EU Blue Card in Albania
One documented route of this kind in Albania, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Blu AL Card — Highly Skilled Worker Permit (Art. 65–66)
Albania's national highly-skilled-worker permit (the 'Blu AL Card'), analogous to the EU Blue Card. Requires prior NAES authorization and a qualifying high-skill employment offer. Valid 2 years, renewable for 3; the long-term version is the 'Blu AL-C Card' leading to permanent residence.
- Processing time
- Up to 12 weeks; NAES approval ~10 working days
- Validity
- 2 years renewable +3 years
- Language requirement
- None for the permit
- Permanent residence
- Accelerated via Blu AL-C Card; otherwise 5 years
- Citizenship
- 7 years of lawful permanent residence
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Highly-skilled employment contract
- Proof of higher professional qualifications
- NAES/AKPA prior authorization
- Proof of adequate housing
Required Documents
- Valid passport with all entry stamps required
- Highly-skilled employment contract compliant with Albanian Labour Code required
- Proof of higher professional qualifications required
- NAES/AKPA prior employment authorization required
- Photo 47×36 mm and proof of adequate housing required
- Foreign documents translated, certified and legalized/apostilled required
Official fees
- Unique permit service fee (by duration band) 8,000 ALL
- Biometric card fee (separate, at Level-2 bank)
Process Steps
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1
NAES authorization
Obtain prior NAES/AKPA employment authorization.
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2
Apply online
Apply on e-Albania service code 15146 (same portal/process as unique permit).
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3
Provisional permit and biometrics
Receive provisional permit, register, pay biometric card fee, attend biometric appointment.
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4
Collect card
Collect the Blu AL Card; after qualifying period upgrade to Blu AL-C Card for long-term residence.