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Moving to Durrës, Albania
In short
To move to Durrës, the requirements of the Italy → Albania route apply.On the Italy → Albania route, people living on a pension apply for the “Pensioner residence permit” (Law 79/2021 art. 39(j), art. 85; VKM 858/2021). The first permit lasts 1 year, the state fee is ALL 4,500 (≈ €47), and a decision usually takes 30–60 days (estimate). No entry visa is needed. You need 12 documents, 3 of them with an apostille and a sworn translation.
· Sources: Law No. 79/2021 "On Foreigners", consolidated 2025; e-Albania service 15308, document checklist; e-Albania service 15308, procedure; e-Albania service 15309, renewal; Ministry of Interior, residence and unique permit procedure; Muja Law, Law 43/2025 update (EU registration); Ministero degli Esteri, AIRE; INPS, Italy-Albania social security agreement; Italy-Albania double tax treaty, arts. 18-19; Agenzia delle Entrate, circular 20/E 2024 (tax residence); Posta Shqiptare, biometric card voucher
Which permit
- Pensioner residence permit
For people living on a pension above ALL 1,200,000 a year, already paid into an Albanian bank. Lasts 1 year and is renewable. It does not allow any work in Albania.
- Unique permit for employees
For people working for an Albanian employer. For EU citizens registration may replace it.
- Unique permit for the self-employed
For people self-employed or running a business in Albania, with a NIPT.
- Digital nomad unique permit
For people working remotely for an employer or clients outside Albania. 1 year, renewable.
- Property owner permit
For owners of at least 50% of a property in Albania, with no minimum value. 1 year, renewable; it does not allow work.
- Family reunification
For the spouse, partner or children of someone who holds (or is applying for) a permit. A non-retired partner can join a pensioner; to work they need their own status.
Other cities
About this legal information
Requirements collected from public sources and checked on 15 October 2026 (data/research). Items marked 'to be confirmed' must be validated by the partner law firm and accountant before launch. This is not legal or tax advice.
Sources: Law No. 79/2021 "On Foreigners", consolidated 2025, e-Albania service 15308, document checklist, e-Albania service 15308, procedure, e-Albania service 15309, renewal, Ministry of Interior, residence and unique permit procedure, Muja Law, Law 43/2025 update (EU registration), Ministero degli Esteri, AIRE, INPS, Italy-Albania social security agreement, Italy-Albania double tax treaty, arts. 18-19, Agenzia delle Entrate, circular 20/E 2024 (tax residence), Posta Shqiptare, biometric card voucher · last checked Oct 15, 2026
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