The initial step in relocating employees to Albania involves determining who needs a work permit. Citizens from the European Union (EU) and Schengen countries have the same employment rights as Albanian citizens. However, certain positions may require Albanian citizenship under specific legislation. U.S. citizens can live in Albania for up to a year without a residence permit.

Non-Albanian individuals seeking employment for more than three months must obtain a work permit. Before starting work, employees must meet the requirements for a work permit, with an average waiting period of 30 days for approval or denial after submitting documents. Work permits may have time restrictions, with validity depending on the permit category.

Albania offers four main types of work permits:

Type A: Permits for economic activities involving both employers and employees.

Type B: Grants permits for independent economic activities.

Type C: Issues permits for special occasions.

Type D: Provides permanent work permits for eligible foreigners.

Foreigners coming to Albania must get both a visa and a residence permit to enter.

Requirements for Obtaining Albania Work Visas

The procedures for getting a work permit in Albania may vary depending on the type of permit needed. However, the most common documents required include:

Filling out a standard application form signed by the employee.

Submitting a National Registration Center extract confirming the employer's registration.

Presenting the applicant's employment contract.

Providing a copy of the applicant's passport.

Submitting five recent photographs.

Additionally, employees must pay ALL 6,000, approximately equivalent to 45 EUR, to get a work permit from either the General Directorate of National Labor Service or the Labor Office of the relevant territory, which operates under the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.