Buying real estate in Albania?

We've created a guide to help you avoid pitfalls, save time, and make the best long-term investment possible.

How to move to Albania and buy a property?

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

buying property foreigner Albania

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

Moving to Albania and purchasing property has become increasingly attractive for foreign investors and relocators as of June 2025. With visa-free entry for most nationalities and straightforward property laws, Albania offers one of Europe's most accessible real estate markets for international buyers.

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.

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.

photo of expert inna kataeva

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.

What are the visa requirements to move to Albania and how long can you stay without one?

Albania offers visa-free entry for citizens of over 90 countries, making it one of Europe's most accessible destinations for foreign property buyers.

Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many other countries can enter Albania visa-free for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. US citizens specifically receive preferential treatment and can stay for up to one year without a residence permit, though they must leave Albania for at least 90 days before returning to "reset the clock."

Holders of valid multiple-entry Schengen, UK, or US visas that have been previously used to enter those countries can also enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days. This makes Albania particularly attractive for digital nomads and investors already holding these visas.

If you wish to stay longer than your initial visa-free period, you must apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit before your current authorization expires. As we reach mid-2025, Albania has streamlined these processes significantly, making extended stays more accessible for property owners.

Can you buy property in Albania as a foreigner, and are there any restrictions on what you can or can't buy?

Foreigners enjoy extensive property ownership rights in Albania, with only minimal restrictions on specific land types.

Foreign individuals can buy residential properties (apartments, houses, villas) and commercial buildings with the same rights as Albanian citizens. There are no restrictions on ownership percentage, meaning you can own 100% of a residential or commercial property. You also do not need to be a resident or citizen to purchase property in Albania.

The main restriction applies to agricultural land, meadows, pastures, and woodlands, which foreign individuals cannot directly purchase. However, foreigners can acquire this type of land through an Albanian-registered company, providing a legal workaround for investors interested in agricultural projects.

Additional restrictions may apply in sensitive areas near military installations, natural reserves, or archaeological sites, but these rarely affect typical residential or commercial property purchases in major cities like Tirana, Durrës, or coastal areas.

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

What is the full step-by-step process for purchasing a property in Albania, from start to finish?

The Albanian property purchase process follows eight clear steps that typically take 3-6 weeks to complete.

Step 1: Find a suitable property through local real estate agents, online platforms like Property.al or Realting.com, or personal visits to your target area. Step 2: Conduct thorough due diligence by hiring a local lawyer to verify the property's legal status, check for encumbrances, liens, or disputes, and ensure the seller has clear title.

Step 3: Sign a reservation contract and pay a deposit, typically 10% of the purchase price for resale properties or up to 30% for new builds. Step 4: After legal checks are complete, sign a preliminary contract that outlines all terms, final price, and payment schedule.

Step 5: Transfer the remaining funds, preferably via bank transfer for transparency and legal protection. Step 6: Sign the final sales contract before a notary public, who verifies ownership and ensures all legal requirements are met.

Step 7: Register the contract with Albania's National Cadastral Agency, which officially transfers ownership to your name. Step 8: Receive your certificate of ownership from the state cadaster, completing the legal transfer process.

Do you need to be physically present in Albania to complete the property purchase, or can it be done remotely?

While many steps can be managed remotely, Albanian law typically requires physical presence or a power of attorney for the final contract signing.

You can handle property research, initial negotiations, preliminary contracts, and even fund transfers remotely through your lawyer or representative. Many real estate agencies now offer virtual property tours and video consultations to facilitate remote buyers.

However, the final sales contract must be signed before a notary public, and Albanian notaries generally require either your physical presence or that of a legal representative holding a properly notarized power of attorney. Some progressive notaries are beginning to accept digital signatures for certain transactions, but this is not yet standard practice across all regions.

As of June 2025, Albania is digitalizing many government processes, but complete remote property purchases without ever visiting the country remain uncommon due to legal and procedural requirements. Most foreign buyers find it practical to visit Albania at least once during the purchase process, both for legal compliance and to personally inspect their investment.

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investing in real estate in  Albania

What documents are mandatory for foreigners when buying property, and which ones are optional or recommended?

Foreign property buyers in Albania need several mandatory documents plus additional recommended paperwork to ensure a smooth transaction.

Document Type Mandatory/Optional Purpose
Valid passport Mandatory Identity verification and legal capacity
Albanian Tax Identification Number (NIPT) Mandatory Required for all property transactions
Proof of funds or payment agreement Mandatory Demonstrates financial capacity
Notarized sales contract Mandatory Legal transfer of ownership
Property title documents from seller Mandatory Proves seller's legal ownership
Certificate of ownership from cadaster Mandatory Official ownership registration
Property layout plan Mandatory (where applicable) Technical property description
Power of attorney Optional If not physically present
Translated documents Optional If not in Albanian language
Bank statements Optional Additional proof of financial capacity

Are real estate agents generally reliable in Albania, and how do you find a trustworthy one?

The Albanian real estate market is less regulated than Western European markets, creating a mix of reputable professionals and unreliable operators.

Established international agencies like Century 21 Albania, Albanian Realtor Network, and RE/MAX have entered the Albanian market and generally maintain higher professional standards. These agencies often employ agents with international training and follow standardized procedures that foreign buyers find familiar.

To find trustworthy agents, check their credentials and affiliations with recognized real estate associations, read online reviews on platforms like Google and Facebook, and ask for references from previous foreign clients. Reliable agents should provide written agreements, transparent fee structures, and be willing to work with your chosen lawyer for due diligence.

Warning signs include agents demanding large upfront fees, refusing to provide written contracts, pressuring for immediate decisions, or showing reluctance to involve lawyers in the transaction. The Albanian Association of Real Estate Agents maintains a registry of licensed professionals that can help verify agent credentials.

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

Will the Albanian legal system protect your rights as a foreign buyer, and what precautions should you take?

Albania's Constitution and Civil Code provide strong legal protections for property rights that apply equally to both Albanian citizens and foreign buyers.

The Albanian legal framework recognizes private property as a fundamental right, and the country's EU accession process has strengthened property laws to meet European standards. Foreign buyers have the same legal recourse as locals in case of disputes, including access to Albanian courts and arbitration proceedings.

Essential precautions include hiring an independent Albanian lawyer (not recommended by the seller) to conduct thorough due diligence, verifying that the property has clear title without encumbrances or liens, ensuring all documents are properly translated and notarized, and conducting a physical property inspection before signing final contracts.

Common risks include incomplete property documentation, unclear ownership histories especially for properties privatized after communism, and shared or communal ownership arrangements that can complicate transactions. Your lawyer should verify the property's status in the National Cadastral Agency database and check for any pending legal disputes.

Property insurance is mandatory for new builds and recommended for all purchases to protect against potential legal challenges or construction defects.

How long does the whole process usually take, from finding a property to finalizing the purchase?

The complete property purchase process in Albania typically takes 3-6 weeks from property reservation to final ownership transfer.

Initial property research and viewing can take anywhere from a few days to several months depending on your specific requirements and market availability. Once you identify a suitable property, the reservation and preliminary contract phase usually takes 1-2 weeks.

Legal due diligence conducted by your lawyer typically requires 1-2 weeks, during which time the property's legal status, ownership history, and any encumbrances are verified. The final contract signing and notarization process takes 1-2 days once all documentation is prepared.

Property registration with the National Cadastral Agency takes approximately 21-23 days after contract signing, during which the ownership transfer is officially processed. You receive your certificate of ownership shortly after registration is complete.

Delays can occur due to incomplete property documentation, disputes over property boundaries or ownership, missing signatures from co-owners, or bureaucratic delays at the cadastral office. Working with experienced local professionals significantly reduces the likelihood of delays and ensures smoother processing.

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.

What are all the taxes, legal fees, notary costs, agent commissions, and hidden costs involved—can you break down the full cost structure?

Foreign property buyers in Albania should budget approximately €500-€2,000 in additional costs beyond the property purchase price.

Cost Category Amount Who Pays
Notary fees €150-€450 or 0.23-0.35% of purchase price Buyer
Cadastral registration fees €15-€80 (varies by region) Buyer
Real estate agent commission 1-2% of purchase price Usually split between buyer and seller
Municipal fee (new builds only) 0.1-2.5% of contract value Buyer
Property insurance (new builds) 1% of transaction value (valid 10 years) Buyer
Legal fees 0.1-0.5% of purchase price or flat fee Buyer
Transfer tax 15% of capital gain (not purchase price) Seller
Translation costs €50-€150 per document Buyer

Can foreigners buy property in cash, and is it common or recommended to do so?

Cash purchases are legally permissible and common in Albania, but bank transfers are strongly recommended for security and legal protection.

Albanian law does not set legal limits on cash payments for property transactions, and the practice remains widespread especially among local buyers. However, the Albanian banking sector recommends not exceeding €700 in cash for any single transaction, with larger amounts processed through banking channels.

Bank transfers provide crucial advantages including clear transaction records for tax purposes, protection against fraud and disputes, compliance with international money laundering regulations, and easier documentation for residency applications. Most reputable real estate agencies and lawyers now insist on bank transfers for foreign clients.

Cash transactions carry significant risks including difficulty proving payment in case of disputes, potential complications with residency applications, increased vulnerability to fraud, and challenges meeting international banking compliance requirements. Foreign buyers using cash may also face additional scrutiny from Albanian tax authorities.

As of June 2025, approximately 70% of foreign property purchases in Albania are completed through bank transfers, reflecting increased professionalization of the market and growing awareness of legal protections.

Are mortgages actually available to foreigners in Albania, and if so, what are the typical rates, terms, and eligibility conditions?

Albanian banks do offer mortgages to foreigners, though with more restrictive terms and higher interest rates compared to local borrowers.

Major Albanian banks including Raiffeisen Bank Albania, OTP Bank Albania, and Fibank provide mortgage financing to foreign buyers for up to 70-80% of property value. Loan terms typically range from 15-30 years with interest rates currently between 4.5-7.5% annually, significantly higher than rates available to Albanian citizens.

Eligibility requirements include proof of stable income (often requiring 2-3 years of tax returns), property valuation by bank-approved assessors, sometimes a local guarantor or co-signer, and minimum monthly income thresholds that vary by bank. Some banks require borrowers to maintain Albanian bank accounts and demonstrate ties to the country.

Foreign applicants must provide extensive documentation including employment verification, income statements, bank statements from their home country, and sometimes proof of other assets. The application process typically takes 4-8 weeks and requires legal representation throughout.

Many foreign buyers choose cash purchases due to the complexity and higher costs of Albanian mortgages, but financing can be valuable for buyers wanting to preserve liquidity or spread their investment risk. US and other international banks generally do not offer mortgages for Albanian property purchases.

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

Does buying property in Albania offer a path to residency or even citizenship, and how does that work in practice?

Property ownership in Albania can qualify foreign buyers for residency permits, though it does not directly lead to citizenship.

Albanian law allows property owners to apply for residence permits based on their real estate investment, with no minimum property value requirement. You must own at least 50% of the property to qualify, and the application process involves submitting your passport, property ownership certificate, and bank statements to border and migration authorities.

The residency permit based on property ownership is typically granted for one year initially and can be renewed annually as long as you maintain property ownership. This residency status allows you to stay in Albania indefinitely and can serve as a stepping stone toward permanent residency after five years of continuous legal residence.

Citizenship through naturalization requires additional criteria beyond property ownership, including five years of legal residency, basic Albanian language proficiency, integration into Albanian society, and no serious criminal record. Property ownership can support your citizenship application by demonstrating ties to Albania, but it is not sufficient alone.

The Albanian residency-by-investment program is considered one of Europe's most accessible, attracting investors seeking EU proximity and potential future EU membership benefits as Albania progresses toward European Union accession.

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. Government of Canada - Travel to Albania
  2. Wikipedia - Visa Policy of Albania
  3. Visa Guide World - Albania Visa
  4. Immigrant Invest - Albania Real Estate Guide
  5. InvestRopa - Albania Real Estate for Foreigners
  6. Property Hub Albania - Buying Guide
  7. Realting - Property Purchase Guide
  8. Global Property Guide - Albania
  9. Nomad Capitalist - Albania Residency
  10. Properstar - Albania House Prices