Company Formation in Albania: Register Your Business as a Foreigner

Albania is open to foreign investors: a foreign individual or company can own 100% of an Albanian company, and the whole registration can be done without travelling to Albania. Our corporate lawyers in Tirana and Vlorë set up your company, branch or representative office and take care of every step after registration, so you can start operating with confidence.

Since 2018100+ companies registeredOffices in Tirana & VlorëEnglish & Italian spoken

Why set up a company in Albania?

Full foreign ownershipNo local partner is required.

Low minimum capitalAn SH.P.K. can be registered with a minimum share capital of 100 ALL.

Fast registrationThe registration is usually approved within 48 hours.

Competitive taxesCorporate income tax of 15%, with a 0% rate for small businesses with turnover up to 14 million ALL (until 2029).

Access to the regionA strategic base for the Western Balkans and the EU market.

Which legal form is right for you?

Limited liability company (SH.P.K.)

Best for: Most foreign entrepreneurs, start-ups and subsidiaries of foreign groups

Separate legal entity
Liability limited to the capital
One or more shareholders
Can trade without restrictions

Foreign companies

Branch of a foreign company

Best for: Foreign companies that want to operate in Albania under their own name

Not a separate legal entity
The parent company is liable
Registered with the parent company’s documents

Market entry

Representative office

Best for: Market research, promotion and liaison

Cannot carry out commercial activity
Cannot earn income in Albania

Large projects

Joint stock company (SH.A.)

Best for: Large projects, banking, insurance or many shareholders

Higher minimum capital: 3.5 million ALL, or 10 million ALL with a public offering
Board and stricter governance

Professionals

Self-employed / sole trader

Best for: Freelancers and professionals working alone

Registered as a natural person
Often combined with a Unique Permit for self-employment

Not sure which one fits your plans? We compare the options for your case, including tax, liability and what you need for a residence permit.

How company formation works

The online application can only be filed by an Albanian resident or a person with an Albanian electronic signature, so we file it for you. The full set-up, including tax registrations, bank account and electronic signature, usually takes 1–2 weeks.

Consultation

We discuss your business plan and choose the right legal form, name and structure.

Name check & documents

We check the company name and prepare the articles of association and all documents.

Power of attorney

If you are abroad, you sign a power of attorney and we act on your behalf.

Registration

We file with the National Business Center through e-Albania. Approval usually within 48 hours.

Tax & bank set-up

Tax registration, beneficial owner (UBO) and support with the company bank account.

Ready to operate

Electronic signature, fiscal certificate, stamp, registered address and rental contract.

Documents you will need

The documents depend on the legal form and on who the shareholders are. In general they relate to the identity of the shareholders and administrators, the company’s registered address, and, for foreign companies, the parent company’s corporate documents and the decision to set up in Albania.

Important for foreign documents: when a foreign company is a shareholder or opens a branch, its documents must be apostilled or legalised and issued no more than three months before the application. They are then translated into Albanian and notarised.

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.

After registration: staying compliant

Registering the company is only the first step. In the first weeks, Albanian law requires several registrations, and missing them can lead to fines:

registration of the ultimate beneficial owner (UBO);
registration of the company bank account with the tax authorities within 20 days;
registration of the legal representative and the e-filing account;
registration of the rental contract with the tax authorities and the municipality;
VAT registration, when required.

We can also take care of your accounting, payroll and tax returns from day one, so the company stays compliant month after month.

Moving to Albania to run your company?

If you plan to live in Albania and manage your company here, you will also need a residence permit. Shareholders and administrators can apply for a Unique Permit as self-employed, as an investor or as an employee of their own company. We plan the company and the permit together, so you can start working legally as soon as possible.

Ask about the Unique Permit →

What our clients say

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   fjsever 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The firm ihas helped me so much. They have made my application for my residency permit flawlessy. I am very thankful to Jene my attorney. She is the best.
  
 
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   Roby cruz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family and I hired JBC and associates to assist with obtaining our Residency in Albania. Jene contacted me the same day that I sent an inquiry from their website. She made the process easy and stress free. She helped with getting our health insurance, translating documents and even making appointments at the US Embassy. I recommend her services to anyone wanting to have efficient and professional help.
  
 
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   Mark Murray 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an excellent experience working with Jene at JBC & Associates. She guided us through the entire process of purchasing our apartment and obtaining our Albanian residency, making everything clear and stress-free. She and her team were professional, responsive, and always willing to answer our questions. We truly appreciated their expertise and would highly recommend JBC & Associates to anyone looking for legal assistance in Albania.
  
 
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   Gary Smailes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Helped me with my residency application. Superb service. If you need help with a visa these are the people you need.
  
 
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   John Martin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I required an Albanian Residence Permit and, after some online research, identified JBC & Associates. I explained my circumstances over the phone and then visited their offices, conveniently located near the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana, to complete the necessary documentation. Within three hours of making first contact, my application had been submitted to the Immigration Department and has since resulted in the successful issuance of my Residence Permit.
Full marks to Jene and her colleagues for their fast, efficient, and courteous service
  
 
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   Belinda Walker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jene helped me so much when I first arrived here all alone a single American speaking women.  Jene and Monica walked me through the whole process and took care of everything for me.  Highly recommend ❤️
  
 
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   Michelle Rodemsky 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. JBC and Associates did a great job handling all the details of our residency application process. We are now proud residents of Albania.

I also want to mention how responsive Jene and Monika were to our many questions. One or the other responded to our emails in a matter of hours.

Highly recommend!
  
 
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   Andriy Vyslobitsky 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I applied for a residence permit with JBC & Associates. Monica and Jene handled the process from start to finish without empty promises. Everything was explained clearly, the documents were prepared properly, and they were always responsive. The process went smoothly and without surprises, and I received my residence permit within the expected timeframe. Professional and reliable service — I can recommend them.
  
 
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   Maria Avdeeva 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience working with Jene on my Albanian permanent residence. She was extremely helpful, professional, and resolved everything quickly and efficiently. I received all my documents without any issues. A big thank you as well to Monika for her help and support throughout the process. Highly recommend!
  
 
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   The Tetyr 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Been trying to apply for a residence permit through other agents and got few rejects, before I was recommended and guided to this agency. They worked perfectly and very efficiently - gave me a full overview on the current status of my documents, application, provided a clear strategy on what shall we do and eventually secured my visa! The costs are also very reasonable and I'd rather came to them immediately - would actually save me more money :D. Well done, thank you!

Our company formation service

Our service covers the preliminary consultation, the choice of legal form, the drafting of the articles of association in Albanian and English or Italian, the registration, the tax and UBO registrations and support with the bank account. On request, we also provide a registered address, accounting and payroll, and the Unique Permit for the founders.

Common mistakes

Choosing a branch when a subsidiary (SH.P.K.) would protect the parent company better, or the other way round.
Foreign documents that are not apostilled, or issued more than three months before the application.
A business activity description that is too narrow, or that requires a licence the company does not have.
Missing the UBO, bank account or rental contract registrations after incorporation.
Starting to work in Albania before the residence permit is approved.
Underestimating the time banks need to open an account for a company with foreign shareholders.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Albania?

Yes. Foreign individuals and companies can own 100% of an Albanian company. No local partner is required.

Do I need to be in Albania to register a company?

No. With a power of attorney, we can register the company on your behalf while you are abroad.

How long does company registration take?

The registration is usually approved within 48 hours. With the tax registrations, the bank account and the electronic signature, the full set-up usually takes 1–2 weeks.

What is the minimum share capital?

For an SH.P.K., the minimum share capital is 100 ALL. For a joint stock company (SH.A.) it is 3.5 million ALL, or 10 million ALL with a public offering.

What is the difference between a branch and a subsidiary?

A subsidiary (SH.P.K.) is a separate Albanian company with limited liability. A branch is part of the foreign company, which remains fully liable for its obligations in Albania.

What taxes does an Albanian company pay?

The corporate income tax rate is 15%, with a 0% rate for small businesses with an annual turnover up to 14 million ALL until 2029. VAT is up to 20%, and dividends are taxed at 8%. Our tax team advises you on your case.

Can I get a residence permit through my company?

Yes. Shareholders and administrators can apply for a Unique Permit, for example as self-employed, as an investor or as an employee of the company.

Can you open the bank account for the company?

We prepare the documents and support you with the bank: we suggest 2–3 banks we usually work with and book your appointment. Most banks require the administrator to be identified in person.

Ready to start your business in Albania?

Tell us about your project and where you are based. In a preliminary consultation we will recommend the right structure and go through the documents with you, one by one.

This page provides general information on Albanian company law and is not legal or tax advice. Requirements can change; contact us for advice on your case. · All services

JBC Consulting & Associates

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