If you’re chasing slower mornings, mountain-meets-coast views and a place more affordable than countries in the west of Europe – Albania might just surprise you.
For years, this Balkan gem quietly lingered under the radar while neighbouring countries like Greece and Croatia grabbed the spotlight. But now? With the launch of the Unique Permit (sometimes referred to as the Unique Residence Permit), Albania has thrown its hat into the digital nomad ring – and it’s doing so on its own terms.
Albania isn’t polished. And that’s part of the charm.The country carries layers of history, from Roman ruins and Ottoman architecture to the decades-long isolation of communist rule. That past still lingers, in the hilltop bunkers, the minimalist design of public buildings and even in the stories of locals who remember the strict days of Enver Hoxha.
But today, Albania is open. And it’s changing fast.It isn’t just quietly welcoming travellers anymore – it’s inviting them to stay. Not just for a week or two, but longer. To unpack, settle in and actually live here.
That’s what the Unique Permit is all about. It’s not just another visa; it’s an open door for remote workers, freelancers and curious wanderers who want more than just a quick visit. It’s Albania saying, “Hey, if you like it here, why not stick around?”
What exactly is the Unique Permit (Albania Digital Nomad Visa)?
The Unique Permit is essentially Albania’s version of a digital nomad visa – a way for foreigners to live in the country for an extended period without needing a job contract from a local employer. Introduced in 2022 as a type D visa, it was designed to attract foreign remote workers and entrepreneurs by offering a flexible legal pathway to reside in Albania while working online.
The permit allows remote workers to stay in Albania for one full year, and in many cases, it can be renewed annually if the requirements are met. This makes it ideal not just for slow travellers or digital nomads, but also for people testing out whether Albania might be a long-term base.
Who can apply?
The Unique Permit is designed for people who live a location-independent lifestyle – those who earn a living online and want the freedom to base themselves in Albania for more than just a short tourist stay. Whether you’re freelancing, running an online business or working remotely for a company abroad, this visa opens the door to experiencing life in Albania without the hassle of traditional work permits or sponsorships.
What do you need to apply?
Before applying for the Unique Permit, you’ll need to gather a few important documents to show that you meet the requirements as a remote worker. Some of these can be prepared in advance, while others – like opening a local bank account – will be done after you arrive in Albania. Here’s what you’ll need:
Valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay)
Proof of foreign income (invoices, contracts, pay slips or recent bank statements showing remote work income)
Minimum income requirement: approx. $9,800 USD annually (about £7,660 GBP)
Remote work documentation (contract, employer letter, or client agreements showing your income comes from outside Albania)
Health insurance covering Albania with a minimum of €30,000 coverage
Criminal background check from your home country (or any country where you’ve lived in the past 6+ months)
Proof of accommodation in Albania (rental contract, property documents, Airbnb, etc.)
Albanian bank account (must be opened after arrival)
Tax ID (NIPT) if registering as a freelancer or business entity in Albania
All documents must be translated into Albanian (or English if permitted) – some may need to be notarized or apostilled
A look at the application process
The good news? The initial part of the application is entirely electronic – there’s no need to be physically in Albania to apply.
The Unique Permit application service is hosted on e-albania.al, the government’s official online portal. Here’s how it generally works:
Step-by-step guide
Choose the “Application for Unique Permit” service on e-albania.al
Click “Use” to start your application
Choose your motive for staying (e.g., Digital Mover, Employment, Self-employment, Investor, etc.)
Download the payment mandate and pay via second-level banks
Complete the electronic form carefully, uploading all required documents in the correct format
Once everything is filled out correctly, click “Send”
Download, print and sign the completed form
What happens after submitting an application?
If any information is missing or unclear in your application, a migration officer will contact you within five days to let you know. You’ll then have 30 days to correct the issue and resubmit your application. Once your application is accepted, you will be asked to send the required documents by postal mail:
- Your printed/signed application with photo
- Two passport-size photos (taken within last 6 months)
- Photocopy of your passport
- Proof of payment
Applications are reviewed by various government agencies depending on your motive for applying. If employment-related, it goes through AKPA. If you’re self-employed or an investor, the Ministry of Finance and Economy steps in. In some cases, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs must also approve a visa before the permit is issued.
Approval timeline
The application is typically reviewed within a maximum of 12 weeks, with each institution involved having up to 2 weeks to process their part. Once approved, the permit is issued with an electronic stamp and delivered to you through the official online system.
Validity and renewal
The Unique Permit offers flexibility in how long you can stay in Albania. While many digital nomads begin with a one-year permit, there are options to extend your stay – and even settle permanently.
For most remote workers or digital nomads, the permit is initially issued for one year. After a successful renewal, it can often be extended to two years. In some cases, applicants with long-term plans, family reunification needs, investment activity or strong economic ties to Albania may be granted permits valid for three or even five years.
Permanent residence is typically available after five consecutive years of legal residence in Albania under a renewable permit. To qualify, applicants must also meet additional criteria such as proficiency in the Albanian language, evidence of integration into society and proof of a stable financial situation.
Note: The first permit is most commonly issued for 1 year, and you can apply for renewal as long as you continue to meet the income and legal requirements.
What about paying taxes in Albania?
If you’re approved for the Unique Permit and plan to stay in Albania for more than 183 days in a calendar year, you will be considered a tax resident under Albanian law. This means you will be required to declare and pay tax on your global income – particularly if you register locally as a freelancer or open a business with a NIPT (tax identification number).
Currently, Albania applies a flat 15% income tax for self-employed individuals, though your exact obligations will depend on your income level and business setup. If you’re staying under the Unique Permit but continuing to pay taxes in your home country, a double taxation agreement (if one exists) may prevent you from being taxed twice.
If you’re unsure about your tax status or future plans, it’s a good idea to consult a local accountant once you’re settled in Albania.
Questions?
If you’re unsure about any part of the process – from gathering documents to navigating the online portal – don’t worry, support is available. You can contact the official e-Albania helpdesk at helpdesk@e-albania.al for assistance.
They can help with technical issues on the e-Albania portal, questions about uploading or formatting your documents, and clarification on which type of Unique Permit you should apply for. The helpdesk can also assist if your application is flagged for missing or incorrect information, or if you need guidance on payment procedures and next steps after submission.
The helpdesk typically responds via email, and replies are usually in Albanian or English. To receive faster assistance, make sure to include your full name.
But do you even need a visa to stay in Albania?
Maybe not – and that’s the interesting part.
Depending on your nationality, you might already be allowed to stay in Albania for a surprisingly long time without needing any kind of visa or permit.
For some, this can mean staying visa-free for up to a full year without any paperwork or fuss. Others may have a shorter visa-free period, typically around 90 days within any 180-day timeframe. However, rules can vary depending on where you’re from, so it’s always best to double-check with your local Albanian consulate or an official government source to be sure.
So, if you’re planning to spend just a few months soaking up the Adriatic sun, working remotely or exploring whether Albania is a good fit, you may not need the Unique Permit at all. A visa-free stay might be enough.
But – and this is key – if you plan to stick around longer, set up a more stable base, rent an apartment long-term, register for local services or eventually apply for permanent residency, that’s where the Unique Permit comes in. It gives you legal standing to stay, work remotely and live in Albania beyond your tourist limit.
