Guide for Foreign Companies on Owning Property in Albania: Rules, Incentives, and Economic Zones

Investing in Albania’s real estate market offers foreign companies unique opportunities, from unrestricted building ownership to strategic tax incentives. This guide explores Albania’s property ownership rules, key documents, economic zones, and essential considerations for maximising investment benefits.

Inhaltsübersicht

• Can Foreign Companies Own Property in Albania?
• Securing the Property
• Key Documents for Property Ownership
• Additional Considerations: ‘Zona e Lirë’ and ‘Pronësia e Drejtë’
• Key Incentives for Foreign Investors in Real Estate
• Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Albania
• Real Estate Investment Opportunities within SEZs
• Important Considerations
• Quellen

Can Foreign Companies Own Property in Albania?

Foreign companies looking to invest in Albania’s real estate market will find a mix of ownership rights and government incentives designed to attract international interest. Here’s an overview of what foreign investors should know.

• Buildings and Apartments: Foreign companies are permitted to own buildings and apartments without restrictions. This includes residential and commercial properties within Albanian cities.
• Land Ownership Restrictions: Direct ownership of agricultural land, forests, and pastures is restricted for foreign companies. This rule aims to protect Albania’s natural resources from large-scale foreign ownership.

Workarounds for Land Ownership:

1. Form an Albanian Subsidiary: Foreign companies can establish a local entity in Albania, which can then legally purchase land as a domestic business.
2. Tax Benefits: Qualifying investments may enjoy tax exemptions for up to 10 years, which can greatly enhance profitability, especially for large-scale developments.
3. VAT Exemptions: Imports of capital goods essential for investment projects might be exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT), reducing upfront expenses.
4. Grants and Subsidies: Some projects may be eligible for government grants, especially if they align with Albania’s national development priorities.
5. Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Certain designated areas offer reduced tax rates and expedited administrative support, making them appealing for foreign investments.

Related: A Guide to Renting a Property in Albania as an Expat

Securing the Property

When purchasing property in Albania, a deposit (or down payment) is typically made at the signing of the preliminary contract, known locally as the “kontratë paraprake” or pre-contract. This legally binding agreement outlines the sale’s terms, such as price, payment structure, and any conditions agreed upon. Usually ranging from 10% to 30% of the total purchase price, this deposit acts as a buyer’s commitment to the purchase. Legal oversight is advisable to protect the interests of both parties and ensure a smooth process.

Key Documents for Property Ownership

To secure and verify property ownership in Albania, several documents are essential, including:

• Title Deed (Certifikata e Pronësisë): Confirms ownership, specifying the owner’s name, property location, size, and boundaries.
• Sales Contract: Outlines terms agreed upon between buyer and seller.
• Cadastral Extract: Details the property’s cadastral number, measurements, and location on a map.
• Proof of Tax Payment: Includes property taxes and any inheritance tax (Taksë e Trashëgimisë), if applicable.
• Identification Documents: Valid personal identification for the owner(s).

These documents form the foundation of a secure property transaction in Albania, and working with a legal professional is highly recommended to ensure compliance.

Additional Considerations: ‘Zona e Lirë’ and ‘Pronësia e Drejtë’

• Zona e Lirë (Free Zone): A designated area with specific tax and regulatory advantages to encourage business investment. However, each Free Zone may have unique restrictions, such as business activity limits or customs regulations.
• Pronësia e Drejtë (Fair or Rightful Ownership): Refers to undisputed legal ownership of property. Clarity around “Pronësia e Drejtë” is essential to avoid disputes, as ownership conflicts or unclear titles can complicate transactions and impact property rights.

Being aware of these terms and limitations will aid in avoiding potential issues when navigating the Albanian property market.

Key Incentives for Foreign Investors in Real Estate

• Strategic Investments Law: Projects exceeding €5 million may qualify for benefits like simplified approval processes and potential incentives linked to economic impact.
• Tourism Investment Law: Projects in tourism infrastructure, such as hotels and resorts, are eligible for specific incentives, supporting Albania’s growth as a tourist destination.
• Free Economic Zones (FEZs): Albania has plans for FEZs with tax advantages and simpler customs procedures, ideal for investors involved in real estate and business operations.

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Albania

Types of SEZs:

• Technology and Economic Development Areas (TEDAs): Focused on industrial and technological development, TEDAs are active in locations like Spitalle, Koplik, and Vlora.
• Free Economic Zones (FEZs): Primarily intended to encourage export-driven manufacturing and trade, these zones are under development by the Albanian government.

Benefits for Companies in SEZs:

• Corporate Tax Reductions: Businesses in TEDAs may benefit from reduced corporate tax rates or exemptions for a specified period.
• VAT and Customs Exemptions: SEZs often provide VAT exemptions on machinery imports and reduced customs duties, supporting cost-effective operations.
• Administrative Streamlining: SEZs feature “One-Stop-Shop” support, accelerating licensing and permitting processes for investors with faster project approvals.

Real Estate Investment Opportunities within SEZs

• Development Potential: SEZs offer great scope for constructing industrial parks, logistics facilities, and commercial real estate tailored to the needs of resident businesses.
• Rental Demand: The influx of companies within SEZs drives demand for rental properties, providing foreign investors with potential rental income.

Important Considerations: Owning Property in Albania

• Long-Term Lease: For land, foreign companies have the option to lease up to 99 years if direct ownership is not feasible.
• Property Type and SEZ Focus: The incentives you qualify for may depend on how well your investment aligns with the SEZ’s goals.

This guide is a snapshot of Albania’s supportive policies for foreign real estate investors. Always seek the latest insights from professional consultants to ensure compliance and maximise investment benefits.

Quellen

• Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA): 
• Ministry of Economy and Finance: