How to obtain a visa and residence permit in Albania?

Visa regime in Albania

In this article, we will discuss the visa regulations in Albania, as well as the details regarding the process of obtaining residence permits and citizenship in this country.

Albania is not part of the Schengen Area, but it is possible to enter the country with a Schengen visa, as well as visas issued by the UK or the USA. Holders of residence permits from these countries can also cross the Albanian border freely.

Visa for citizens of Russia and other countries

For Russian citizens, visas are required, but it is also necessary to have a foreign passport. With the arrival of the summer season, this requirement is usually lifted. For example, in 2022, the Albanian government decided to temporarily suspend visa restrictions for Russians from May 1 to September 30. During this period, residents of Russia could visit Albania without a visa for up to 90 days.

Citizens of Belarus are also not required to obtain a visa for short trips to Albania — they can stay in the country for up to 30 days, with a total limit of no more than 90 days within a calendar year. Citizens of Kazakhstan can travel to Albania visa-free for 90 days, while Ukrainians can remain in the country for an entire year without the need for residence registration. These relaxations are the result of an agreement between Albania and Ukraine, which has significantly boosted the tourist flow from Ukraine to Albanian resorts.

Diplomatic representation of Albania

As for the diplomatic mission, Albania's representation in Russia is carried out through its embassy in Moscow. There is also a consulate operating in Ukraine, while there is no direct embassy there—the nearest one is located in Warsaw, Poland. Albania's interests in Kazakhstan and Belarus are represented by the embassy in Moscow.

Long-term visa and residence permit

For those planning to stay in Albania for more than three months within a six-month period, a long-term visa will be required. This visa is also necessary for those who wish to obtain a residence permit. A long-term visa may be needed in various situations:

• for professional activities;
• business goals;
• studies;
• family reunification;
• in other circumstances.

Candidates for such a visa may include:

• foreigners with employment contracts;
• students studying at local educational institutions;
• family members of citizens or permanent residents.

Legislative changes

The issue of obtaining a residence permit in Albania is governed by the specifications of the law "On Foreigners." Significant changes to the legislative framework were made in amendments No. 79/2021, which became available on the Albanian Parliament's website at the end of October 2021.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that Albania, with its diverse opportunities for foreign citizens, offersattractive conditionsfor long-term stay and legalization. For more detailed information on current visa regulations and necessary procedures, we strongly recommend contacting the consulates or embassies of Albania, or regularly checking their official updates on their websites.

New law on residence permits in Albania

Recently, Albania has introduced a law that simplifies the process of obtaining a residence permit for foreign citizens investing in its real estate. According to Article 84 of this legislation, foreigners can obtain this document by purchasing residential or commercial property.

Reasons for obtaining a residence permit

There are several grounds for applying for a residence permit, among which the following can be highlighted:

• Conducting business through the registration of a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company.
• Studying at an accredited educational institution.
• Having an employment contract with an Albanian company.
• Property ownership in the country.
• Reuniting with family members who are already residents of the country.

Foreign citizens who meet one of the specified criteria have the opportunity to apply for a residence permit.

The process of obtaining a residence permit

The first residence permit is issued for one year, after which, upon reapplication, it can be extended for two years. It is important to note that after five years of living with a valid residence permit, immigrants can initiate the process of obtaining Albanian citizenship.

Conditions for property owners

As for the specifics of obtaining a residence permit for property owners, foreigners must:

• Own at least 50% of the living space.
• Ensure a minimum living space of 20 square meters for one person.

The value of the property does not play a decisive role and does not affect the possibility of obtaining a residence permit.

Real estate in Albania

The real estate market in Albania offers a variety of options. For example, a plot of land in Tirana measuring 1500 square meters can be purchased for 77,952 euros.

If you are interested in more detailed information about this property, we recommend contacting the representatives of Habita International Estates Ltd.

Interesting real estate options

Another interesting option is a villa in Albania with a total area of 310 square meters, offered for 550,000 euros. The villa includes 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. More detailed information can be obtained by contacting the agents at Habita.

A furnished apartment with an area of 55 square meters is for sale in Durrës for 55,000 euros. This apartment consists of one bedroom, a living room, and a bathroom, and it is equipped with two balconies. It is located on the second floor of a convenient building situated on the main beach street.

Another interesting option is a studio measuring 31 square meters, priced at 31,000 euros, also located in Durrës. This property is offered by the specialized company Lux-Albania Home.

Other attractive options

Additionally, it is worth noting a house in Vlorë with an area of 355 square meters, available for negotiation at a price of 265,000 euros, as well as an office space in the same city with an area of 40 square meters for just 42,000 euros.

Modern apartments are also available in Durrës, such as a 72-square-meter apartment for 80,000 euros, located on the seventh floor and equipped with an elevator. The apartment offers a magnificent sea view from a large terrace. This area is popular year-round, known for its developed infrastructure and a wide variety of shops and restaurants.

Investment prospects

Considering that Albania continues to develop as an attractive market for foreign investments, buyers can explore a variety of options that open doors to new opportunities for living and doing business in this beautiful region.

Investment opportunities in Albania

In recent years, Albania has become increasingly attractive to investors, thanks to affordable prices and a wide range of opportunities for purchasing real estate. An especially interesting option is a house in Vlorë, which has an area of 74 square meters and is valued at 160,000 euros. If you would like to learn more about this property, you can contact the specialists at Habita.

Real estate listings in Vlorë

In the same region, another house is for sale, covering an area of 117 square meters and priced at 90,000 euros. It includes:

• four rooms,
• two bathrooms,
• two toilets.

The professionals at Habita are ready to help you obtain all the necessary information on these and other options.

Elite apartment in Saranda

Another interesting offer is an apartment in Saranda, consisting of 105 square meters, priced at 199,500 euros. This property can serve not only as a wonderful place to live but also as an excellent investment option, as it is located in an elite complex right by the sea. When purchasing this apartment, it is possible to obtain a residence permit. Don't miss the chance to learn more about all the advantages of this offer by contacting a Habita expert.

Apartments and houses in Vlorë

In Vlorë, you can also consider apartments that cost 142,000 euros. Their total area is 98 square meters and they include:

• three bedrooms,
• two bathrooms.

This offer will be especially interesting for those who dream of living by the sea and enjoying the atmosphere of coastal relaxation. You can also find a more affordable home here for 53,000 euros. This modest offer has an area of 59 square meters, which allows for the creation of a comfortable and cozy space.

Apartments in Durres

Moreover, an apartment is for sale in Durres, offered for 60,000 euros. It has an area of 53 square meters and is located just 30 meters from the beach. This offer includes one bedroom and is situated on the ninth floor, making it extremely attractive for those considering living in the city center.

Office spaces in Tirana

If you are interested in renting office space, you should consider an office with an area of 39 square meters in Tirana, which is priced at 80,000 euros. By obtaining more detailed information about this offer from a Habita representative, you will be able to assess its investment attractiveness.

Real estate for rent

There is also an apartment available in Durres, measuring 67 square meters, priced at 67,000 euros. A notable feature is the possibility of online viewings and remote transactions, which significantly simplifies the process of purchasing real estate for investors planning to rent it out. The apartment is located in a tourist area, which adds additional advantages.

Options for living by the sea

Additionally, there is an opportunity to purchase another apartment in Durres, which has an area of 70 square meters and is priced at 68,000 euros. This property is ideal for living near the sea, with a well-developed infrastructure within walking distance.

Services and offers

We are ready to offer you services for organizing online viewing and remote processing of all necessary documents, including a residence visa for Albania. Our offerings cover a variety of aspects, such as taxi services, car rentals, apartments, and repair services, as well as many other useful options. Our qualified specialists will help you choose the best solutions based on your preferences.

Real estate in Albania

The company albania4you offers you unique apartments in picturesque Albania, covering an area of 81 square meters for just 230,000 euros. This property includes three rooms, at least two bathrooms, and two balconies, creating comfortable living conditions. If you need more specific information about this property, feel free to contact our representatives from Habita. Habita International Estates Ltd also has many similar offers that may interest you.

The process of obtaining a residence visa

When it comes to obtaining a permanent residence visa in Albania, anyone interested must first have a long-term category D visa to start the process. To successfully prepare the necessary documents, it is essential to gather and provide the following package:

• A valid foreign passport, which must be valid for at least three months after the visa expires;
• A copy of the page with the visa;
• The completed questionnaire, available at the local police station;
• Two passport-sized photographs;
• Documents confirming your purchase or rental of housing;
• A certificate of stable income.
• A document confirming the absence of a criminal record, with the period since the last conviction being no less than six months;
• Certificate of your marital status and grounds for long-term stay in the country;
• Copies of the work permit or business license;
• Receipt for the payment of the required state fees.

Requirements for obtaining a visa

To obtain a residence visa, it is necessary to enter the country on a long-term D category visa and have a valid reason for staying here for an extended period—such as starting a business, employment, studying, or family reunification. It is also required to open a checking account in a local bank and deposit funds sufficient for a comfortable life in the country for the entire expected duration of stay. Alternatively, one can confirm the presence of a stable income.

No criminal record

In addition, a mandatory requirement for all candidates is the absence of criminal records both in their country of origin and in Albania. As explainedTatiana Balliu, a leading real estate specialist at Albania Expert and a translator at the Ministry of Justice of Albania,A foreigner has the opportunity to obtain a residence visa and citizenship in Albania, despite having a criminal record, as long as the sentence does not exceed three years according to the Albanian Penal Code.or in the case where the conviction is related to political persecution. Don't forget to also settle the issues of purchasing or renting an apartment and to pay all necessary fees.

Submission of documents

All collected documents need to be submitted to the police station at your place of residence. The process of reviewing applications can take up to a month from the moment the documents are submitted to the regional migration service.

The process of obtaining a temporary residence permit

During the process of obtaining a temporary residence permit (TRP) in Albania, foreigners can receive a special certificate that serves as confirmation of their pending status while their documents are being reviewed by the migration authorities. This certificate remains valid until the final issuance of the residence permit.

Investing in Albanian real estate

If you are planning to invest in Albanian real estate, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the opinions of those who have already purchased property in this country. Impulsive purchases, such as apartments for vacation or rental purposes, are becoming increasingly popular.

I am particularly interested in apartments in the areas of Radhim and Saranda, which are perfect for personal vacations as well as for commercial rental. In addition, Durres stands out among investment properties, attracting attention with its developing infrastructure potential and reliable price growth prospects.

The cost of services for obtaining a residence permit

It is also important to pay attention to the costs associated with the residence permit application process. Many law firms and real estate agencies in Albania are ready to provide qualified assistance in this process. The average cost of their services ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 euros.

This package often includes:

• Support at all stages.
• Translations and notary services.
• Consultations with financial advisors.

Some agencies even offer the processing of residence permits completely free of charge as a bonus for their clients.

Reasons for denial of residence permit

At the same time, it is important to analyze in advance the possible reasons for which a residence permit may be denied. The most common grounds for refusal are:

• Lack of necessary documents.
• Inability to confirm genuine intentions regarding long-term residence.
• Presence of outstanding administrative fines.
• A threat to the health of citizens or being on the list of individuals posing a threat to the security of the state.

Permanent residence in Albania

As for permanent residency (PR) in Albania, obtaining this status becomes possible after five years of living in the country. A foreigner must engage in legal activities and have a stable income. If these conditions are not met, it is necessary to have a serious relationship with a citizen of Albania.

As expert Tatyana Balliu notes, a strong union can be evidenced by the presence of common children or joint property, which allows a civil marriage to be equated with an official one.

Requirements for obtaining permanent residency

It is also important to consider the absence of outstanding administrative penalties and criminal liability, as well as the presence of an active bank account in a local financial institution. Permanent residency is issued exclusively at the local police station, and the documents must be submitted in person by the applicant.

The process of reviewing documents for obtaining permanent resident status can take up to three months.

Obtaining Albanian citizenship

To learn more about foreign investments in the real estate market in Albania, it is helpful to keep up with the latest news in specialized Telegram channels dedicated to this topic.

As for obtaining Albanian citizenship, there are several ways to consider:

• If one of the applicant's parents is an Albanian citizen.
• Obtaining citizenship through adoption from Albanian citizens.
• Naturalization available to those who meet specific criteria.

These opportunities make Albania an attractive option for migration and long-term living.

Obtaining Albanian citizenship

To become a citizen of Albania, certain conditions must be met. First of all, the applicant must be at least 18 years old. It is also important that your residence in Albania has lasted for at least five consecutive years.

In addition, stable financial support and housing in the country are required. Having a criminal record, both in your country and in Albania, can be a serious obstacle to obtaining citizenship.

It is also important to use at least basic knowledge of the Albanian language, as this is a necessary condition. Finally, it is essential to confirm that you do not pose a threat to local citizens.

Marital status

There are alternative ways to obtain an Albanian passport through marriage to a citizen of Albania. In this case, the previously mentioned requirements should also be taken into account, but some of them may be significantly simplified:

• The length of stay in the country can be reduced to one year.
• Knowledge of the Albanian language may not be required.

Contribution to the development of the country

Another way to obtain citizenship is the possibility of going beyond the specified conditions, with the main requirement being a significant contribution to the economy or culture of Albania. However, age restrictions still apply in this case.

Necessary documents for obtaining citizenship

If you plan to obtain citizenship on the picturesque promenade of Saranda, you will need the following documents:

• A statement addressed to the Minister of Internal Affairs or the President of Albania.
• Application for citizenship for individuals of Albanian descent.
• Birth Certificate.
• Documents confirming your family status.
• Certificate of no criminal record with an apostille.
• Documents confirming family ties with a citizen of Albania in a direct line (up to the third degree), provided that your ancestor did not renounce Albanian citizenship.
• Receipt for payment of the state duty.

All these documents must be submitted in person to the local police department, after which they will be sent to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. At this stage, the consul reviews the applications and forwards them to a special department that deals with citizenship issues at the president's office. The final step is waiting for a response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Document verification process

It is important that all submitted documents are carefully prepared and free of errors. The review process goes through three key stages:

• Local police department.
• Ministry of Internal Affairs.
• Administration of the President.

Each of these instances is given a period of no more than three months to make a decision on the submitted documents.

Rights and opportunities

As for the rights granted by residence permits and citizenship in Albania, when obtaining a residence permit, a foreign citizen gains the right to stay in the country for more than 90 days within six months, as well as the ability to work.

Obtaining citizenship opens up additional opportunities, such as participating in elections and visa-free entry into the Schengen Area. The Albanian passport allows for visa-free or simplified entry into 114 countries, according to passport index data.

Both residence permits and citizenship allow foreigners to apply for similar rights for their close relatives under the family reunification program. For more detailed information, it is best to consult qualified lawyers or advisors.

Conclusion

In conclusion of my research on the visa regime and the possibility of obtaining residency in Albania, I would like to emphasize that this Balkan country is becoming increasingly attractive to foreigners considering options for living or doing business abroad. Albania offers numerous opportunities for both short-term and long-term stays, made possible by changes in legislation and improved conditions for immigrants.

For example, the possibility of visa-free visits for up to 90 days for citizens of Russia and other countries, as well as simplified conditions for obtaining residency through real estate purchases, are significant steps towards increasing tourist flow and attracting investments to the country. At the same time, various types of visas allow individuals to choose the most convenient and suitable option for those who wish to stay in Albania for a longer period.

Advantages of obtaining a residence permit

• Simplified visa regime:Visa-free entry for citizens of a well-known group of countries.
• Available options for obtaining a residence permit:through the purchase of real estate, employment, or education.
• Cultural diversity:the opportunity to enjoy the unique culture and cuisine of Albania.
• Attractive nature:Picturesque beaches and mountainous landscapes create wonderful living conditions.

The process of obtaining a residence permit has become more accessible due to new regulations that allow citizens purchasing real estate to acquire long-term status. This is leading to Albania becoming a true "new home" for many foreigners seeking warmth, beautiful nature, and comfortable living conditions.

One cannot overlook the cultural diversity, beautiful nature, and unique cuisine that make Albania not just a country to live in, but also a place to enjoy: from picturesque beaches to mountainous landscapes. Therefore, it is worth considering the short-term and long-term opportunities that this amazing country offers, and perhaps changing your perception of where one can build a happy and fulfilling life.