Visa to Albania

There are many attractions in Albania. For example, in Shkoder there are ruins of the fortress of Rosafa. Skadar Lake is also located here, where locals and visitors relax. In Tirana, underground bunkers are visited, giving an idea of the country's communist past.

You can enter the republic with a Schengen visa for up to 90 days, while it is not a party to this agreement, so the days of stay in it are not considered days of stay in the Schengen area. The most popular type of visa is tourist (C).

Freelancer Visa

This visa allows you to work remotely, but at the same time live in Albania. There is no official visa for nomads in the republic. If a freelancer wishes to enter the country, he must apply for one of the following visas:

• Irish; 
• British;
• American; 
• Schengen; 
• category D.

Since 2022, the Digital Mobile Workers program has been operating in the country, according to which representatives of the IT industry can obtain a residence permit. To receive it, the specialist provides a set of documents:

How much does a visa cost?

The cost of a visa varies depending on whether it is single or multiple, issued for an adult or a child. A single–entry visa costs 30 €, a multiple-entry visa costs 50 €. Children under the age of 6 receive it for free, and between the ages of 6 and 12 – with a 50% discount.

Payment is possible with a foreign card, which is available from friends or relatives. When making a receipt, the number of the passport and the application of the interested person for a visa are indicated in the purpose of payment.

Information on the payment of the consular fee

It can be obtained by writing a letter (use English) and sending it by e-mail visa@mfa.gov.al. 

Types of visas (types of visas)

All documents authorizing entry to Albania are divided into 4 categories:

• A is a one–time short-term transfer at the airport, allows you to stay in the terminal area only before the flight departs to the host country.

• B – a visa of similar duration intended for transit through the territory of the republic.

• C is a short–term visa with the right to stay in the country for up to 90 days for six months with the possibility of repeated extension – issued for tourist purposes, business visits, visits to friends or relatives, visits to scientific and other international events, medical care.

• D – long-term type with a period exceeding 90 days, with the possibility of extension. Such a visa is issued for the purpose of family reunification, work in Albania, including sole proprietorship, education, pursuit of cultural, including religious, goals, conducting official or state activities.

Student

This visa is issued to those who wish to study in Albania. Its validity period is up to 12 months with the possibility of further extension. The stamp in the passport is received personally at the consulate. Sometimes the visa is sent by mail. Belongs to category D.

To obtain it, in addition to the basic documents required to obtain any visa, the applicant must submit an invitation from the educational institution and proof of financial security for the process. Before receiving it, you must enroll in an Albanian educational institution. Visas are not issued for applicants.

Tourist

It is intended not only for tourism, but also for visiting relatives or short-term holidays in Albania. Its validity period is up to 90 days over a 180-day period. Belongs to category C.

As additional documents, evidence of financial viability for the period of a citizen's stay in the country and medical insurance are provided.

Business (for business trips)

This visa is obtained for the purpose of doing business in the country or investing in its economy. It is valid for up to 1 year, with the possibility of extension.

Additional documents are the calculation of an investment project or business plan, proof of the necessary finances. The business plan displays information about the company, the target market, the services provided or the goods sold, and the development strategy.

Working (to work legally in the country)

This type of visa is required to work legally in Albania. It is valid for 12 months with the possibility of extension as needed.

Additional materials are an offer received by the applicant from an Albanian employer and evidence of the necessary finances for living in the country.

Required documents

Basic package:

In addition to this package, the following are presented:

• Non–working - documents on readiness to return to the state of residence or birth, in pdf format.
• Minors – a copy of the birth certificate, a letter from one of the parents about the financing of the trip, a certificate from his place of employment, an account statement, if the trip is performed with one of the parents – consent from the other parent, notarized, in pdf format.

Recent changes in the Albanian visa issue

On the website, you can find information that the Albanian authorities are looking for ways to stimulate the influx of digital nomads into the republic. There is a possibility of their complete exclusion from the country's tax residents.  

All documents for obtaining a visa are submitted online. For non-cash payment, you should take Visa or MasterCard cards with you.