Albania is growing fast as a remote work destination. It’s more affordable than some European countries, welcoming, and surprisingly modern in many ways. But one of the biggest questions we get from digital nomads is: “Will I have to pay taxes if I work remotely from Albania?”
Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works in 2025:
Tax Residency: Who Pays and Who Doesn’t?
In Albania, you’re generally considered a tax resident if you:
- Stay in the country for more than 183 days in a calendar year, or
- Establish your center of vital interests here (e.g. home, family, business)
If you’re just passing through, staying for a few months, and don’t have any long-term ties, you’re likely not a tax resident, and Albania won’t tax your foreign income.
But if you’ve applied for the Unique Permit (Albania’s digital nomad visa), things change. This permit is designed for people staying long-term while working remotely for non-Albanian companies. Most people who get it do become tax residents, meaning they’re expected to pay taxes in Albania on global income.
Related: The Intricacies of Tax Residency and Ordinary Residency in Albania
–> Need help applying for the Unique Permit or figuring out if you qualify? Contact us here and we’ll guide you step by step.
How Much Tax Would I pay as a Digital Nomad in Albania?
Here’s the good news: Albania’s tax system is relatively simple, and for many freelancers or remote workers, the taxes are low, or even zero.
If you register as self-employed in Albania:
- And you earn less than 14 million ALL per year (about €135,000) — you currently pay 0% income tax
- Above that, the income tax rate is 15%, and higher tiers go up to 23%
Important: This 0% rule is expected to phase out by 2030. But for now, many remote workers benefit from it. If you want to understand how it applies to your situation, book a consultation with our team.
If you’re considered an employee (even remotely, for a foreign company), the tax structure is a bit different:
- You pay 13% on income up to about ALL 2,040,000
- And 23% for any income above that
So if you’re a freelancer billing multiple clients, you’re likely better off under the self-employment rules.
Are There Other Taxes
Yes, there are a couple of additional things to keep in mind:
- Social security & health contributions: These are mandatory for self-employed people. Expect around 23% of minimum income for pension/social security, and another 3.4% for health insurance.
- VAT (Value Added Tax): If your income exceeds 10 million ALL per year (~€99,000), you’ll need to register for VAT and charge it on your invoices. But most freelancers or creators won’t hit that threshold.
We can help you register as self-employed in Albania and handle your tax filings, so you avoid surprises.
What if I Already Pay Taxes in my Home Country
This is a common concern and the answer depends on whether your country has a tax treaty with Albania. If it does, you likely won’t be double taxed, and you may be able to offset foreign tax payments.
For example, the US, most of the EU, and countries like Canada, Australia, and Switzerland have agreements that help avoid double taxation. But you may still need to file a return in both countries.
What if I Just Work Here for a Few Months?
If you’re in Albania for less than 183 days in a year, don’t have a long-term rental, and aren’t applying for the Unique Permit, you probably won’t be considered a tax resident. In this case, Albania usually won’t touch your remote income.
However, the moment you apply for residency or open a business here, it’s a good idea to get professional advice. It’s better to be safe than accidentally non-compliant.
In Summary
- Albania is friendly to digital nomads, but if you stay long enough, you may become a tax resident
- If you’re self-employed and under the 14 million ALL limit, you might not pay income tax at all
- There are social and health contributions to consider
- It’s always smart to check your tax treaty and track your days in the country
👉 Expatax helps digital nomads from around the world register, stay compliant, and reduce stress. Whether you need tax advice, permit help, or someone to handle the paperwork, we’re here for you. Reach out to our team and let’s make Albania work for you.
English 
Danish 
French 
German