Investor / Golden Visa in Albania
3 documented routes of this kind in Albania, each with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Investor Permit (Art. 69)
Unique permit for foreign investors meeting a minimum investment threshold and an employment ratio of 1 foreigner per 5 Albanian nationals. Valid 2 years renewable once for 3; permanent residence granted on expiry of the second permit (~5 years total).
- Processing time
- Up to 12 weeks plus Ministry of Economy evaluation
- Validity
- 2 years, renewable once for 3 years
- Language requirement
- None for the permit
- Permanent residence
- Permanent residence on expiry of second permit (~5 years) if grounds unchanged (Art. 69(4))
- Citizenship
- 7 years of lawful residence
Requirements
- Minimum investment (commonly reported as ALL 10,000,000 — set by joint ministerial instruction; confirm current figure)
- Employment ratio of 1 foreigner to 5 Albanian nationals
- Salary ≥ national average for the role
- Profitable undertaking with valid tax records
Required Documents
- Company registration required
- Proof of investment amount required
- Employment records showing the 1:5 ratio required
- Payroll/salary evidence required
- Tax compliance certificate required
- Valid passport, photo, proof of housing required
Official fees
- Minimum investment (commonly reported; confirm via ministerial instruction) 10,000,000 ALL
- Unique permit service fee 8,000 ALL
- Biometric card fee (separate)
Process Steps
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1
Document the investment
Establish and document the qualifying investment and company.
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2
Economic evaluation
Obtain Ministry of Economy evaluation.
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3
Apply online
Apply on e-Albania service code 15146.
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4
Provisional and biometrics
Receive provisional permit, attend biometric appointment.
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5
Collect card
Collect the biometric card.
Official Sources
Residence Permit for Owners of Immovable Property (Art. 84)
Residence permit for foreigners who own real estate in Albania. Valid 1 year, renewable yearly while ownership continues.
- Processing time
- Provisional within 5 days; card within ~2 weeks
- Validity
- 1 year, renewable yearly while ownership continues
- Language requirement
- None
- Permanent residence
- 5 consecutive legal years
- Citizenship
- 7 years of lawful residence
Requirements
- Albanian property ownership deed (including ½ co-owners)
- Valid passport
- Health insurance
- Housing proof
Required Documents
- Albanian property ownership deed (incl. ½ co-owners) required
- Valid passport and photo 47×36 mm required
- Health insurance required
- Housing proof required
Official fees
- Residence permit service fee (standard residence band) 4,500 ALL
- Biometric card fee (separate)
Process Steps
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1
Apply online
Apply on e-Albania residence service code 9628 with the property deed.
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2
Provisional and biometrics
Receive provisional permit, register within 30 days, attend biometric appointment.
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3
Collect card
Collect the biometric card.
Official Sources
Pensioner / Retiree Residence Permit (Art. 85)
Residence permit for retirees with a qualifying foreign pension transferred to an Albanian bank. No economic or professional activity permitted. Valid 1 year, renewable yearly.
- Processing time
- Decision within ~30 days
- Validity
- 1 year, renewable yearly
- Language requirement
- None
- Permanent residence
- 5 consecutive legal years
- Citizenship
- 7 years of lawful residence
Requirements
- Pension document proving annual pension ≥ ALL 1,200,000 (~EUR 11,600)
- Statement from an Albanian bank confirming pension transfers
- Notarized rental/housing contract (≥20 m²/person)
- 1-year health insurance valid in Albania
- Clean criminal record
Required Documents
- Pension document from country of origin (annual pension ≥ ALL 1,200,000) required
- Albanian bank statement confirming pension transfers/deposits required
- Notarized rental/housing contract (≥20 m²/person) required
- 1-year health insurance valid in Albania required
- Clean criminal record required
Official fees
- Processing fee (agent estimate ~EUR 165; confirm officially) 165 EUR
- Biometric card fee (separate)
Process Steps
-
1
Apply online
File the residence application on e-Albania (service code 9628).
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2
Pay fee and decision
Pay the fee; decision within ~30 days.
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3
Biometrics and card
Attend biometric appointment and collect the card.