Albania offers retirees sunshine, a long coastline, a low cost of living and a welcoming culture. With a pensioner residence permit, you can live here legally all year round. Our immigration lawyers in Tirana, Vlorë, Durrës and across Albania prepare your application, follow it to approval and take care of every renewal.
★★★★★ Rated “Excellent” on Google (36 reviews) · Offices in Tirana and Vlorë · info@jbc.al
Law No. 79/2021 “On Foreigners”, as amended, includes a residence permit for foreigners who receive a pension from their home country and wish to live in Albania. 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 is renewable as long as you continue to meet the conditions.
In general, you need to:
The pensioner permit does not allow employment or business activity in Albania.
With an office in Vlorë, we help many retirees who settle on the Albanian Riviera, from the permit to the rental contract or property purchase. Buying a home? See also: residence permit through property ownership.
The documents depend on your nationality and your pension. In general they relate to your identity, your pension income, your accommodation and your health insurance. Most foreign documents also need an apostille or legalisation and a notarised translation into Albanian.
For US citizens, the criminal record check is simple: an affidavit issued at the US Embassy in Tirana is accepted for the Albanian permit. You can book the embassy appointment online, or we can book it on your behalf. The embassy fee is USD 50.
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 can join you through a residence permit for family reunification. If your spouse also receives a pension, they may apply as a pensioner in their own right. We advise you on the best option for both of you.
State fees depend on the type and length of the permit, and on reciprocity with your country of citizenship.
Our service covers the case assessment, help with the bank account and rental contract, the document check, the online application, follow-up with all institutions and regular updates. 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 meet the income, accommodation and insurance conditions at the time of renewal.
Mistakes we see most often:
Yes. Foreigners who receive a pension can apply for a residence permit for pensioners and live in Albania all year round.
It depends on your tax residence and any double taxation treaty. Our tax team advises you on your case.
No. The pensioner permit does not allow employment or business activity in Albania.
Yes, through family reunification, or as a pensioner in their own right if they also receive a pension.
US citizens can stay in Albania for up to 1 year without a visa. If you plan to stay longer, or to settle permanently, you need a residence permit.
An affidavit issued at the US Embassy in Tirana is accepted for the Albanian permit. You can book the appointment online, or we can book it for you. The embassy fee is USD 50.
Tell us about your pension 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
