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Legal Help
Albanian, Residency done the right way.
Every expat has a story about the maze of paperwork they faced moving here. Ours was no different until a fellow American introduced us to Tahir. He wasn't just a lawyer; he was our guide. He handled everything, turning a process we dreaded into one that was clear and stress-free. We want your journey to be just as smooth, which is why we’re not just recommending him—we’re passing along the best connection we've made in Albania.
Tahir offers an absolutely free, no obligation consult!
A graduate of the University of Tirana, and a member of the Tirana Chamber of Lawyers, Tahir Tahja has the knowledge and the connections to take care of all of your residency and business creation needs. He's been an invaluable resource along our journey launching our Albanian Company and Residency Permits.
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Stop wondering and start planning. We've made it easy to get professional legal advice without cost or confusion. Book a free initial consultation with Tahir using the calendar to your left. He'll help you understand your options and map out your next steps. No strings attached.
Can I Really Stay for 1 Year Visa Free?
If you hold an American Passport you can stay in Albania for 12 months consecutively. If you want to stay longer than 12 months you can apply for residency through a number of options. You can also take a 90 day vacation and then return to Albania without the need to obtain residency.
Can I apply for Residency while in Albania?
Absolutely yes! There is a lot of miss-information about this. The law was changed and many english websites and content have not been updated.
Can I work Remotely?
Yes American passport holders can work remotely while in Albania on their 12 month tourist stay. Keep in mind you do become a taxable resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country per year. There are ways to manage double taxation we can discuss.
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from a Legal Expert.
Your questions deserve real answers. Fill out the form below, and your message will be sent directly to Tahir Tahja. As a licensed immigration attorney, he ensures you receive accurate, reliable information, not just generic advice. He'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Feel free to ask about anything, from specific visa requirements and business registration to questions about bringing family members or renewing your permit. No question is too small when planning your future.
Residency Law
Business Creation
Accounting & Tax
What are the Paths to Residency in Albania?
Albania offers 22 different types of residence permits. The most common paths to obtaining residency are based on work, business, property ownership, and retirement.
Below are the primary requirements for the most popular permit categories:
- For Retirees/Pensioners: Applicants must demonstrate an annual income of at least 1,200,000 ALL (approximately 14,600 USD) from a verifiable government pension, such as social security or a veteran's pension.
- For Business Owners: This path requires an individual to register and establish a business in Albania.
- For Digital Nomads: Applicants must have a long-term contract with an employer or client that allows them to work remotely from any location.
- For Employees: This permit requires a valid work contract with a company that is legally registered in Albania.
- For Real Estate Owners: Residency can be obtained through the purchase of real estate. The property must have a minimum area of 20 m2 per person, and there can be no more than two co-owners for the same property.
What if I'm retired, but my income is through private investment?
Income from private sources, such as rental income or investments, does not meet the requirements for the Pensioner Residency permit. To qualify for this specific permit, the income must come from a government source (for example, Social Security, a VA pension, etc.).
If your income is from private investments, you might consider an alternative path to residency, such as registering a business in Albania.
Do any of my documents need to be apostilled?
Yes, whether your documents require an apostille depends on the specific residency permit for which you are applying. The requirements for common permit types are as follows:
- Family Reunification Permit: An apostilled marriage certificate is required if you are reuniting with a spouse. Apostilled birth certificates are required for any children you are reuniting with.
- Pensioner or Digital Nomad Permit: You must provide a criminal background check that has been apostilled.
Note for U.S. Citizens: As an alternative, U.S. citizens can obtain a criminal background check directly from the U.S. Embassy in Tirana. A document obtained from the embassy does not require an apostille.
If I buy an apartment can my spouse and kids also get residency?
<p>Yes. Once you hold a long-term residence permit, such as one based on real estate ownership, your spouse and minor children then become eligible to apply for residency through the Family Reunification permit process.</p>
As a U.S. citizen, can I travel in and out of Albania during my one-year visa-free stay?
Yes, you are permitted to enter and exit Albania multiple times throughout your one-year visa-free stay.
However, please be aware that after this initial 365-day period concludes, you are required to remain outside of Albania for a minimum of 90 days before you can re-enter under the same visa-free status.
As a U.S. citizen, can I work remotely from Albania during my one-year visa-free stay?
Yes, you can work remotely during your visa-free period. However, it is crucial to understand that you will be considered a tax resident of Albania after being physically present in the country for more than 183 days within a calendar year.
While tax deductions and arrangements exist to prevent double taxation, the application of these rules is highly dependent on your individual circumstances. We strongly advise consulting with a qualified attorney or tax accountant to discuss your specific situation and ensure full compliance with the laws of both countries.