Getting a Work Visa in Albania

Dear readers of Magic Towns Albania,

Today, I wanted to talk about working in Albania as a foreigner.

More and more people are choosing Albania not just for travel, but to live and build a life here. And naturally, one of the first questions is always:

How does the work visa process actually work?

Well, let’s first start with —>

In most cases, you’ll need one if:

• You’re not an Albanian citizen

• You’re planning to work for an Albanian employer

• You’ll stay longer than 90 days

There are exceptions (like certain remote workers or short stays), but generally speaking, if you’re moving here for work, a permit will be part of your process.

This is where many people get confused.

• Work Permit: Allows you to legally work in Albania.

• Unique Permit: Combines both residence + work in one application, and it’s becoming the most common option for foreigners.

In simple terms:

1. You secure a job offer

2. Your employer registers you

3. You apply for the permit (often via e-Albania)

4. If required, you apply for a long-stay visa (Type D)

5. You enter Albania and register your address

6. You receive your permit and can officially start working

Feel free to read the full article here:

Minister of Defense, Pirro Vengu, conducted inspections at the Vau i Dejës hydropower plant to prepare for heavy rainfall in Albania. Forces have been deployed on the ground to manage water inflows and prevent flooding in problematic areas. Vengu emphasized the commitment to handling the weather situation effectively.

Source: Euronews

Around 90% of payments in Albania are still made in cash, ranking the country fourth globally for the use of physical money in daily transactions. The high use of cash is attributed to factors such as low banking inclusion, limited internet access in rural areas, and the lack of digital payment infrastructure. Albania is placed alongside other countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Pakistan, showcasing a strong dependence on cash. Conversely, the most developed countries are moving towards cashless economies, with Sweden, Norway, and South Korea leading the charge. The United States and the United Kingdom are also following this trend, supported by high consumer trust in online systems and advanced anti-fraud measures.

Source: Euronews

An INSTAT report revealed that family doctors in Albania conducted over 8.9 million visits in 2024. The data showed a decrease in visits to family doctors compared to 2023, with the elderly being the most frequent users of this service. Hospital admissions increased and 299,318 patients were hospitalized in 2024, with an average hospital stay duration of 4.7 days. A total of 65,302 surgical interventions were performed throughout the year, and Albania has a total of 65 hospitals, 41 public and 24 private. The report also indicated that bed occupancy was 176.7 days, accounting for 48.4% of the calendar days of 2024.

Source: Euronews

The Swedish Ambassador, Niklas Ström, visited Pogradec and expressed Sweden’s support for Albania in its EU integration journey. He highlighted Albania’s progress, called the country’s ambitions fantastic, and emphasized Sweden’s readiness to support Albania in fulfilling necessary reforms. The ambassador also discussed gender equality laws, stating Sweden’s belief in the same principles. Overall, the Swedish Ambassador’s visit to Pogradec showcased Sweden’s backing for Albania on its path to the EU, praising the country’s advancements and expressing a willingness to assist.

Source: Euronews

The number of members in private pension funds in Albania has reached over 48,000, with 3,900 new participants added this year, marking a 9% increase in contributors. The total net assets of these funds have also increased by approximately 11.5% compared to last year, now totaling 14.3 billion lek.

However, despite this growth, only 5.8% of the employed population contributes to private pension schemes, highlighting the low uptake of private pensions compared to the state system. Private pensions are intended to supplement state pension benefits, providing individuals with additional income in retirement.

Investments by private pension funds mainly consist of treasury bills and government bonds, with interest earned returned to contributors upon retirement. Statistics show a 16% increase in investments in these securities compared to the previous year.

Source: Euronews

Thank you for reading!

See you next week,

Sara

Magic Towns Albania