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Moving to Tirana, Albania

Skanderbeg Square, Tirana
Photo: albinfo · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

In short

To move to Tirana, 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

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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.

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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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