Albania self-employed and business owner permit

Article 67 of the Law on Foreigners grants the permit when the activity serves an economic interest, is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and you have the capital to carry out the business idea. An evaluation commission set up by the minister responsible for the economy, involving the institutions of the place where the business will operate, reviews a business plan containing at least the elements recommended by AKPA, proof of funds of at least ALL 500,000 or the equivalent in dollars or euros from a bank in Albania or abroad, a diploma, certificate or professional licence for regulated professions, and the registration certificate of the National Business Centre (QKB).

Self-employed foreigners are among the categories that need AKPA approval. The permit can be limited to a specific activity, region and profession, and you must notify the authorities and seek approval for changes to your name, work or home address and authorised activities.

For the self-employed permit e-Albania lists a travel document copy, a photo of 47 x 36 mm, proof of accommodation meeting Albanian housing standards and proof that the activity is registered with the QKB. The commission file adds the business plan, the bank certificate for the ALL 500,000 and the skills documents. For the D/VP visa e-Visa asks for certification of professional capacity, the legal status document of the entity, the commission's minutes confirming that the conditions are met and an accommodation document; no invitation is needed. Documents from abroad must be translated, certified and legalised.

Law No. 43/2025 added an investor residence permit (Article 85/1). It is issued for two years when you make an investment in Albania, the business employs five Albanian citizens for every foreigner, a ratio that must also hold in the board and other management or control bodies, those employees are paid at least the average wage for their posts in the previous year, and the business has regular documents showing it is not loss-making and has met its tax obligations. It is renewed for three years if conditions are unchanged, and a permanent permit follows the second permit. The investment value is set by a joint instruction of the interior and economy ministers. Strategic investors recognised by the Strategic Investments Committee can obtain a permanent permit for themselves, their families and up to five key staff.

Register the business with the QKB, then file the Unique Permit application on e-Albania choosing self-employment or investor and, if you need a visa, the D/VP or D/I visa. The evaluation commission of the ministry responsible for finance and economy assesses whether the conditions are met, AKPA approves the self-employment, the foreign ministry approves the visa and the Border and Migration authority issues the permit within 12 weeks in total. After entering Albania you apply for the biometric card and register your address with the civil registry within 30 days.

The self-employed permit can be renewed on e-Albania while the business continues. After three years a permanent permit may be issued if you have carried out the planned activity successfully, have adequate income for yourself and your dependants and meet the other permanent residence conditions. Financial difficulties alone do not justify cancelling the permit unless you can no longer cover your living costs. Absence of more than 180 days in a year, false documents or working outside the authorised activity can lead to cancellation.

A refused or cancelled Unique Permit can be challenged by administrative appeal to the superior authority within the deadlines of the Code of Administrative Procedures; the appeal is decided within 30 days, and the administrative court is the next step. Visa refusals are appealed within 5 working days to the Directorate for Consular Affairs.