Albania has introduced a new Unique Permit scheme, allowing digital nomads to apply for a Type D visa that permits a stay in Albania for up to one year, with the option to renew for up to five years. This new scheme simplifies the visa application process, reflecting Albania's welcoming approach to visas.

The Unique Permit was introduced in early 2022 as part of a review of the law "On Foreigners." Applications are now accepted through Albania's online visa portal, although specific requirements for a successful application are still being clarified.

To qualify, digital mobile workers must provide a contract with a foreign company, a service contract with a foreign contractor, or a contract with a client for a specific remote project. While no minimum income is specified, it is expected to be at least $9,800 per year for an individual, aligning with the minimum income required for a retirement visa.

The Unique Permit application process utilizes Albania's new online application portal, developed during the pandemic. The associated law mandates that applications be processed within a maximum of 12 weeks.

One noteworthy consideration for this visa pertains to tax implications. Digital nomads are obligated to pay taxes on both foreign and domestic income in Albania, and the country lacks double taxation treaties with many nations, including the United States.

Furthermore, in July 2023, the Albanian government implemented streamlined procedures for foreign individuals entering Albania to work in the information technology (IT) sector. Under this decision, foreigners presenting a declaration from an IT company outlining their employment plans are granted visa-free entry and can stay for up to one year. This period allows foreign workers to subsequently apply for an official work permit within Albania.

To apply for a Type D Visa as a digital nomad through the new Unique Permit system, you should use the Albania e-visa portal. This streamlined process replaces the previous complex application system, eliminating the need for separate applications to the Border and Immigration Police and the Labour Office.

To be eligible for this visa, you must meet specific requirements and provide the following documentation:

Proof of Status as a Digital Mobile Worker:

The Albanian visa scheme does not provide a precise definition of a digital mobile worker, but eligibility requires that you hold a job in a foreign country that can be performed remotely. Examples of digital nomad jobs can be found here.

Specifically, you must provide:

1. A valid employment contract with an overseas employer.
2. A service contract with an overseas contractor.
3. A service contract with a client for work without a specific headquarters for specific jobs.

Additionally, you are required to furnish documents verifying your professional capacity, such as diplomas, certificates, or other qualifications.

Self-employed digital nomads may use a contract from a specific client if it meets the minimum income requirements. Alternatively, they can apply for a D Visa as self-employed individuals, with a process similar to that of employed digital nomads.

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency:

As with many digital nomad visas worldwide, there is a minimum income requirement to qualify for the visa, ensuring that your foreign employment provides adequate resources for your life in Albania. However, the exact income requirement has not been specified.

The current minimum income requirement for the retirement visa in Albania is $9,800, which may serve as a reasonable guideline for the digital nomad application. The minimum wage in Albania stands at around 34,000 Albanian Lek (ALL) per month, equivalent to approximately USD 315 per month.

You should provide payslips, employment contracts, and bank statements from the last six months to demonstrate your financial self-sufficiency.

Proof of Accommodation:

The visa application documentation indicates that you must provide a document certifying accommodation in Albania. However, it is not explicitly stated that this must cover the entire duration of your stay. Nevertheless, you must have a current address in Albania for the visa to be issued.

Proof of an Albanian Bank Account:

You must furnish evidence of having a bank account with a second-tier Albanian bank for the transfer of the salary specified in your contract. Various second-tier banks operate in Albania, including American Bank of Investment (ABI), Banka Kombetare Tregtare (BKT), Credins Bank (CB), Fibank, Intesa Sanpaolo Bank, ProCredit Bank, Raiffeisen, OTP Bank, Tirana Bank, Union Bank, and United Bank of Albania.

Opening a bank account may require either a passport and proof of address or a residence permit, depending on the bank's policies.

Proof of Health Insurance:

You must demonstrate that you possess health insurance valid in Albania, providing coverage for the duration of your intended stay, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

Clean Criminal Record:

You should provide evidence of a clean criminal record for any country you have resided in during the last five years. These records should be authenticated for international use with an Apostille.

The Albanian Digital Nomad Visa is primarily aimed at individuals who are digital nomads or remote workers. It is designed for non-European Union (EU) and non-European Economic Area (EEA) citizens who work remotely and wish to live and work in Albania for an extended period. This visa is particularly targeted at the following groups:

1. Digital Nomads: Individuals who have the flexibility to work from anywhere with an internet connection and choose to travel while working.

1. Remote Workers: People who have jobs that allow them to work from a location outside their employer's physical office, often on a full-time or part-time basis.

1. Freelancers: Self-employed professionals who offer services online and can work from various locations.

1. Entrepreneurs: Those who run online businesses or startups and can manage their operations from Albania.

1. Location-Independent Professionals: Individuals whose work does not require them to be tied to a specific geographical location.

The aim of the Albanian Digital Nomad Visa is to attract these groups of individuals to Albania, promote tourism, stimulate the local economy, and encourage them to choose Albania as a destination for their remote work and lifestyle. It offers an opportunity for digital nomads and remote workers to experience the culture, natural beauty, and lifestyle of Albania while contributing to the local economy through their presence and spending.

The recent introduction of the Unique Permit visa system has significantly streamlined the visa application process. You can now complete your application online without the need for duplicate submissions to various agencies. Applications can be submitted in either Albanian or English.

Step 1 – Gather All Necessary Documents

Before commencing your application, ensure you have all the required documents. Your attachments should be in PDF format for online submission and can be in either Albanian or English. Documents in other languages should include official translations.

The necessary documents include:

1. A scanned image of a valid travel document.
2. A passport-sized photo of the applicant.
3. A valid employment contract or service contract with a foreign employer or client.
4. Proof of professional capacity (e.g., diploma, qualification).
5. Proof of financial self-sufficiency (e.g., contracts, payslips, bank statements).
6. A document certifying accommodation in Albania.
7. Evidence of a valid bank account in Albania.
8. Proof of health insurance valid for Albania.
9. Proof of a clean criminal record.

Step 2 – Register and Complete the Application

You will submit your application through the Albanian e-visa portal, where you need to register using your name and email address. The registration option is available at the top right of the screen and can be done in English or Albanian.

Once registered, click "Apply Now" to access the e-visa options. Select the Type D visa, followed by the digital mobile worker option from the list of available visas. This will lead you to an online application form.

In this form, you will be required to provide:

1. Personal information.
2. Passport details.
3. Visa information (for the visa you are applying for).
4. Family member information.
5. Host information (you can skip this section).
6. Address and contact details.
7. Upload the necessary documents.

After completing these sections, you will be directed to the payment portal, where you can make your payment online using a credit card.

The visa fee is determined by reciprocity, meaning it is based on what an Albanian citizen would pay to apply for a visa in your country of residence. Payment must be made within 15 days of submitting your documents; otherwise, your application will be automatically rejected.

Step 3 – Await Your Visa

Once you've submitted your application, you will receive a tracking number to monitor its progress online. The new law mandates that you receive the results of your application within 12 weeks, with information possibly available as soon as 15 working days.

If your application is approved, you will receive an e-visa via email. Immigration officers will then stamp your visa appropriately when you arrive in Albania. You can also use this e-document as proof of a valid visa and temporary residence during your stay in Albania.

Step 4 – Visa Renewal

If you decide to renew your visa after the initial year, you can do so through the same portal. However, please note that this feature might not yet be available on the Albanian e-visa site.

The visa can be renewed for up to five years, after which you become eligible to apply for permanent residence.