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Why We Chose Albania – Smile Abroad’s Origin Story

A One-Way Ticket and a Cat Named Arrow

Last summer we closed our laptops in Kansas City, packed a year of life into four checked bags, and boarded a one-way flight to Tirana. We had no residency permit, no car, and only two nights booked at a hotel. What we did have was a clear checklist:

  • Live by the sea
  • Keep costs low while we built new ventures
  • Find a country where Americans can stay visa free for a full year

Albania checked every box.

Visa Free Entry for Americans

Most European countries limit US passport holders to ninety days. Albania welcomes us for 365 days without paperwork. No embassy runs, no daily countdown. That freedom lets newcomers settle in before tackling residency or business permits. You can confirm the policy on the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Decision Matrix

We compared Albania with two other popular destinations.

Factor Albania Portugal Spain
Visa length for Americans 12 months 90 days 90 days
Coastal rent (2-bed) €500–700 €1 200+ €900+
Monthly utilities €150–200 €250+ €220+
Ease of business setup High Medium Low

A Road Trip That Sealed the Decision

After landing we rented a VW Golf and spent five days exploring the country. Cobalt bays, olive groves, and mountain switchbacks rolled past the windshield. When we reached Saranda and watched the Ionian Sea shimmer at sunset, the choice was obvious. We found a seventh-floor penthouse overlooking the water for €500 a month and signed the lease on the spot.

For perspective, our mortgage back in Kansas City was $2,100 per month. In Albania that same money now covers rent, utilities, groceries, and weekend road trips.

Cost of Living Snapshot - First 30 Days

Expense Kansas City (USD) Saranda (EUR)
Mortgage / Rent $2,100 €500
Utilities $600 €180
Mobile & Internet $140 €35
Groceries $650 €300
Total $3,490 €1,015

The math felt like giving ourselves a raise without asking a boss.

Safety and Community

Family back home wondered if Albania was dangerous. Friends had to look it up on a map. The reality surprised everyone:

  • Violent crime feels lower than in our old neighborhood
  • Roads and infrastructure are stronger than most blogs suggest
  • The Saranda Expats group welcomed us on day one and is now 20,000 members strong

Life Beyond the Numbers

In Kansas City we spent five years restoring a stone cottage while juggling an exhausting news cycle. In Albania our days feel lighter:

  • Spencer composes music under open balcony doors
  • I picked up a paintbrush for the first time in ten years
  • Arrow spends mornings sunning himself and watching yachts glide by

Work and Income Reality

Albania is not ideal if you need a traditional local salary. Remote work or entrepreneurship is the path forward, and that is exactly what we built:

  • Expat Support - free Residency Checklist and one-on-one coaching
  • Dental Tourism Concierge - quality care for a fraction of US prices. Learn more on our Dental Tourism page
  • Zemër Foods - premium Albanian olive oil and honey shipped worldwide

Timeline and FAQ

Our 60-Day Countdown

  1. Day 0: Decision made after late-night Youtube rabbit hole
  2. Day 15: House listed, cars photographed, estate sale scheduled
  3. Day 30: House under contract, massive basement sorting party
  4. Day 45: Estate sale weekend, both cars sold
  5. Day 52: Flights booked, Arrow’s pet paperwork completed
  6. Day 60: Departure day - four bags, one cat, zero regrets

Quick Answers

  • Is Albania in the EU? No, which is why the visa rules are more relaxed.
  • Do you need a car? Optional. We walk every day, but did buy a car for our Balkan roadtrips.
  • Is English widely spoken? In Saranda, yes. Younger Albanians learn English in school, and tourism workers are eager to practice.

Your Next Step

Moving to Albania is not a fantasy. Only sixty days passed between our decision and departure. If we can do it, so can you.

DOWNLOAD THE ALBANIA RESIDENCY CHECKLIST

See you on the Riviera.

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