Unique Permit for Investors

Albania's Unique Permit for Investors is a combined residence and work permit that allows foreign nationals to reside and conduct business in Albania by establishing or managing qualifying investments. Created under Article 69 of Law No. 79/2021 "On Foreigners," the permit is administered jointly by the Directorate General of Border and Migration (Albanian State Police) and the Ministry of Finance and Economy. It requires a minimum capital investment of ALL 10,000,000 (approximately EUR 85,000-90,000) in an economic activity, along with employment creation for Albanian citizens. The Unique Permit system consolidates visa, work permit, and residence permit applications into a single streamlined procedure.

• Minimum capital investment of ALL 10,000,000 (approximately EUR 85,000-90,000) in an economic activity in Albania
• Business registered with the National Business Center (QKB)
• Employment of Albanian citizens at a 1:5 ratio of foreign workers to Albanian employees, including in management bodies
• Employee salaries at or above the average salary in Albania for comparable positions
• Active tax registration and compliance with health and social insurance contributions
• Valid health insurance covering the duration of the permit
• Clean criminal record from country of origin
• Proof of accommodation in Albania

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Personal photograph (47 mm x 36 mm, taken within the last 6 months, white background)
• Proof of accommodation in Albania (rental contract or property deed)
• Certificate from tax authorities confirming registration and payment of obligations including health and social insurance
• Proof of business registration at the National Business Center (QKB)
• Business plan with employment projections
• Bank statements evidencing the investment amount of at least ALL 10,000,000
• Payroll plan demonstrating the 1:5 foreigner-to-Albanian employee ratio
• Criminal record certificate from country of origin (valid for 6 months, translated and apostilled)
• Health insurance documentation
• Receipt of payment of administrative fee

The initial permit is issued for 2 years, with subsequent renewals for 3-year periods. Renewal requests must be submitted 60 days before the current permit expires. Applicants must demonstrate ongoing compliance with the investment threshold, employment ratio, salary requirements, and tax obligations at renewal. After 5 consecutive years of legal residence, investors may apply for permanent residence (Type C permit). After 7 years of total legal residence, investors may apply for Albanian citizenship through naturalization, requiring basic Albanian language proficiency, stable income, clean criminal record, and tax compliance. Dual citizenship is permitted.

The primary permit holder's spouse and dependent children may apply for family reunification after the holder has maintained legal residence for at least 1 year. Dependant family members 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, issued within the last 6 months, and properly certified or apostilled.

Albania levies a flat 15% corporate income tax rate. Personal income tax is progressive: 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. Tax residents (those spending 183 or more days in Albania) are taxed on worldwide income. The business entity must maintain active tax registration and pay social and health insurance contributions for all employees.

The application is submitted online through the e-Albania portal under service code 15146 "Application for Unique Permit." The applicant selects "investor" as the ground for the permit, uploads the administrative fee receipt, completes the electronic form, and uploads all supporting documentation.

Applicants from countries requiring a visa must first obtain a Type D long-term visa through an Albanian embassy or consulate. Citizens of EU member states, the United States, and Western Balkan countries may enter without a visa. Upon arrival, applicants must register their address at the regional Border and Migration office within 10 days.

The Ministry of Finance and Economy's evaluation commission reviews the investment to verify it meets qualifying conditions. Each responsible institution has up to 2 weeks for its review. The total processing period is a maximum of 12 weeks. Upon approval, the applicant attends a biometrics appointment to receive the physical permit card.

Fees: Visa application approximately EUR 100; state application fee approximately EUR 80.