The Digital Nomad Visa is a specialized visa designed for people who want to live and work remotely in a foreign country. Digital nomads can apply for a visa in Albania through the Unique Permit option on the eAlbania portal.
Note that applicants from countries requiring a visa for entry into Albania should select a visa type D through the same service. Check who can enter Albania without a visa here.
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Unique Permit Application Allows Foreigners to Live and Work in Albania
The “Unique Permit Application” service allows foreigners who want to live and work in Albania to apply for a unique permit. Foreign citizens shouldn’t be physically present in Albania during the application process. The application, along with its supporting documents, is submitted online only once, and authorities will follow the legal procedures until the issuance of the unique permit.
Who Can Apply For a Unique Permit
This service accommodates different purposes, including but not limited to:
- Employment, Self-Employment;
- Highly qualified employees;
- Transferred within the enterprise;
- Investors;
- Digital Movers.
Requirements You Should Meet to Get a Unique Permit
To get a Unique Permit, you must:
- Have a valid travel document accepted in Albania.
- Have a legitimate reason, according to the law, to stay in Albania.
- Afford living expenses in Albania.
- Not pose a threat to order, national security, or public health in Albania.
Important note: Digital mobile workers are required to have a contract with an international company/a service agreement with a foreign contractor/or a client contract for a remote project.
Documentation Required for Digital Nomad Visa in Albania
- Photocopy of valid travel document (Photo taken in the last 6 months (47x36mm))
- Evidence of suitable accommodation in Albania, certificates/lease contracts of the apartment by the housing standards in Albania
- The employment contract of a foreign citizen with an entity registered outside the territory of Albania, (apostilled, translated, and notarized), where the employment without a concrete headquarters, the job position, salary, and duration of employment is expressed (legalized, translated, notarized).
- Proof of relevant professional qualification according to the provisions in the employment contract
- Evidence from a second-level bank in Albania for transferring the salary specified in the contract (Check the list of second-level banks in Albania here.)
- Verification of health insurance in Albania
- Legalized criminal evidence from the country of origin (received in the last 6 months from the country of origin (legalized, translated, notarized, only for first-time application)
Application Steps to Get a Unique Permit
- Choose the “Unique Permit Application” service.
- Click the “Use” button.
- Select the motive type and visa subtype (if a visa is required for entry into Albania) and download the payment mandate payable at second-level banks.
- Fill in the electronic form accurately with all required information.
- Upload necessary documents in the specified format.
- Double-check the accuracy of your information and click the “Send” button.
- Download, print, and sign the completed form online.
Important Notes to Consider After Submitting the Application
- If inaccuracies are identified in the documentation, the Migration Officer will notify the applicant within 5 days.
- The applicant is instructed to rectify the issues within 30 days. If criteria are met and documentation is complete, acceptance notification is sent via email.
- For foreigners needing employment approval, AKPA (National Agency for Employment and Skills) reviews and approves the application online.
- Self-employed and investor evaluations are handled by the Finance and Economy Ministry’s commission.
- Visa approval, required for certain categories, is granted by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs after AKPA (The National Agency for Employment and Skills) approves employment.
- Following approvals, the border and migration authority decides on the unique permit issuance or renewal within a 12-week maximum period (8 days from the date of application if all the documentation sent is correct).
- The unique permit, generated with an electronic stamp upon entering Albania, is sent electronically to the applicant upon approval.
Start Your Journey of Remote Work Freedom
Getting a digital nomad visa in Albania is a straightforward process you can start at any time. With its affordable cost of living and welcoming culture, Albania is a great environment for anyone who wants to live and work here.
If you need extra guidance about taxes and the moving process, feel free to ask Expatax AI.
