Owning a Company Doesn't Require a Permit. Living There Does.
This surprises most founders: registering and owning 100% of an Albanian company carries no residence requirement at all. You can manage the business entirely from abroad, sign documents remotely, and never set foot in Albania if that's what suits you. A residence permit only becomes relevant the moment you actually want to live there — whether full-time, or for extended stretches beyond what a tourist visa allows.
If that's your plan, the good news is that your company registration already does most of the heavy lifting. Albania's residence system, modernized under Law No. 79/2021, ties the permit directly to your business activity rather than requiring a separate immigration process from scratch.
One Card, Not Two Separate Processes.
Albania replaced its older, multi-tier permit system with the Unique Permit (Leje Unike) — a single biometric card that combines residence and work authorization in one document, applied for through the e-Albania digital portal. There's no separate work permit to chase down afterward; it's built into the same application.
For most founders running an LLC or registered as a sole trader, the relevant route is the self-employment Unique Permit — the standard path for small business owners, consultants, and service providers who want to reside in Albania based on their own registered business, rather than being hired by someone else's company.
From First Approval to Permanent Residence.
The initial permit is typically issued for one year, and renewable for as long as your registered business stays active — the permit is tied to the business being real and ongoing, not a one-time formality. Requirements generally include proof of your company registration, a business bank account with adequate funds, and documentation about what the business actually does.
Maintain continuous legal residence for five years, and you become eligible to apply for permanent residence — at that point, your right to stay in Albania is no longer tied to renewing the permit year after year. It's a clear, predictable path rather than an open-ended process, which is exactly why we walk through the full timeline with founders before they commit to it.
From Company Registration to an Approved Permit
Here's exactly what happens if you decide to combine company formation with a residence permit application — no surprises, no unclear next steps.
You tell us your plans — full relocation, or extended stays. We confirm whether the self-employment Unique Permit fits your situation and what documentation you'll need.
Within 24 hoursYour company registration and NIPT are the foundation the permit application is built on — handled remotely, exactly as with any other founder.
3–5 business daysWe prepare and submit the Unique Permit application through e-Albania, and guide you through any in-person steps required to complete it.
Varies by caseForeign Founders Who Set Up
Both Their Company and Their Life in Albania
“I worked with the ALBTAA team to incorporate my company, which I set up to manage my property investments in Albania. Enejd supported me with consulting services beyond the company incorporation process and assisted me with communications and contacts with local property agents, notaries and property owners.
As a foreign investor, having local support made the process of setting up a business and investing in property in Albania much easier. The ALBTAA team was professional, responsive and helpful throughout the process, providing practical guidance and connecting me with the right local professionals.
I would recommend ALBTAA to other foreign investors looking for professional assistance with company incorporation, business setup and property investment in Albania.”
“I am Ali Abdelrehem, Director and Founder of Sira Capital. ALBTAA fully established my company in Albania remotely, making the entire company formation process simple and straightforward.
The team was truly excellent, professional and very responsive throughout the process. As a foreign investor, I greatly appreciated their support and clear communication, especially as everything was handled remotely.
I would highly recommend ALBTAA to anyone looking for professional assistance with company formation in Albania, particularly foreign investors who want to establish and manage a business remotely.”
What Founders Ask Us About
Residence Permits in Albania
No. Foreign nationals can own 100% of an Albanian company and manage it entirely remotely without ever obtaining a residence permit. A permit is only necessary if you want to physically live in Albania. Check my path to residency →
The Unique Permit (Leje Unike), introduced under Law No. 79/2021, is a single biometric card that combines residence and work authorization. It replaced Albania's older multi-tier permit system and is applied for through the e-Albania digital portal. Talk to an advisor about the process →
Most foreign founders of an LLC or sole trader business in Albania qualify for a self-employment Unique Permit, the most common route for small business owners, consultants, and service providers who want to reside in Albania. See which route fits my business →
The initial residence permit is typically valid for one year and can be renewed as long as the underlying registered business remains active. After five years of continuous legal residence, foreign nationals become eligible for permanent residence. Check my path to residency →
Requirements generally include proof of company registration, a business bank account with adequate funds, and supporting documentation about the business activity. Check my path to residency →
Ready to Explore
Living in Albania?
Let ALBTAA confirm the right permit route for your business and handle both the company registration and the application — one consultation, no obligation.