Residence Permit for Real Estate Owners

Albania's Residence Permit for Real Estate Owners allows foreign nationals who have purchased qualifying real estate in Albania to reside in the country based on their property ownership. Established under Article 84 of Law No. 79/2021 "On Foreigners," the program is administered by the Directorate General of Border and Migration within the Albanian State Police. Unlike investment permits that require business establishment or job creation, this pathway is accessible to anyone who simply wishes to own property and reside in Albania. There is no minimum purchase price, making it one of the most flexible property-based residence programs in Europe.

• Legally acquired real estate in Albania
• Minimum ownership stake of 50% in the property
• Minimum property area of 20 square metres
• No minimum investment amount specified by law
• Sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay (demonstrated through bank statements or proof of regular income)
• Valid health insurance covering the duration of the permit
• Clean criminal record from country of origin
• No distinction between residential and commercial property, new construction and secondary market, or urban and rural locations

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Personal photograph (47 mm x 36 mm, taken within the last 6 months, white background)
• Property Ownership Certificate (Certifikatë Pronësie) issued by the cadastral authorities
• Property sales contract
• Bank statement or proof of income demonstrating sufficient financial means
• Criminal record certificate from country of origin (valid for 6 months, translated and apostilled)
• Health insurance documentation
• Receipt of payment of the state application fee (approximately EUR 80)

The permit is issued for up to 1 year and is renewable annually as long as the applicant continues to own the qualifying property. A current Ownership Certificate must be submitted at each renewal. Renewal requests should be submitted 30 days before the permit expires with updated supporting documents. After 5 consecutive years of legal residence, holders may apply for permanent residence (Type C permit). After 7 years, holders may apply for Albanian citizenship through naturalization, which requires basic Albanian language proficiency, stable income, clean criminal record, and tax compliance. Dual citizenship is permitted.

Spouse and dependent children may apply for residence permits based on family reunification provisions. The qualifying property must provide a minimum of 20 square metres of residential area per family member. Dependants must provide valid passports, proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates), health insurance, and criminal record certificates. All foreign documents must be translated into Albanian and properly certified or apostilled.

Albania levies a progressive personal income tax: 0% on income up to ALL 50,000 per month, 13% on ALL 50,001-200,000 per month, and 23% above ALL 200,000 per month. The corporate income tax rate is a flat 15%. Property transfer tax ranges from 0-3.5% of the purchase price. Tax residents (those spending 183 or more days in Albania) are taxed on worldwide income. Property owners are also subject to annual property tax based on property type, location, and size.

Applicants from visa-exempt countries (including EU member states, the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada) may enter Albania without a prior visa. Other nationalities must first obtain a Type D long-term visa at an Albanian consulate.

Upon arrival, applicants register their address at the regional Border and Migration office within 10 days, then acquire qualifying real estate and obtain the Ownership Certificate from the cadastral authorities. The application is submitted online via the e-Albania portal under service code 15388 "Request for Residence Permit." Applicants complete the electronic form, upload all required documents, and pay the state application fee.

A personal visit to the Border and Migration office is required for identity confirmation and submission of original documents. A decision is typically made within 30 days. Upon approval, the applicant attends a biometrics appointment to receive the physical residence permit card.

Important note on land purchases: Foreign citizens cannot purchase land directly in Albania. Land purchase is permitted only if the investment exceeds three times the land's value. Apartments and buildings can be purchased directly.