
💡 Tips
•Apply early - Albanian universities have rolling admissions
•Tuition is very affordable compared to Western Europe
•Many programs available in English
•Student cost of living around EUR 500-700/month
Business Visa
business
Short-stay Type C visa for business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and contract negotiations. Not for employment. Valid for 90 days within 180-day period.
90d
Duration
€60
$65 fee
+€30 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱15 working days
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Business visa application feeGovernment fee, varies by nationality
€60$65
Additional (estimated)
Invitation letter processingIf invitation from Albanian company needed
€30$33
Required Total
€60$65
+ Additional (estimated)
€30$33
Estimated Total
€90$98
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Completed application form
•Passport photograph
•Invitation letter from Albanian business partner or conference organizer
•Proof of business activities (company registration, business cards)
•Proof of accommodation
•Return tickets
•Proof of sufficient funds
•Travel insurance
📝 Application Steps
1Obtain invitation letter from Albanian business contact
2Apply through e-visa.al portal
3Select Business as purpose of visit
4Upload invitation letter and business documents
5Pay visa fee
6Receive approval and print visa
⚠️ Restrictions
•Cannot conduct paid work
•Limited to 90 days in 180-day period
•Cannot sign employment contracts
•Must have clear business purpose
💡 Tips
•Many nationalities are visa-free for business visits
•Check if your country has visa-free access before applying
•Keep invitation letter and business documents handy at border
•Consider Type D visa if business activities will exceed 90 days
Yes! Albania introduced the Unique Permit for Digital Mobile Workers in 2022 under Law 79/2021 "On Foreigners". This Type D visa allows remote workers employed by foreign companies to legally reside in Albania for up to 1 year initially, renewable for up to 5 years total. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency, and after 7 years, citizenship. The application is fully online through the e-Albania portal. You need to demonstrate remote employment with a foreign company, minimum annual income of approximately USD 9,800, health insurance with EUR 30,000 coverage, and an Albanian bank account.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while in Albania as a tourist?
Technically, working remotely in Albania without proper authorization exists in a legal gray area. For short tourist stays (under 90 days), many digital nomads work remotely without issues as enforcement is minimal. However, for legal protection and stays over 90 days, you should apply for the Unique Permit (Digital Mobile Worker visa). US citizens have a special advantage - they can stay up to 1 year visa-free and have employment rights similar to Albanian citizens. If you plan to stay long-term or want legal certainty, the Unique Permit is the recommended path.
How long can US citizens stay in Albania?
US citizens have exceptional visa privileges in Albania. They can stay up to ONE FULL YEAR (365 days) without any visa or residence permit. To restart this period, US citizens must leave Albania and stay abroad for at least 90 consecutive days before returning. US citizens also have employment rights similar to Albanian citizens and can apply for a 5-year Unique Permit if they wish to formalize their stay or access benefits like healthcare and banking.
Can I enter Albania with a Schengen visa?
Yes! Holders of a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa that has been previously used in a Schengen country can enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days. The same applies to holders of valid, used multiple-entry US or UK visas, as well as holders of residence permits from Schengen countries, US, UK, or Cyprus. Green Card holders from the US can also enter visa-free. This makes Albania an excellent addition to European travel itineraries for non-EU nationals.
What are the tax implications of staying in Albania long-term?
If you stay in Albania for more than 183 days in a calendar year, you become a tax resident and must pay taxes on your worldwide income. The tax rates are: 15% on income up to ALL 200,000/month (approximately EUR 1,700), and 23% on income above that. Albania has limited double taxation agreements - notably NOT with the US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand - which may result in being taxed in both countries. IT sector workers have some tax exemptions in the first year. Consult a tax advisor before committing to long-term residence.
Do I need to register with authorities during my stay?
For short tourist stays (under 90 days), no registration is required. For stays over 90 days or for work/residence purposes, you must register with the Regional Directorate of Border and Migration Police within 8 days of arrival or after exceeding 90 days. EU/EEA nationals typically do not receive entry stamps but should track their own 90-day limit. US citizens staying under their 1-year allowance do not need to register unless applying for work or residence permits.
Can I do visa runs from Albania?
Yes, visa runs are possible as Albania shares land borders with Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece. There are also ferry connections to Italy from Durres. However, note that Albania is NOT part of Schengen, so entering EU countries like Greece or Italy requires a separate Schengen visa for most non-EU nationals. For the 90/180-day rule, each trip outside Albania does not reset your counter - you must track cumulative days within any 180-day period (except US citizens who have a 365-day allowance with 90-day reset requirement).
How do I open a bank account in Albania?
Opening a bank account in Albania is relatively straightforward for foreigners. Requirements vary by bank but typically include: valid passport, proof of local address (hotel booking or rental contract), and sometimes proof of income. Some banks like Raiffeisen, BKT, and Tirana Bank may open accounts for tourists with just a passport. Others require a residence permit. For the Digital Nomad Unique Permit, you need an Albanian bank account as part of the application - contact banks in advance and explain your situation. Albania joined SEPA in 2025, making international transfers easier.
What is the cost of living for digital nomads in Albania?
Albania is one of the most affordable countries in Europe. Digital nomads typically spend USD 1,000-1,500/month for a comfortable lifestyle including: rent (USD 300-600 for a one-bedroom apartment in Tirana or coastal areas), food and dining (USD 200-400), coworking space (USD 50-150), utilities and internet (USD 50-100), and entertainment/transport (USD 100-200). Internet speeds average 80+ Mbps in cities, with 5G rolling out. Popular spots include Tirana, Saranda, Vlora, and Durres, each with growing digital nomad communities and coworking spaces.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Albania?
Overstaying in Albania can result in: fines starting at approximately EUR 100-500 depending on duration, deportation, entry ban of up to 5 years, and difficulties obtaining future visas. Border officials will detect overstays upon departure. If you realize youve overstayed, visit the nearest Border and Migration Police office to regularize your status before attempting to leave. For US citizens, overstaying the 1-year period without the required 90-day absence can also result in penalties. Always track your allowed stay duration carefully.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025