Thinking of Moving to Albania?

Hey, virtual friends of Magic Towns Albania!

Have you ever heard a voice calling you from another country, leaving you with the emptiness of the unknown, yet with the consistent desire to explore the meaning behind it…?

A lot of people go through this exact feeling, at least once in their lives.

I know moving can be very scary. Especially in a completely new country like Albania, which half the world didn’t know of until recent years. But this is exactly, in my opinion, what makes it exciting.

Scary doesn’t mean impossible. It means a new chance to see the world differently and witness a life in a country that might be the complete opposite of what you’re used to…for the better ;)

And who knows…you might even fall in love with it!

Over the past few months, we’ve spoken with expats, digital nomads, retirees, and remote workers who have, or are seriously considering moving to Albania.

(And yes, there’s a wide community of expats in here, so it’s simple to find like-minded others who’re on the same page as you.)

I’ve also come across many saying, “In Albania, I feel at home”, while sharing their experiences; mostly from expats who felt so caught up in the intensity and monotony of life, and once they decided to change that pace, they found the right balance here.

It’s so interesting to witness these stories from my perspective.

From digital nomads to couples who were once travelling, to expats deciding to give this chapter a go…if they don’t all decide to relocate here, one thing’s for sure, they do fall in love with the vibe, the culture, and the friendliness of locals.

As a local myself, who has lived here her entire life, it’s pretty interesting to come across new, fresh perspectives and appreciate more what my country has to offer.

And I’m here to say, whatever it is that’s scaring you, there’s probably, most likely, a solution to it.

Leaving one of my favourite sayings here in case someone needs it today: “When there’s a will, there’s a way”. 💛

And if you’re reading this, and are already living here we’d love to share your story with others who are too scared to make the move or are still questioning the decision.

If you’re having a calling to move to Albania, take it as a sign. And just go for it…! 💛

Share your story with us

Starting in March 2026, parents with children under the age of 18 in Albania will receive tax compensation aimed at supporting families and alleviating the financial costs associated with raising and educating children. This new measure allows parents to deduct 48,000 lekë per child from their taxable base when filing their income declaration for the previous fiscal year, with the potential for a refund if they overpaid taxes. Additionally, families with incomes up to 1.2 million lekë can deduct up to 100,000 lekë per year for education expenses. This tax relief applies to all parents, with the higher-earning parent benefiting in two-parent households. Keeping accurate records of education-related payments is crucial to maximize the benefit of this tax compensation.

Source: Euronews

Albania ranks among the countries with the lowest ability to save in Europe, with less than one-fifth of the population able to set money aside. This lack of savings is particularly pronounced among low-income households and in rural areas, where monthly incomes are mostly spent on basic expenses. While a small portion of higher-income individuals are able to save, the majority of the population faces ongoing financial difficulties. This situation underscores the need for policies that promote income growth, enhance financial education, and provide easier access to savings options.

Source: Euronews

A significant number of Albanian migrants are waiting in the neutral zone at the Kapshtica border crossing to enter into Greece, where they live and work. The customs operations at the Greek side are facing congestion, while the Albanian side is working efficiently. Over 20,000 citizens exited through Kapshtica in the first days of January, with additional traffic at the Qafë Thanë border crossing.

Source: Euronews

A series of fires over the past two weeks has resulted in seven homes being destroyed in Elbasan and Librazhd. The latest incident occurred in the village of Murras, where a house was completely consumed by flames, leaving three residents homeless. Preliminary findings suggest that an electrical fault may have been the cause of the fire. Other areas affected include the “Aqif Pasha” neighborhood in Elbasan, Kala neighborhood, and the “5 Maji” neighborhood. The fire service urges caution when using electrical appliances and gas cylinders to prevent future incidents.

Source: Euronews

In Vithkuq and Voskopoja, four churches designated as cultural monuments have been successfully restored, including the churches of St. Mary and St. Michael, as well as the monasteries of St. John the Forerunner and St. Peter in Korçë County. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the revitalized churches, which are now ready to welcome worshippers, visitors, and tourists. The restoration process, lasting two years, included the conservation of mural paintings in all four sites, with the restoration of mural paintings in two of the churches. Exterior and interior lighting has also been added to highlight the architectural and religious value of these historical sites that date back to the early 17th century.

Source: Euronews

Following torrential downpours in Durrës, residents of the former Kënetës region have been left battling over a meter of water within their homes. This significant amount of water has resulted in some homes becoming entirely submerged, reflecting the sheer scale of the natural disaster. Local authorities are currently working to alleviate the situation and provide necessary aid. However, the dramatic situation raises concern about the local infrastructure's capacity to handle extreme weather and may signal a longer-term problem that could impact housing and community security in the region. The event stresses the importance of understanding local weather events and climate change's impact on these.

Source: Shekulli.com

See you next Friday,

Sara

Magic Towns Albania