Many foreign business owners ask the same question: if I open a company in Albania, can I also live there? The answer is yes — through the investor and business residence route. This guide explains how the Albania investor visa and residence permit work, in simple English.
Bonita Travel and Tours helps clients from all over the world with company registration in Albania and the residence permit that follows it. For help with your own case, message us on WhatsApp at +92 321 5107411.
What Is the Albania Investor Residence Permit?
It is a residence permit for foreigners who invest in Albania or run their own Albanian company. You first register a real business. Then you apply for residence on the basis of that business activity. The permit lets you live in Albania legally while you run your company.
The permit is normally issued for one year at the start. You can renew it if your company stays active and you still meet the conditions. After some years of legal residence, long-term residence can become possible.
Who Can Apply?
- Owners of a registered Albanian company (for example an LLC / Sh.p.k.)
- Foreign investors with real business activity in Albania
- Self-employed business owners who work in their own company
Your spouse and children can usually apply after you, under family reunion rules.
Main Requirements
Every case is checked on its own facts, but you will normally need:
- A registered, active company in Albania with a valid tax number (NUIS)
- Proof of real business activity — for example a business plan, office or address, bank activity, invoices, or contracts
- A valid passport
- A home address in Albania (a rental agreement is common)
- A clean criminal record certificate from your home country
- Health insurance valid in Albania
- Proof that you can support yourself — bank statements are usually asked for
Foreign documents usually need an apostille and a sworn Albanian translation. There is no single fixed investment amount that fits every case. The strength of your real business activity matters more than one magic number.
How the Process Works — Step by Step
- Register your company. This is step one for almost every investor case. Our Albania company registration guide explains the full process.
- Enter Albania legally. Many nationalities can enter without a visa. Others need an entry visa first — see our Albania visa guide.
- Prepare your residence file. Company papers, address, insurance, criminal record, and bank proof.
- Submit the application. Residence applications are filed with the Albanian migration authorities, and parts of the process run through the e-Albania portal.
- Give biometrics and wait for the decision. Processing usually takes some weeks. Timelines can change.
- Collect your residence permit card. Then run your business, keep your taxes in order, and renew before the permit expires.
Important Things to Know
- The company must be real and active. A paper company with no activity is a weak case.
- Keep your tax filings clean. Renewals look at your record.
- No agent can guarantee an approval. The decision is always made by the Albanian authorities.
- Rules and fees can change. Always confirm the current list of documents before you apply.
How Bonita Travel and Tours Helps You
We build your case in the right order: company first, then a complete residence file. We check your documents, guide the translations and legalisation, and prepare you for each step in simple English. See all our visa and consultancy services.
Planning to move your business to Albania? Message us on WhatsApp at +92 321 5107411. Tell us your nationality and your business idea. We will confirm the exact documents, cost, and timeline for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a company before I apply for investor residence in Albania?
Yes, in almost every case. The residence permit for investors and business owners is based on a registered, active Albanian company.
How long is the Albania investor residence permit valid?
It is normally issued for one year at the start and can be renewed if your company stays active and you meet the conditions.
Is there a minimum investment amount for Albania investor residence?
There is no single fixed amount that fits all cases. The authorities look at your real business activity, your plan, and your documents. We confirm what fits your case before you start.
Can my family join me in Albania?
Yes. After your permit is approved, your spouse and children can usually apply under family reunion rules with their own documents.
Can Bonita guarantee my residence permit will be approved?
No. No honest agent can guarantee that. We make your file complete and correct, but the final decision belongs to the Albanian authorities.
