How does Albania's residency by real estate work?

Last updated on June 19, 2025

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

Albania offers foreign investors a straightforward pathway to residency through real estate investment, with no minimum investment amount specified by law.

Since 2021, foreigners can obtain a residence permit by purchasing any type of property in Albania, provided they own at least 50% of it. The initial permit is valid for one year and can be renewed annually as long as property ownership is maintained. After five years of continuous legal residency, investors can apply for permanent residency and eventually Albanian citizenship through naturalization.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Albania, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

Quick Summary:

Albania's residency by investment program allows foreigners to obtain residence permits through property purchase with no minimum investment requirement.

The program leads to permanent residency after five years and potential citizenship through naturalization, making it one of Europe's most accessible investment residency routes.

Investment Route	Minimum Investment	Initial Permit Validity	Renewal Period	Path to Permanent Residency	Family Inclusion	Processing Time
Real Estate Purchase	No legal minimum	1 year	Annual	After 5 years	Yes	4-12 weeks
Business Investment	€85,000-€100,000	2 years	Biennial	After 5 years	Yes	4-12 weeks
Government Bonds	Set by government	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified

Who is the author of this content?

INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries (Albania, Bulgaria, 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.

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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.

What types of residency programs does Albania offer for foreign investors?

Albania provides three main investment-based residency routes for foreign nationals as of June 2025.

The Residency by Investment (RBI) program allows foreigners to obtain renewable residence permits by investing in Albania's economy. The real estate investment route, introduced in 2021, permits property buyers to secure residency regardless of whether they purchase residential or commercial properties.

Business investment represents another pathway, requiring investors to establish companies that create jobs for Albanian citizens with specific employee ratios and salary requirements. Other non-investment routes include employment-based permits, student visas, family reunification, and marriage to Albanian citizens.

It's something we develop in our Albania property pack.

Is there a specific real estate route that grants residency in Albania?

Yes, Albania offers a dedicated real estate investment pathway to residency that became available in 2021.

Foreign investors can obtain a residence permit by purchasing any type of property in Albania, provided they own at least 50% of the property. This applies to both residential and commercial real estate, whether new construction or secondary market purchases.

The residence permit issued through property investment is typically valid for one year and can be renewed annually as long as property ownership is maintained. Unlike some European programs, there are no restrictions on property type, location, or development status.

What is the minimum investment amount required for Albanian residency?

Albanian law does not specify a minimum investment amount for real estate-based residency applications.

While some sources suggest that habitable properties around $20,000-€20,000 may be sufficient, this figure is not legally codified and depends on local authorities' discretion. The only legal requirement is proof of ownership of at least 50% of the purchased property.

This absence of a minimum threshold makes Albania's program one of Europe's most accessible real estate residency routes. However, practical considerations suggest that properties should be substantial enough to demonstrate genuine investment intent.

Does Albania have a Golden Visa or Citizenship by Investment program?

Albania does not operate a formal "Golden Visa" program like Portugal or Spain, but its investment residency routes function similarly.

As of June 2025, Albania lacks a direct citizenship-by-investment program. However, the government has discussed introducing such a program, though implementation remains pending.

The current system allows residency through investment to lead to permanent residency after five years of continuous legal residence. Following permanent residency, investors can apply for Albanian citizenship through naturalization, typically after an additional period of permanent residence while meeting language and integration requirements.

It's something we develop in our Albania property pack.

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What are the main application steps for residency through real estate investment?

The Albanian real estate residency application follows a straightforward six-step process.

Property identification and purchase: Select and complete the purchase of Albanian property, ensuring you own at least 50% of the asset
Document preparation: Gather required documents including passport, property ownership proof, financial statements, health insurance, and criminal record certificates
Long-stay visa application: Apply for a Type D long-stay visa for investment purposes if required based on your nationality
Residency permit application: Submit your residence permit application to local authorities or through the e-Albania online system upon arrival
Interview attendance: Attend an interview if requested by immigration authorities
Permit issuance: Receive your residence permit card upon approval

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

Yes, Albanian residency applications allow for family inclusion under the main applicant's investment.

Spouses and dependent children are eligible to join the primary applicant's residency application, provided all required documentation is submitted for each family member. This includes individual passports, health insurance coverage, and criminal record certificates where applicable.

Family members receive the same residency status and renewal terms as the main applicant. The property investment made by the primary applicant covers the entire family's residency requirements without additional investment obligations.

What documents and financial proofs are needed for successful applications?

Albanian residency applications require a comprehensive documentation package covering identity, financial capacity, and legal standing.

Document Category	Required Documents	Additional Requirements
Identity	Valid passport (6+ months validity)	Certified copies and translations
Property Investment	Property sale contract, ownership certificate	Proof of 50%+ ownership
Financial Proof	Bank statements, income documentation	3-6 months of statements
Health Coverage	Health insurance valid in Albania	Minimum coverage requirements
Legal Standing	Clean criminal record certificate	Notarized and translated
Administrative	Application forms, passport photos	Specific format requirements
Address Proof	Albanian address confirmation	Property or rental agreement

How long is the initial permit valid and how can it be renewed?

Real estate investment residence permits in Albania are initially valid for one year from the issue date.

Permit renewal occurs annually and requires maintaining property ownership of at least 50% of the original investment. The renewal process involves submitting updated documentation, including proof of continued property ownership, valid health insurance, and compliance with residency requirements.

Business investment permits receive longer initial validity periods of two years with biennial renewal cycles. After five years of continuous legal residency through any investment route, foreign nationals become eligible to apply for permanent residency status.

It's something we develop in our Albania property pack.

infographics rental yields citiesAlbania

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 path to permanent residency or Albanian citizenship through investment?

Yes, Albania's investment residency program provides clear pathways to both permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

After five years of continuous legal residency through any investment route, foreign nationals can apply for permanent residency status. This requires maintaining investment conditions throughout the five-year period and demonstrating ongoing compliance with residency requirements.

Following permanent residency acquisition, investors can pursue Albanian citizenship through naturalization. This typically requires an additional period of permanent residence while meeting language proficiency and integration requirements established by Albanian immigration law.

Are there other investment options besides real estate for Albanian residency?

Albania offers business investment and government bond routes alongside real estate investment for residency acquisition.

Business investment requires establishing or investing in Albanian companies that create local employment opportunities. The investment threshold typically ranges from €85,000 to €100,000, with specific employee ratio requirements of one foreign investor to five Albanian employees plus minimum salary obligations.

Government bond purchases may qualify for residency, though minimum investment amounts are determined by government policy and not widely publicized. Currently, real estate and business investments represent the most accessible and clearly defined investment routes for foreign residency applicants.

What are the typical timelines, costs, and legal requirements?

Albanian residency applications typically process within 4-12 weeks, depending on application complexity and authority workloads.

Process Stage	Timeline	Associated Costs
Document preparation	2-4 weeks	€200-500 (translations, notarization)
Application submission	1-2 weeks	€50 state fee
Processing and review	4-12 weeks	€500-2,000 (legal fees)
Permit issuance	1-2 weeks	Administrative fees
Annual renewal	2-4 weeks	€50 + documentation costs

Legal requirements include compliance with investment conditions, ongoing property ownership for real estate investors, job creation for business investors, and regular reporting to Albanian authorities. Total costs excluding property purchase typically range from €800 to €3,000 for initial applications.

Are there testimonials or case studies from successful applicants?

Official testimonials and published case studies from Albanian residency program participants are not widely available through government sources.

Law firms and immigration consultancies report successful applications for both real estate and business investment routes, though specific details remain confidential due to client privacy. Online forums and legal service providers occasionally share anonymized case studies highlighting the importance of proper documentation and professional legal guidance.

The relative newness of Albania's real estate investment route, introduced in 2021, means fewer documented experiences exist compared to more established European programs. Professional legal consultation remains crucial for navigating the application process successfully and avoiding common documentation errors.

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.

Albania's residency by investment program offers one of Europe's most accessible pathways to European residency, with no minimum investment requirements and straightforward renewal processes.

The program's flexibility in property types, combined with clear progression to permanent residency and citizenship, makes it an attractive option for investors seeking European Union proximity without the higher investment thresholds of traditional Golden Visa programs.