"Company formation in Albania" almost always means one thing in practice: registering an SHPK (Shoqëri me Përgjegjësi të Kufizuar) — the Albanian limited liability company. Formation with the National Business Center (QKB) takes about 1 business day once your documents are ready; the full process, including notary deeds and tax registration, takes 3–5 business days, entirely remotely.
The reason foreign founders are choosing Albania for formation right now is straightforward: 0% corporate income tax on annual revenue under roughly €140,000 through 2029, 100% foreign ownership with no local partner requirement, and a minimum share capital of just €1. This guide covers what actually matters when forming a company here — not theory, the real process.
1. Entity types: which one to register
Albanian law offers a few legal forms, but for company formation as a foreign investor, the decision is almost always between two:
- SHPK (Limited Liability Company) — minimum capital €1, 100% foreign ownership, one shareholder is enough, liability limited to capital contributed. This is what "company formation in Albania" means for consultancies, e-commerce, trading, IT/software, marketing agencies and holding structures.
- SH.A. (Joint-Stock Company) — minimum capital ≈€28,000, designed for companies planning to issue shares or list. Relevant for banks, insurers and large-capital ventures — not for a typical foreign-owned SME.
Unless your business specifically needs share issuance, the SHPK is the correct entity for company formation in Albania. It is what we register for the vast majority of clients.
Not sure which structure fits your business?
Tell us what you do — we'll confirm the right entity, your 0% CIT eligibility, and send a fixed-fee proposal within 24 hours.
Start My Registration →2. Who company formation in Albania actually suits
Albania is not a fit for every business, and we would rather tell you that now than after you have paid a registration fee. Company formation here works best for:
- Remote-first businesses — consultancies, agencies, freelancers scaling into a company, SaaS and e-commerce operators.
- Trading and import/export companies using Albania's EU-proximate location and free trade agreements.
- Holding structures that benefit from 0% CIT on undistributed profit under the revenue threshold.
- Founders who can operate with a real registered address and genuine management activity in Albania — not just a mailbox.
It is a poor fit if you are looking for a shortcut around your home-country tax residency without any real substance here, or if you need to raise institutional capital immediately (an SH.A. or a jurisdiction better known to VCs may serve you better). If either of these applies, say so upfront — it saves everyone time.
3. The formation process, step by step
Name reservation & document collection
We check company name availability at the National Business Center and collect your passport copy, proof of address and (if applicable) a Power of Attorney.
Articles of Association
We draft the founding act in Albanian, defining shareholders, share capital, administrator and registered office.
Notarisation
Signed in person at a notary in Tirana, or remotely via apostilled Power of Attorney if you are not travelling.
QKB registration & NIPT issuance
The National Business Center registers the company and issues your NIPT (tax identification number) — typically within 1 business day.
Tax registration & bank account
We register you for the correct tax regime and support the corporate bank account opening, which usually takes 1–3 additional weeks depending on the bank.
Skip the paperwork.
We handle every step above for you — documents, notary coordination, QKB filing, NIPT and tax registration. You sign once; we do the rest.
Start on WhatsApp →4. Company registration cost in 2026
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Professional formation fee (albtaa) | €250 + VAT |
| Notary fees | €50–€150 (third-party, if applicable) |
| Certified translations / apostille | €50–€200 (only if documents are foreign-issued) |
| Minimum share capital | €1 |
| Ongoing accounting (from month 1) | €100–€250/month |
See the full 2026 cost breakdown for a line-by-line estimate, or request your exact fixed price below — confirmed in writing within 24 hours.
5. Taxes after formation
Once your company is registered, three taxes matter most: corporate income tax (0% under ~€140,000 annual revenue through 2029, 15% above it), VAT (20% standard rate, mandatory registration above 10M ALL turnover), and dividend withholding tax (8% when profit is distributed to shareholders). Read the full breakdown in our corporate tax guide and VAT registration guide.
6. New company vs. branch registration
If you already run a company abroad, you have two options in Albania: register a fresh SHPK subsidiary, or register a branch of your existing foreign company. Most clients choose a new SHPK because it is simpler to administer, ring-fences liability, and cleanly qualifies for the 0% CIT regime on its own revenue. A branch is not a separate legal entity — it extends the parent company's liability and tax exposure into Albania, and rarely makes sense unless required by a specific contract or licence.
7. Mistakes that delay formation
- Sending uncertified documents. Foreign-issued documents usually need an apostille and certified translation — confirm this before, not after, submission.
- Choosing a generic registered address. Some banks flag "virtual office only" addresses during account opening compliance checks.
- Assuming 0% CIT is automatic. It applies below the revenue threshold and requires correct classification from day one — get it confirmed in writing.
- Underestimating bank account timing. Formation takes days; the bank account can take weeks. Plan your first invoice accordingly.
- Treating formation as the finish line. Monthly bookkeeping, VAT filing and payroll (if you hire) start immediately — have an accountant lined up before day one, not after your first missed deadline.
Frequently asked questions
1What is the best entity type for company formation in Albania?
Over 95% of foreign founders choose the SHPK (limited liability company): €1 minimum capital, 100% foreign ownership, one shareholder is enough. The SH.A. (joint-stock) only makes sense for larger ventures planning to issue shares.
2How much does company registration cost in Albania?
With albtaa, it's a fixed €250 + VAT professional fee covering Articles of Association, QKB filing, tax registration and first-year registered address. Notary and translation costs, if needed, are billed separately at cost.
3How long does company registration take in Albania?
3–5 business days once documents are submitted. The National Business Center itself processes registration in about 1 business day; the rest covers notary deeds, NIPT issuance and tax registration.
4Can a non-resident register a company in Albania remotely?
Yes. Through a notarised and apostilled Power of Attorney, the entire registration is completed remotely — no travel to Albania required.
5Is Albania a good country for company formation in 2026?
Yes, for the right business. 0% corporate tax under ~€140,000 annual revenue through 2029, 100% foreign ownership, no local partner required. It suits remote-first businesses best — consultancies, agencies, e-commerce, trading and holding companies.
Ready to form
your company in Albania?
Skip the paperwork. Tell us what you need — we confirm your 0% CIT eligibility and send a fixed-fee proposal within 24 hours. Registration in 3–5 days, fully remote.