Articles on: Europe

Albania — Digital Nomad Visa (Unique Permit): Everything you need to live and work remotely in Albania


Knowledge Base – QUESTRAVEL

By Víctor Pizarro, Co-founder of QUESTRAVEL

Why Albania?

Over the last few years, Albania has quietly become a compelling base for digital nomads. Think Ionian and Adriatic beaches, quick hops to Greece, Italy, and Montenegro, and a very competitive cost of living. With the introduction of the Unique Permit (Leje Unike), Albania opened the door for remote professionals and freelancers who want to stay beyond the 90-day tourist window.

What is Albania’s “Digital Nomad Visa”?

While it’s not always branded as a “digital nomad visa,” the Unique Permit functions that way: it’s a residence/work authorization for foreign nationals who work remotely for companies or clients outside Albania—ideal for:

  • Freelancers offering digital services
  • Employees of foreign companies
  • Entrepreneurs with businesses registered outside Albania

Who regulates and processes it

  • Ministry of Interior (Mbrotja e Brendshme)
  • General Directorate of Citizenship & Migration (Drejtoria e Përgjithshme e Shërbimeve të Shtetësisë dhe Migracionit)

Grounded in Law on Foreigners No. 79/2021, which governs residence/work permits, including the “Unique Permit” framework relevant to remote workers.

Duration & renewals

  • Initial validity: 1 year
  • Renewal: yearly, up to 5 consecutive years
  • After 5 years: you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence

Core requirements

  • Proven remote work: foreign employment contract or freelance/consulting with international clients
  • Sufficient means: show financial capacity (no official fixed minimum; as a benchmark, many applicants present €1,200–1,500/month+)
  • Health insurance valid in Albania
  • Valid passport for the full requested stay
  • Clean criminal record
  • Local address in Albania (lease or registered lodging)

Step-by-step application

  1. Gather documents: foreign contract or client invoices, bank statements, health insurance, criminal record certificate, passport.
  2. Complete the Unique Permit application (official form/portal).

👉 Official migration portal (download/application): https://www.drejtesia.gov.al/

  1. File in person at the local migration office in Albania.
  2. Pay the fee (typically €100–150, depending on permit type).
  3. Processing time: about 30–60 days.
  4. Collect your residence card and register your address with the municipality.

Key advantages

  • Lower cost of living than most of Europe
  • Strategic base for quick trips to Greece/Italy/the Balkans
  • Long stays: renewable up to 5 years (then consider permanent residence)
  • Welcoming culture and a growing nomad scene in Tirana, Durrës, Sarandë

Official references

The QUESTRAVEL experience

For QUESTRAVEL clients, the main hurdles aren’t the income levels—they’re local bureaucracy and certified translations. We make sure your file is complete, compliant, and translated so it moves without friction—from first submission to residence registration.

💡 Thinking about Albania as your Balkans base? Book a consult at fromquestravel.com and start your path to a smooth, worry-free remote residence.

Updated on: 03/11/2025