Albania Immigration Requirements 2025

Immigration Requirements for Albania in 2025

Planning to move to or visit Albania in 2025? Unlike some countries, Albania doesn’t use a points-based system for skilled migration. Instead, entry and residency depend on your nationality, purpose, and duration of stay. As of March 20, 2025, here’s what you need to know about visas and permits.

Visa Requirements

Albania offers visa-free entry for many nationalities, while others require a visa. Requirements vary by purpose (tourism, work, study) and length of stay.

• Visa-Free Entry: Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and others can stay up to 90 days within 180 days without a visa. Check the full list on the Albanian e-Visa portal.
• Short-Stay Visa (Type C): For stays up to 90 days within 180 days (e.g., tourism, business). Apply online if your country isn’t visa-exempt.
• Long-Stay Visa (Type D): For stays over 90 days (e.g., work, study, family). Valid up to 1 year; requires a residence permit application within 90 days of arrival.
• Basic Documents: Valid passport (3+ months beyond stay), return ticket, proof of funds (€50/day), accommodation proof, travel insurance.

Residency Permits

For stays exceeding 90 days, you’ll need a residence permit after entering with a Type D visa or as a visa-exempt national (e.g., US citizens up to 1 year).

• Types: Work, study, family reunification, retirement, digital nomad (Unique Permit).
• Process: Apply at the Regional Directorate of Border and Migration within 90 days of arrival. Includes an affidavit of eligibility (notarized at the U.S. Embassy for Americans, $50).
• Requirements: Proof of purpose (job contract, enrollment letter), income (e.g., $9,800/year for digital nomads), health insurance, accommodation.
• Processing Time: Up to 12 weeks; results often within 15-30 days.

Digital Nomad Visa (Unique Permit)

Introduced in 2022, the Unique Permit targets remote workers. It’s a Type D visa with streamlined online application via the e-Visa portal.

• Eligibility: Remote job with a foreign employer; no minimum income specified, but ~$9,800/year is anticipated.
• Documents: Employment contract, proof of income, qualifications (diploma, certificate), accommodation, insurance.
• Fee: Varies by nationality (reciprocity-based); paid within 15 days of application.

Work Permits

Non-EU/US nationals need a work permit alongside a Type D visa, unless covered by bilateral agreements (e.g., Western Balkans).

• Requirements: Job offer, employer registration proof, Type D visa.
• Processing: Typically 30 days.
• Note: EU/US citizens have equal employment rights as Albanians; no work permit needed.

For the latest updates, visit the official Albanian e-Visa portal or contact an Albanian embassy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)