Located in southeast Europe’s Balkan peninsula, Albania is a developing country with great prospects for the future. Thanks to the growing popularity over the recent years, this place has gotten digital nomads and remote workers widely intrigued.
If you are planning on visiting here or settling here as a digital nomad, make sure to look into the available visa options. This article delves into just that and explores how Albania accommodates the digital nomad community with its visa policy.
Keep reading to learn all about it!
Does Albania have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Most of the time, the only thing standing between you and your ideal destination is a complex visa policy. A digital nomad visa allows remote workers to travel with ease and set up shop at various locations without making permanent commitments.
Albania’s digital nomad visa, more commonly referred to as the “unique permit” is a special initiative, designed to cater to a niche community. Remote workers would be happy to learn that the Albania digital nomad visa has a lot of benefits and it’s certainly one of the best options out there.
Who can Apply for the Albania Digital Nomad Visa?
Here are the factors that determine whether you qualify for an Albania Digital Nomad Visa
- Remote workers: your field must allow you to work online.
- Retirees
- Real estate owners
- Investors
- Students
- Researchers
- Contractors
- Cross-border workers
- Self-employed individuals or freelancers: you must be able to prove that you can work remotely.
- Employed by a foreign company: you must not be employed by an Albanian company or involved in any Albanian business activity.
How do you apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Albania?
Look at the step-by-step guide below to learn exactly how to apply for Albania DNV.
Note: you can EXPECT the process to flow this way but the official steps are not disclosed as of now.
- Make an appointment
Firstly, you’ll need to contact the nearest Albanian embassy in the country of your residence (home country). Although you can visit directly too, it is advised to set a time beforehand. This will help you avoid any delays and get the necessary information about the next steps.
- Gather the necessary documents.
Your agent will guide you regarding the required documents while making the appointment. This step requires special attention because the accuracy of your application determines the processing time. In case you aren’t sure about the required documents, keep reading to get a brief overview.
- Fill out the application form.
Now comes one of the most attention-demanding parts of the process. You can easily download the form online and print it before filling it out. Make sure to be extra careful and double-check all of your information.
- Submit
The next step is to show up to your nearest Albanian embassy or consulate as per your appointment and submit your documents.
- Wait for feedback
Once you have completed all the steps, you just need to sit tight and wait for the authorities to process your application. You’ll most likely receive feedback within 2-12 weeks.
- Enter Albania
You’ll receive a confirmation email if your application is approved. Following that, you’ll need to collect your visa from the Albania consulate or embassy and enter Albania.
- Apply for a residency permit.
You’ll need to go to an Aliens and Immigration Department of the Decentralized Administration office and acquire a residence permit.
Note: you can also go to an Albanian website and apply for a Digital Nomad Visa online. Rather than going to an embassy, you’ll complete the above-mentioned steps online.
How Much Does it Cost?
You may be surprised to hear this but the digital nomad visa to this beautiful Mediterranean country isn’t all that expensive! While the application fee is somewhere around 100€, the visa cost will depend on your country of residence.
Albania follows a reciprocative policy of sorts which means that they will charge you the same amount as your country of origin charges their citizens. You can find more details by contacting an Albania embassy in your country.
Albania Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
There are some requirements that you must fulfill to get this visa.
Documentations
You must have the required documents with you during the time of your visa application.
- Valid passport: a passport that will remain valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Albania.
- Valid health insurance: health insurance that will remain valid and cover all expenses for the duration of your entire stay.
- Proof of employment: applicants must submit proof that they are currently working for a business based outside of Albania. This could be proved by the submission of a contract of employment, Payslips, or any other documents.
- Proof of financial means: you can submit proof in the form of payslips or bank statements.
- Proof of residence: you must provide evidence about your accommodation.
- Proof of a local Albanian bank account
- Passport sized photos
- Remote job: applicants must be able to prove that if they are not employed in a foreign country, they are either self-employed or they are working as freelancers. You can prove this by submitting adequate business documentation.
- Clean criminal record: you must be able to prove that you have not been convicted of any crimes in your home country or current country of residence. You can easily get certificates from a local police station.
Financial requirements
An Albania digital nomad visa “unique permit scheme” also poses a requirement for minimum income. Remote workers need to prove that they can afford their stay in the country.
Albania has a minimum income requirement of 315$ per month and 9,800$ per year for each person. This amount changes if you are applying with a spouse, child, family member, or other dependant.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Albania Digital Nomad Visa?
There is no standard time for this application process but it can be estimated to take 2-12 months. Ideally, your application will be processed within a few weeks of submission and you’ll receive feedback. However, you should keep in mind that the time will vary based on factors such as the accuracy of your application, the competency of the departments, the amount of burden they are dealing with, and perhaps even some government policies.
Benefits of the Albania Digital Nomad Visa
Affordable cost of living
Albania experiences an affordable cost of living that is best described as average. While it is not the cheapest digital nomad destination out there, it’s certainly budget-friendly. A digital nomad can access various facilities and modern amenities at a cheap rate. Here is a rough breakdown of general expenses there. You can live here on a tight budget and make the best out of your time. However, please note that the cost of living is defined by an individual’s spending pattern and lifestyle. If you follow a standard digital nomad lifestyle, you’ll find these estimates to be quite accurate.
Safe country
Albania is considered a safe country overall. In fact, it’s one of the safest European countries out there. While Albania experiences a low crime rate in general, petty crimes are not unheard of. Pocket-picking, scams, and theft are occasional yet possible so make sure to take necessary precautions. Other than that, the locals are friendly and welcoming. You can trust the people around you and spend your time with ease of mind. All in all, Albania is a good place for digital nomads (even if they are traveling solo).
High-speed internet
The good news for remote workers is that this country has a great wifi connection. The Albanian government has highly invested in the internet infrastructure to enable reliable and high-speed Wi-Fi all over the region. Albania experiences an average download speed of 44.6 Mbps which is great for remote work. Digital nomads can easily maintain a good work-life balance thanks to these. Additionally, you can get local SIM cards at your nearest convenience store or an airport when you arrive. Most cafes and coworking spaces offer fast wifi for free.
Rich culture and natural beauty
The atmosphere and environment of a place are also impactful factors that can influence your decision. Albania has a rich cultural heritage that is well depicted in art, music, and architecture. The city is known for its colorful and vibrant Soviet-era architecture. The locals are very friendly and welcoming as well. Nature lovers would be happy to learn that Albania is abundant in natural beauty. The country is surrounded by high hills and beautiful rivers which make it a perfect place for relaxing. You can engage in outdoor activities, spend time on pristine beaches, and reconnect with nature on a deeper level.
Do Digital Nomads Pay Income Taxes in Albania?
Digital nomads will be required to pay taxes in Albania if they are considered tax residents. You’ll be deemed one if you have consecutively spent 183 days in the country or if you have permanent accommodation in the country.
Other than that, Albania has a worldwide tax policy. This means you’ll be required to pay a tax whether you are employed in the country or not. As long as you are an Albanian tax resident, you have to pay taxes on your worldwide income.
Renew AlbanianDigital Nomad Visa
Another good thing about the Albanian digital nomad visa is that it has an amazing renewal policy. The visa will be issued for a 1 year period originally but it can be renewed twice, for 2 years each time after that. Once this 5-year period has passed, you can officially apply for a permanent residence permit in Albania. This will allow you to become a citizen of the Republic of Albania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Albania with a Schengen visa?
Despite being a European country, Albania isn’t a part of the EU/Schengen agreement. This means that the European Union terms don’t apply to this country and they have their own visa policies. There are around 88 countries that can enter Albania visa-free and stay comfortably.
When is the best time to visit Albania?
Since Albania is somewhat of a mountainous region, the best time to visit is between the summer months. The country has nice weather all year long, thanks to its south-eastern Europe location. However, summer offers the best experience (especially for first-time visitors who want to explore Albania properly).
Do US citizens need a visa for Albania?
Yes, US citizens can enter and stay in Albania as tourists for a prolonged period. However, this is not a permanent and lasting option. You may apply for a residency permit after entering the country.
How can you pay the visa fee?
If you are applying in person, you can pay through cash, bank transfer, or card. As for online applications, there are still several ways to make the payment. You can pay the fee via credit card or debit card.
What is the best place for digital nomads in Albania?
Tirana, the capital city of Albania, is one of the best places for digital nomads. This place offers budget-friendly accommodation for an average remote worker. Other than that, there are also a bunch of coworking spaces and a huge digital nomad community here.
Final Thoughts
Albania is the epitome of perfection and an excellent place for digital nomads. With its low cost of living, coworking spaces, and abundance of cafes, it invites people from all over the world.
Albania has always been famous among short-term travelers and tourists but things have changed over the recent years. The country has been gaining popularity among remote workers and turning into a digital nomad destination.
If this beautiful city has convinced you to pack your bags and move here then the digital nomad visa has got you covered. Introduced in 2022, a type D visa allows digital nomads to stay in Albania for 12 months. As discussed above, this visa has plenty of advantages.
We hope this article provides you with the necessary information and clears your doubts. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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