Digital Nomad in Albania, Questions & Answers
We all know that 
digital nomading has now become a lifestyle of individuals who leverage technology to work remotely while traveling. Being a digital nomad gives you the advantage of having freedom of location. You can work from anywhere, all you need is a laptop and an internet connection, and you can explore any destination while you are working.
What is a Digital Nomad according to the Albanian legislation?
According to the Albanian legislation a Digital Nomad is a foreign citizen who works in different countries, without the need of being in a physical office or headquarters of an institution. Digital nomad’s work is mainly done through information technology tools. So, in simple words, Digital Nomad is someone who works remotely who in the same time has the opportunity to learn about new cultures, develop international networks, and take advantage of every opportunity that each Albania offers.
Why Albania?
Albania, similar to other countries, in the recent years has had a friendly approach to Digital Nomads. This approach is also reflected in the Albanian legislation as the latter has a tendency to facilitate the immigration procedures for digital nomads and not only that. Digital Nomads are facilitated also in the tax aspects.
So, as a Digital Nomad in Albania, you’ll find yourself seamlessly blending work with leisure. Spend your mornings coding by the coast, your afternoons hiking through Albanian national parks, and your evenings savoring local cuisine under a star-studded sky. Embrace the freedom to design your days as you see fit, all while soaking in the beauty and authenticity of this hidden gem of the Balkans.
Who is eligible for the Albanian Digital Nomad residency program?
Anyone. Simple as that.
If you meet the requirements set out from our legislation you become eligible to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa or Residence Permit.
Depending on the Albanian visa regime and your citizenship you might need initially to apply for a long-term type “D” visa and only after the visa is approved you can start the Residence Permit process.
There are cases (depending on your citizenship) where you do not need to apply for a visa at all, you just come in Albania and start the Residence Permit process.
What are the requirements for the Digital Nomad residence program?
As we mentioned above, in order to become eligible for the Digital nomad residency program you need to meet some requirements as following:
- Employment/Service Agreement – The employment or service agreement should be with a foreign company, not an Albanian one and should have the following elements:
– A clause that provides that the job or service is performed totally remotely;
– The salary should be higher than the minimum salary in Albania which is 40’000 ALL gross.
– It should have a term of at least 1 year
– It should state the job position you hold - Accommodation – An important document is having a lease agreement in Albania. The main condition of the contract is that it must have a validity period of 1 year and it should be notarial.
- Degree/Professional Certificate/Reference Letter – This document should prove that you are graduated or have previously worked in IT field or in another job similar to the job position you have or you are contracted for.
- Criminal Record Certificate/Police Clearance Certificate issued from the country of origin
- Bank statement of the last 12 months with at least 4000 Euro balance in it
Which documents need to be legalized/apostilled?
Any foreign document that needs to be used to carry out a procedure in a country other than the country of origin where it was
issued, needs to be apostilled according to the Hague Convention for the Apostille stamp.
If the country where the document was issued is not a member state of the Hague Convention, then the document must be legalized from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant authority in the country where the document was issued.
According to the Albanian legislation for foreigners, for the Digital Nomad category, the documents that need to be legalized/apostilled in the country of origin are:
• Employment/Service Agreement
• Criminal Record
Are Digital Nomads subject to taxes in Albania?
According to the current Albanian legislation Digital Nomads are not subject to taxes. This means that you can reside in Albania for as long as you want and you will not need to be registered at any tax authority, declare any payments you receive or pay any taxes. Any incomes you receive as an outcome of the remote work will not be taxed here.
Will you need a bank account in Albania?
This is a little bit of a difficult question to be explained as legally you are not required to have a bank account in Albania. However, the relevant immigration authorities have implemented a new practice recently where they require an active bank account and the salary to be transferred directly from the employer to the Albanian bank account.
Should this be considered a deal breaker? – Not at all as there are ways to negotiate a solution.
Our team can assist you with everything needed!
In order to book an initial FREE consultation you can contact us at:
E-mail: info@visionconsultingalbania.com
Tel: +355 68 404 5566