Quick Visa Facts
Visa LengthOne YearPossible to extend?YesWho can apply?Digital Nomads Self-Employed or Employed AbroadMinimum Income RequirementsEstimated $9,800 per yearTime for visa applications12 weeks
Albania Digital Nomad Visa Overview
Under Albania’s new Unique Permit scheme, digital nomads can apply for a Type D visa to stay in Albania for a year, renewable for up to five years. Albania has always had a welcoming approach to visas, but the new scheme cuts through a lot of the red tape to streamline the application process.
The Unique Permit was only introduced in a review of the law “On Foreigners” at the start of 2022. Applications are open via Albania’s online visa portal, but questions still remain about the full requirements for a successful application.
The requirements specifically state that digital mobile workers must provide a contract with a foreign company, a service contract with a foreign contractor, or a contract with a client for a specific remote project. While no minimum income is specified, it is anticipated to be at least $9,800 per year for an individual, matching the minimum income associated with a retirement visa.
The Unique Permit is using the new online application portal developed by Albania during the pandemic. The law associated with the new scheme specifically states that applications should be processed within a maximum of 12 weeks.
The only concerns we have about this visa are the tax implications, as digital nomads will be required to pay taxes on both foreign and domestic income, and Albania does not have double taxation treaties with many countries, including the United States.
In July 2023, the Albanian government announced streamlined procedures for foreign individuals entering Albania to work in the information technology (IT) sector. According to the decision, foreigners entering the country’s territory with a declaration from an IT company stating their employment plans are granted visa-free entry and a permit to stay for up to one year. This period allows the foreign worker to later apply for an official work permit within Albania.
Types Of Albania Visas for Digital Nomad
Albania has long had a generous visa scheme for tourists, and special visas for citizens of the United States and Kosovo.
Citizens from most countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union, can enter Albania as a tourist for up to 90 days in any 180 day period without a visa. Citizens from other countries can apply for a tourist visa online with immediate approval in most cases.
Citizens of the United States and Kosovo are free to enter and stay in Albania for up to a year without a visa while gaining access to public services such as health care and schools.
The Unique Permit provides a more formal structure for other types of visas and a pathway to permanent residency. The visa can be renewed for up to five years if an individual still meets the criteria, at which point they are eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Within the Unique Visa scheme, the visa for digital mobile workers is a Type D Long Stay visa. There are several categories of Type D visa including for self-employed people, investors, research, highly qualified employees, and pensioners.
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