How does Albania citizenship by investment work?

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Albania Property Pack

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Albania Property Pack

Who is the author of this content?

INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in Europe (Albania, Bulgaria, Germany, Poland, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Albania. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At InvestRopa, we explore the Albanian real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Tirana, Durrës, and Vlorë. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

✓✓✓

Inna Kataeva 🇦🇱

Investment Consultant

Inna Kataeva specializes in real estate investment across Albania. She provides tailored support, from selecting apartments, land, or commercial properties to advising on location benefits like climate, infrastructure, and development plans. With a focus on transparency, Inna ensures seamless transactions by collaborating with trusted agencies, developers, and legal professionals. Whether seeking a coastal retreat or an investment opportunity, she is committed to guiding you through every step with expertise and care.

How does Albania's citizenship by investment program work in 2025?

Albania does not currently operate an active citizenship by investment program as of June 2025.

The Albanian government suspended its planned "golden passport" scheme in March 2023 following EU pressure and pending court decisions regarding similar programs in Malta. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced this moratorium would continue until clarity emerges at the European level.

Instead, Albania offers a residency by investment program that provides a pathway to citizenship after five years of continuous legal residence. The legal framework for direct citizenship by investment exists through Law No. 113/2020, but implementation remains suspended indefinitely.

As we reach mid-2025, Albania maintains its status as an EU candidate country, having begun accession negotiations in July 2022, which influences its cautious approach to investment migration policies.

Is there currently an official citizenship by investment program in Albania?

No official citizenship by investment program is currently active in Albania.

While the legal groundwork exists through amendments to the citizenship law allowing accelerated naturalization for foreign investors, the program's implementation has been suspended since 2023. The Albanian Parliament passed Law No. 113/2020 which includes provisions for granting citizenship in "special cases," including to foreign investors who make significant contributions to the economy.

The suspension came after EU criticism in 2021 regarding amendments to citizenship laws that would allow fast-track naturalization. The European Union expressed concerns about security risks and money laundering potential in such programs.

The government has indicated potential revival in late 2024 or 2025 if legal conditions permit, but no concrete timeline has been established. Any future program would likely implement enhanced due diligence protocols to address EU concerns.

Does Albania offer a Golden Visa or residency program for investors?

Yes, Albania operates a comprehensive residency by investment program, commonly referred to as a "Golden Visa."

The program provides temporary residence permits through the "Unique Investor Residence Permit" established under the Law On Foreigners (No. 79/2021). This system allows qualified investors to obtain renewable residence permits with clear pathways to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

The residency program includes three main investment routes: business investment, real estate investment, and government bonds. Family members including spouses and dependent children can be included in applications as dependents of the main investor.

After five years of continuous legal residency, permit holders become eligible to apply for permanent residency and subsequently for Albanian citizenship through naturalization. It's something we develop in our Albania property pack.

What are the specific investment routes available?

Albania's residency by investment program offers three primary investment routes for foreign investors.

Investment Route	Description	Key Requirements
Business Investment	Establishing new company or acquiring shares in existing Albanian company	Minimum €100,000 investment, 5 Albanian employees per foreign investor
Real Estate Investment	Purchasing residential or commercial property in Albania	Minimum 50% ownership, no specified minimum amount
Government Bonds	Investment in Albanian government securities	Amount determined by government case-by-case
Economic Zones	Investments in designated special economic zones	Tax exemptions for property and transfer taxes (5 years)
Strategic Sectors	Tourism, agriculture, energy, manufacturing investments	Additional incentives available depending on sector

The business investment route requires entrepreneurs to create employment for Albanian citizens with salaries at or above the national average of approximately €900 per month in 2025. Real estate investments offer the most flexibility with no legal minimum amount specified, though practical considerations suggest meaningful investments.

Government bond investments represent the least common route, with amounts and terms set by Albanian authorities on a case-by-case basis. All routes provide renewable residence permits leading to permanent residency after five years.

What is the minimum investment amount required for each route?

Investment requirements vary significantly across Albania's residency by investment routes.

Business investment requires a minimum of €100,000 in a new or existing Albanian company, representing the most clearly defined threshold. This investment must be accompanied by job creation requirements, specifically employing five Albanian citizens per foreign investor with salaries at or above the national average.

Real estate investment has no legally specified minimum amount, requiring only that investors own at least 50% of a property. In practice, residential properties in Albania start from approximately €40,000 in suburban areas, rising to €200,000+ in prime Tirana locations. Commercial properties typically require higher investments depending on location and type.

Government bond investments are determined by Albanian authorities on individual bases, with no publicly disclosed minimum thresholds. The flexibility in real estate requirements makes this route particularly attractive for investors seeking lower entry costs compared to other European residency programs.

How long does the residence permit last and is it renewable?

Albanian investor residence permits have varying durations depending on the investment route and applicant's nationality.

Initial permits are typically issued for one year, with some exceptions for EU citizens, US citizens, and Kosovo nationals who may receive longer initial periods of up to five years. Real estate investors specifically receive one-year permits regardless of nationality, which must be renewed annually while maintaining property ownership.

Business investors may receive permits for one to two years initially, renewable provided they maintain their investment and employment requirements. The renewal process requires submitting updated documentation and proof that investment conditions continue to be met.

Permanent residency becomes available after five years of continuous legal residence, requiring physical presence in Albania for at least 180 days per year. Permit holders who stay outside Albania for more than six months cumulatively within one calendar year may face renewal difficulties unless they obtain prior permission from regional authorities.

Can I include my spouse and children in the investment application?

Yes, Albania's residency by investment program allows inclusion of family members in the main applicant's investment.

Eligible family members include spouses and dependent children under 18 years of age, who receive residence permits as dependents of the main investor. The program does not extend to parents or other relatives unless they qualify independently through other residency categories.

Family members receive the same permit duration as the main applicant and can renew their status alongside the primary investor. Children who reach adulthood while holding dependent permits may apply for independent residence permits or pursue other routes such as education or employment.

Additional documentation is required for family members, including marriage certificates for spouses and birth certificates for children. All family members must meet standard background check and health insurance requirements. The inclusion of family members does not typically increase the minimum investment thresholds.

What are the legal steps and documents needed to start the process?

The Albanian residency by investment application process involves several sequential steps beginning with visa requirements.

1. **Initial Entry**: Obtain a long-term D visa if required based on nationality2. **Local Setup**: Establish a registered address in Albania and open a local bank account3. **Investment Execution**: Complete the qualifying investment (business establishment, property purchase, or bond investment)4. **Online Application**: Submit application through the e-visa.al portal within 30 days of entry5. **Document Review**: Await processing and respond to any additional document requests6. **Personal Appointment**: Attend scheduled appointment at regional migration office7. **Permit Issuance**: Receive residence permit card upon approval

Required documentation typically includes valid passport, color photographs, criminal record certificates from home country, proof of investment (property deeds, company registration documents, or bond certificates), business plans for business route, proof of accommodation, evidence of financial stability, health insurance coverage, and marriage/birth certificates for family members.

Applications are submitted online through the e-Albania portal, though the system can be unreliable. It's something we develop in our Albania property pack. Legal assistance is recommended given the complexity and frequent changes in procedures.

What are the requirements for the business investment route?

The business investment route requires a minimum €100,000 investment in an Albanian company with specific employment obligations.

Investors must establish a new company or acquire shares in an existing Albanian business, with the company required to employ five Albanian citizens for every foreign investor on the permit. Employee salaries must meet or exceed the Albanian national average, which stood at approximately €900 per month for public sector workers in 2024.

The business must demonstrate profitability and maintain compliance with all tax obligations. Regular reporting of business activities and financial performance is required for permit renewals. The company must operate legitimately within Albanian law and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

Applicants must submit detailed business plans outlining their investment strategy, projected employment creation, and economic contribution. The business entity must maintain its operations and investment levels throughout the residence permit period to remain eligible for renewals and eventual permanent residency.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Albania versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

Is there a clear path from residency to Albanian citizenship?

Yes, Albania provides a clear naturalization pathway from residency to citizenship after five years of continuous legal residence.

Investors holding residence permits can apply for permanent residency after maintaining five years of continuous legal residence with at least 180 days of physical presence in Albania annually. Permanent residency holders then become eligible to apply for Albanian citizenship through naturalization.

The naturalization process requires basic Albanian language proficiency, demonstrated through testing conducted by Albanian authorities. Applicants must also show stable income and accommodation, maintain a clean criminal record, and demonstrate compliance with tax obligations throughout their residency period.

Albanian law permits dual citizenship, meaning applicants need not renounce their original nationality to become Albanian citizens. The citizenship application process typically takes 6-12 months for processing once eligibility requirements are met. It's something we develop in our Albania property pack.

What is the typical timeline and what are the government fees involved?

The Albanian residency by investment process timeline spans several months with various associated government fees.

Process Stage	Timeline	Government Fees
D Visa Application	1-2 weeks	$50-$100
Initial Residence Permit	1-3 months	€30-50
Annual Permit Renewal	1-2 months	€30-50
Permanent Residency Application	3-6 months	€50-80
Citizenship Application	6-12 months	€100
Albanian ID Card	2-4 weeks	€15
Biometric Passport	2-4 weeks	€70-130

The initial residence permit application typically takes 1-3 months from submission to approval, depending on the investment route and completeness of documentation. Real estate investments often process faster than business investments due to simpler verification requirements.

Total timeline from initial investment to citizenship eligibility spans approximately 5-6 years, with the five-year residency requirement followed by 6-12 months for citizenship processing. Additional costs include legal fees, translation services, and property registration fees which vary based on investment type and professional services used.

Are there real stories from people who succeeded or failed in getting Albanian residency?

While specific detailed testimonials are limited in public sources, several trends emerge from available information about Albania's residency by investment program.

The program has attracted growing interest from international investors and digital nomads, particularly due to Albania's low entry costs compared to other European residency programs. Success stories typically involve real estate investors who appreciate the lack of minimum investment requirements and the straightforward property ownership process.

Common challenges reported include the unreliability of the e-Albania online system, language barriers in dealing with local authorities, and the need for legal assistance to navigate frequently changing procedures. Some investors have experienced delays due to incomplete documentation or misunderstanding of employment requirements for business investments.

The program's relative newness means most success stories involve recent residency grants rather than completed citizenship cases, as the five-year residency requirement means the first wave of citizenship applications began emerging in 2026. Professional assistance from local lawyers and consultants appears crucial for successful applications based on available reports.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. CitizenX - Albania Citizenship by Investment Guide
2. Global Relocate - Albania Residence Permit
3. Nomad Capitalist - How to Establish Residency in Albania
4. Immigrant Invest - Albanian Residence by Investment
5. U.S. State Department - 2024 Investment Climate Statements Albania
6. U.S. Embassy Albania - Entering and Residing
7. Global Relocate - Albania Citizenship
8. Armenian Lawyer - Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Albania
9. Real Albanian - How to Establish Residency in Albania
10. InvestRopa - Buying Property in Albania as a Foreigner