The Albanian Parliament approved a new law to facilitate easier residence application processes for remote workers opening different resident models.
The new Albanian Law on Foreigners aims to bring Albanian law in line with the European Union and attract more foreign investment. The amendments also include an expansion for the categories of foreigners allowed for permanent permits.
Specifically, pensioners, digital nomads, remorse workers, and those willing to buy property in the state can apply. For these reasons, the new law simplifies the application process for online visas and residence permits.
Update Albanian Law For Remote Workers and Foreigners
At the moment, foreigners must apply for two separate permits to live in Albania through the Border and Immigration Police and local Municipality. Thanks to the new rule, applicants can make one single application through a quicker and lower-cost process.
Digital nomads can apply for a one-year permit and ask for an extension for the second year, then five years, and finally a permanent residency. Remote workers need to provide one of these types of contract:
- Contract with a foreign company
- Service contract with a foreign contractor,
- Contract with a client for a specific remote project.
In addition, they have to provide:
- Proof of financial means to support themselves and family members
- An Albanian bank account where they will transfer funds
- Contract of accommodation in Albania
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record check.
Likewise, initially, pensioners can only apply for one-year permits, providing the annual pension (minimum €9800) and prove their means for financial support. The additional requirements align with remote workers and digital nomads. Pensioners can also extend their stay from two to five years.
In addition, students and researchers can apply for a special permit to stay in Albania nine months after their research or studies to look for a job.
The Albanian government is following the global trend towards working visas and remote workers. However, there are a few adjustments that need to be made:
- Albanian banks require a residence permit before opening an account, making it challenging to get all requirements for visas.
- Freelancer and project-based digital nomads don’t have a suitable contract to present to the authorities.
- Some countries don’t allow the transfer of pensions to Albania.
Despite challenges, the Albanian government is opening the way to foreigners and digital nomads.