If you own a home in Albania, you can use it as the basis for a residence permit and live here legally all year round. Our immigration and real estate lawyers in Tirana, Vlorë and across Albania check the property, prepare your application and follow it through to approval.
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Albanian law (Law No. 79/2021 “On Foreigners”, as amended) allows foreigners who own real estate in Albania to apply for a residence permit on that basis. The application is filed online through the e-Albania portal and decided by the Border and Migration Directorate.
The first permit is issued for up to 1 year and can be renewed for as long as you keep the property and continue to meet the conditions.
In general, you need to:
This permit is for living in Albania. It does not give you the right to work here. If you plan to work or run a business, we will advise you on the Unique Permit instead. See: Unique Permit in Albania.
A residence permit is only as strong as the property behind it. Many problems we see come from properties that were bought without proper checks. Before you sign, our lawyers verify:
With offices in Vlorë and Tirana, we work every day on coastal properties in Vlorë, Durrës and the Albanian Riviera, as well as apartments in Tirana and across Albania.
The documents depend on your nationality and your situation. In general they relate to your identity, the ownership of the property, your financial means and your health insurance.
Every case is different, so in a preliminary consultation we review your situation and give you a precise document list, so your application is complete the first time.
Timeline: a decision usually takes 4–6 weeks. A complete and accurate file is the best way to avoid delays.
Your spouse and children can join you through a residence permit for family reunification once you hold a valid permit. A spouse who co-owns the property can also apply in their own name on the basis of the same property.
State fees depend on the type and length of the permit, and on reciprocity with your country of citizenship. For a property-based permit, state costs are around 12,000 ALL.
Our service covers the case assessment, the document check, the online application, follow-up with all institutions and regular updates. A property title check can be added before you buy. A second applicant from the same family receives a 10% discount. State fees, notary costs and notarised translations are paid separately.
Contact us for a quote based on your case.
The permit is renewed online through e-Albania before it expires. You must still own the property and meet the other conditions at the time of renewal.
Mistakes we see most often:
Yes. Owning real estate in Albania can be the basis for a residence permit, provided the property is registered in your name and you meet the other conditions.
No. The law does not set a minimum property value for this permit.
Usually not until the property is registered in your name. The property must be completed and ready to live in. We check this before you sign.
No. The property-based permit allows you to live in Albania, not to work. For work or business, the Unique Permit is the right route.
The first permit is issued for up to 1 year and is renewable while you keep the property and meet the conditions.
Yes. A spouse who co-owns the property can apply in their own name. Children can join through family reunification.
It depends on your nationality. We confirm the rule that applies to you in the preliminary consultation.
Tell us about your property and your nationality. In a preliminary consultation we will confirm your eligibility and go through the document list with you, one by one.
This page provides general information on Albanian immigration rules and is not legal advice. Requirements can change; contact us for advice on your case. · All immigration services
