Unlock Albania: Digital Nomad Visa Requirements and Benefits in 2024

Albania's new Unique Permit scheme offers digital nomads a simplified path to obtaining a Type D visa, allowing stays of up to five years. The country has a history of welcoming visa policies, and this new scheme aims to further streamline the application process.

Introduction and Application

The Unique Permit was introduced in early 2022 as part of a review of the "On Foreigners" law. Applications can be submitted through Albania's online visa portal, although some details about the requirements are still unclear.

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Requirements

To qualify, digital nomads must provide one of the following:

- A contract with a foreign company

- A service contract with a foreign contractor

- A contract with a client for a specific remote project

While there is no specified minimum income, it is expected to be at least $9,800 per year, similar to the retirement visa requirement.

Application Portal and Processing Time

The Unique Permit uses Albania's online application portal, developed during the pandemic. The law states that applications will be processed within a maximum of 12 weeks.

Tax Implications

The main concern with this visa is the tax implications, as digital nomads will be required to pay taxes on both foreign and domestic income. Albania does not have double taxation treaties with many countries, including the United States.

In July 2023, the Albanian government announced simplified procedures for foreign IT professionals. Those with a declaration from an IT company can enter Albania visa-free and stay for up to one year, allowing them to apply for an official work permit later.

Albania's Visa Schemes: A Guide

Tourist Visas:

Citizens from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, EU, and more can enter Albania for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Citizens from other countries can apply for a tourist visa online, with immediate approval in most cases.

Special Visas

Citizens of the United States and Kosovo enjoy special privileges:

- Visa-free entry and stay in Albania for up to a year.

- Access to public services like healthcare and schools.

Unique Permit and Type D Visa

The Unique Permit provides a structured pathway to permanent residency:

- Type D Long Stay visa for digital mobile workers and other categories (self-employed, investors, research, highly qualified employees, pensioners).

- Renewable for up to five years, leading to eligibility for permanent residency.

Digital nomads wishing to apply for a Type D Visa should apply through the new Unique Permit system available via the Albania e-visa portal. This replaces a complex application system that required separate applications to the Border and Immigration Police and to the Labour Office.

Proof of Status as a Digital Mobile Worker

- Valid employment contract with an overseas employer

- Service contact with a client that will work without a specific headquarters for specific jobs

- Service contract with an overseas contractor

You are also required to provide documents demonstrating your professional capacity such as a diploma, certificate, or other qualification.

Self-employed digital nomads may be able to use a contract from a specific client if it meets the minimum income requirements, or they can apply for a D Visa as a self-employed person, for which the rules and process are very similar.

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

To qualify for Albania's digital nomad visa, you'll need to demonstrate sufficient income from your foreign employment to support your living expenses in the country.

Minimum income: $2,000 per month (note: this may be subject to change)

Comparison: Albania's minimum wage is approximately USD 315 per month (34,000 ALL)

Including Family Members:

You can include family members in your application if they will accompany you to Albania

Unclear how dependents will affect the minimum income requirement

Required documents:

- Payslips

- Employment contracts

- Bank statements from the last six months

Proof Of Accommodation

The visa application documentation states that you must provide a document certifying accommodation in Albania, but it is not stated that this must be for the entire duration of your trip. You must have a current address in Albania for the visa to be issued.

Proof of an Albanian Bank Account

You must provide evidence that you have a bank account from a second tier Albanian bank for the transfer of the salary specified in your contract.

Proof of Health Insurance

You must provide evidence that you have health insurance valid in Albania to cover you for the duration of your proposed stay with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

Clean Criminal Record

You should provide proof of a clean criminal record for any country that you have lived in for the last five years. They should be authenticated for international use with an Apostille.