International Removals to Albania

Finding an apartment in Albania is generally easier than in many Western European countries, but there are still some challenges for foreigners — especially in cities like Tirana, Durrës, and Vlora, where demand is rising.

1. What do landlords typically require?

To rent an apartment in Albania, you may be asked for:

• Valid passport (and residence permit, if applicable)

• Proof of income (employment contract, payslips, or bank statements)

• Security deposit – typically 1 to 2 months’ rent

• In some cases: a local phone number or Albanian bank account

Many rentals are handled directly by owners, not agencies, so requirements can vary widely.

2. Where to search for apartments in Albania?

Here are the most popular real estate websites and platforms:

• MerrJep.al – Classifieds platform with rental listings

• Century21albania.com – Reputable agency site

• Realestate.al – Specializing in Tirana apartments

• InfoExpressImobiliare.com – Bilingual agency (Albanian/English)

• Facebook groups – Search for: “Expats in Tirana Housing”, “Apartments for Rent in Tirana”, etc.

3. Tips for renting as a foreigner in Albania

• Most rentals are unfurnished, but furnished apartments are common in Tirana and coastal cities

• Some landlords prefer cash payments, so clarify payment terms in advance

• Written contracts are not always standard — always request a rental agreement

• If you don’t speak Albanian, consider working with an English-speaking real estate agent or agency

• Scams exist, especially on social media — never pay deposits before seeing the property

Tip:

Start your search on the ground if possible — many good rentals are not advertised online. Ask in expat forums or local cafés, and consider short-term Airbnb rentals while searching long-term.

Yes, you can work remotely from Albania, but it depends on your nationality and the type of residence permit you hold.

1. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

• You do not need a visa or work permit to live and work remotely from Albania.

• You can be employed, self-employed, or freelance, as long as you register your residence within 90 days of arrival.

2. Non-EU citizens

You can work remotely from Albania, but only if you hold the appropriate residence permit, such as:

• Work visa (if employed by an Albanian company)

• Self-employed visa (if you freelance or own your business)

• Business/Entrepreneur permit (if registered as a company in Albania)

Remote work for clients or companies abroad is usually permitted under the self-employed or business categories — but you'll need:

• A business plan

• Local tax registration (NIPT)

• Pre-approval from Albania’s General Directorate of Migration

3. Tourist visa holders

You cannot work remotely (even for foreign clients) while on a tourist visa. Doing so violates immigration rules and may result in fines, deportation, or being banned from re-entry.

4. Digital Nomad Visa

As of now, Albania does not offer a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa. However, there have been policy discussions about introducing one in the near future.

Tip:

If you're a freelancer, remote worker, or digital entrepreneur, the best option is to apply for a self-employed residence permit. This requires:

• A business registration in Albania

• Proof of sufficient income

• Health insurance

• Clean criminal record

• Housing and financial documentation

Consult the Albanian Ministry of Interior or e-visa.al for the latest legal routes for remote work residency.

Albania has a public healthcare system managed by the Compulsory Health Care Insurance Fund (FSDKSH). The system provides basic medical coverage to insured individuals, but many expats and locals choose private healthcare for faster and higher-quality service.

1. Who is covered by the public healthcare system?

• Albanian citizens and legal residents are eligible for public healthcare once they are registered and insured through the FSDKSH.

• Employees and students are automatically enrolled through their employer or educational institution after receiving a residence permit.

• Non-EU citizens must show proof of private health insurance when applying for a residence permit, and can switch to public insurance once employed or registered.

2. What about EU/EEA/Swiss citizens?

• You can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for short-term emergency care, but you must enroll in the Albanian system if staying longer than 90 days.

• After registering residence, EU citizens working or studying in Albania can access the public health system like locals.

3. What services does public healthcare cover?

• Basic doctor consultations

• Emergency care

• Some specialist services (with referral)

• Maternity care

• Hospitalization in public hospitals

However, wait times can be long and the quality of care varies — especially outside major cities like Tirana or Durrës.

4. Private health insurance in Albania

Many residents and expats choose private or international insurance to:

• Access private clinics and hospitals

• See specialists without long delays

• Cover dental, optical, or private hospital rooms

• Receive care from English-speaking doctors

5. Typical healthcare costs in Albania

• General doctor visit: €20–€40

• Specialist consultation: €40–€70

• Emergency care: Free in public hospitals, but co-payments may apply

• Private hospital stay: €100–€300+ per night depending on room type

Tip:

If you're relocating long-term, consider getting a private health insurance plan that complements the public system. This helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses and ensures quicker access to quality care — especially for dental, vision, and specialist treatment.

Yes — if you plan to work in Albania, either as an employee or self-employed, you are legally required to have a social security number, known locally as a Social Insurance Number (NIPT or Sigurime Shoqërore)

Why is a social security number important in Albania?

Your Albanian social security number is needed to:

• Register with the national health insurance fund (FSDKSH)

• Receive your salary legally (via payroll system)

• Pay social contributions and income tax

• Access state benefits, including:

• Health insurance

• Maternity and paternity leave

• Sick leave compensation

• Unemployment benefits

• State pension

How do I get a social security number in Albania?

• If you're employed, your employer is responsible for registering you with the General Directorate of Taxation and the Social Insurance Institute (ISSH).

• If you're self-employed, you must register yourself at the National Business Center (QKB) and apply for a NIPT (Tax Identification Number), which includes social security registration.

Important Notes:

• You must hold a valid residence permit before applying for social security registration.

• Social contributions in Albania are mandatory and deducted monthly from your salary.

• Foreigners working legally are entitled to the same benefits as Albanian nationals, provided contributions are paid.

To work legally in Albania, you must obtain a social security number, known locally as a NIPT (Numri i Identifikimit për Personin Tatimpagues – Tax Identification Number). This number links you to Albania’s social insurance and healthcare system, and is required whether you're employed or self-employed.

1. If you are employed by a company

Your employer is responsible for:

• Registering you with the Social Insurance Institute (ISSH)

• Obtaining your social security number (NIPT) on your behalf

• Enrolling you in the public health insurance fund (FSDKSH)

This process usually happens before your first salary is paid and is done through the Albanian tax portal and General Directorate of Taxation.

2. If you are self-employed or a freelancer

You must apply for your own NIPT number, which serves as both your:

• Tax ID

• Social security number

To do this:

1. Go to the National Business Center (QKB – Qendra Kombëtare e Biznesit)

2. Register your business or independent activity

3. Once approved, your NIPT number is issued automatically

4. Register with the Social Insurance Institute (ISSH) and Health Insurance Fund (FSDKSH)

Required documents may include:

• Valid passport or ID

• Residence permit

• Business plan (if self-employed)

• Rental agreement or proof of address

• Bank account (in some cases)

Tip:

If you're unfamiliar with the registration process, it's best to work with an accountant or business consultant in Albania — especially if you're self-employed or opening a business.

Yes — you can bring your pets to Albania, but you must follow import regulations set by the Albanian Veterinary and Plant Protection Institute. These rules ensure animal health and biosecurity, and they apply whether you're entering from the EU or a non-EU country.

1. Allowed animals for import

• Dogs, cats, and ferrets are permitted with documentation

• Other animals (birds, reptiles, small mammals) may require special permits

• Dangerous breeds (e.g., Pit Bull-type dogs) are not explicitly banned, but may face restrictions — check with customs in advance

2. Required documents and conditions

To bring your pet to Albania, you’ll need:

• Valid pet passport or official veterinary certificate

• Proof of microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)

• Proof of rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel, no more than 12 months old)

• Recent veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel

If arriving from a non-EU country, additional serological test for rabies antibodies may be required.

3. Customs & airport rules

• Pets typically enter via Tirana International Airport

• You must declare the animal at customs and provide the documents listed above

• Some airlines may require IATA-compliant travel carriers and advance notice

4. After arrival in Albania

• No mandatory quarantine for healthy, properly documented pets

• If staying long-term, you may need to register your pet with a local veterinarian

• Pet supplies and vet care are widely available in cities like Tirana, Durrës, and Shkodër

Tip:

Travel with printed copies of all pet documents and check requirements with both your airline and the Albanian consulate before departure. It’s also smart to book a direct flight when possible to avoid complications during layovers.

✔ Yes – short-term and long-term storage is available for both pre-move and post-move needs.

✔ Ideal for delays in finding housing or staggered moves.

✔ Storage units are secure, climate-controlled, and accessible with prior notice.

Tip: Ask about combined moving + storage packages to save on logistics costs.

After arriving in Albania, there are several administrative, legal, and practical steps you should take — especially if you're planning a long-term stay. Here's your post-arrival checklist:

1. Register your residence

If you're staying longer than 90 days, you must register your residence at the local Directorate of Border and Migration Police within 30 days of arrival.

• Required documents: passport, lease agreement, visa (if applicable), residence permit application

• EU citizens must also register, even if no visa is needed

2. Obtain health insurance

• Non-EU citizens must show valid private health insurance until eligible for public coverage

• Employees and students are registered with FSDKSH (Albanian public healthcare fund) by default once employment/studies begin

3. Complete residence permit process (if not done pre-arrival)

• If you entered on a visa type D or visa-free entry (with intent to stay), you must apply for a residence permit at the Regional Migration Office

• Application includes: biometric data, housing proof, financial means, health insurance, and legal documents (often translated and legalized)

4. Finalize housing and utilities

• Sign your rental contract if not already done

• Set up or transfer utilities (electricity, water, internet) — often done by landlords but double-check

• Optional: register your lease for tax purposes

5. Open a bank account

• Needed for receiving salary, paying rent, and managing expenses

• Documents: passport, residence certificate, rental contract, sometimes NIPT (if self-employed)

6. Get a social security number (if working or self-employed)

• Employer usually handles this

• If self-employed, you register for a NIPT via the National Business Center (QKB)

• Needed for taxes, healthcare, and pension access

7. Get an Albanian SIM card & internet access

• Mobile operators: Vodafone Albania, One Albania, ALBtelecom

• Internet is affordable and widely available — most urban rentals have it pre-installed

8. (Optional) Register your pet

• Not mandatory unless required by your commune, but useful for accessing vet services or traveling with the pet later

Tip:

Make photocopies and digital backups of all documents. Having certified translations and apostilles in advance can save weeks of delays with Albanian bureaucracy.

Yes — you can move to Albania with your family, but there are specific visa and residence permit requirements depending on your nationality and your family members' status.

1. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

• You can relocate with your spouse and dependent children without a visa.

• However, each family member must register their residence within 90 days of arrival.

• Proof of financial means and accommodation may be required during registration.

2. Non-EU citizens

You can bring your family through the Family Reunification Process (Bashkimi Familjar), but you must meet several conditions:

• You must already hold a valid residence permit in Albania (as a worker, student, or entrepreneur)

• You must show:

• Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)

• Adequate housing (rental contract or property deed)

• Proof of sufficient income to support family members

• Valid health insurance for each family member

All documents must be officially translated into Albanian and legalized or apostilled.

3. How to apply for family reunification

• Submit the application at the Regional Migration Office in Albania

• The process may take 4–8 weeks

• Once approved, family members receive their own residence permits, typically linked to the sponsor's permit

4. Schooling and childcare

• Public schools are available, but most expat families opt for private or international schools, especially in Tirana

• International schools include:

• Tirana International School (TIS)

• World Academy of Tirana

• Albanian International School

Tip:

Start the process early. It's often easier if your family applies for visas/residence permits from your home country before arrival. Always consult the Albanian Ministry of Interior or e-visa.al for up-to-date family reunification procedures.

Yes — foreign children have the right to attend school in Albania, whether you choose public, private, or international schools. Enrollment depends on your residence status, documentation, and preferred type of school.

1. Public schools in Albania

• Open to foreign children who are legal residents

• Instruction is in Albanian, and integration support may be limited in some areas

• Free of charge for primary and secondary education

• You’ll need to present:

• Child’s birth certificate

• Proof of residence in Albania

• Vaccination records

• Translated and legalized school transcripts (if transferring from abroad)

Suitable if your child will be staying long-term and you plan for full local integration.

2. Private & international schools

• Offer instruction in English, French, Italian, or other languages

• Popular with expat families and Albanians returning from abroad

• Higher tuition, but more support for foreign students and internationally recognized curricula (IB, Cambridge, etc.)

Top international schools in Albania:

• Tirana International School (TIS)

• Albanian International School

• World Academy of Tirana

• Montessori Tirana

• International French School of Tirana (EFIT)

3. Enrollment process

• For public schools: Apply through the local education office (Drejtoria Arsimore Rajonale)

• For private/international schools: Apply directly through the school’s website or admissions office

• Applications usually require:

• Valid passport/residence permit

• Prior school records (translated)

• Proof of residency or housing contract

Tip:

Start the enrollment process early, especially for international schools, which may have limited seats and competitive admissions. Most schools begin in September, and interviews or entrance assessments may be required.