Telephone Numbers
Telephone Numbers
We manage all the necessary procedures for company incorporation in Albania and all the processes required to create a branch, subsidiary or representative office, with full support from our legal experts. A registered office is required to open a company in Albania.
For detailed information +90 542 381 3868'Call.
Company Opening and Residency in Albania offers opportunities for entrepreneurs to start a business and live in Europe at low costs. Albania provides an attractive business environment with tax advantages, economic growth and foreign investor friendly policies. By opening a company in Albania, you can enter the European market and at the same time obtain a residence permit and long-term residence. World Company Setup ensures that you obtain your trade license by fulfilling all legal requirements during the company formation process in Albania. It also facilitates the process of doing business and living in Albania by professionally managing residence permit applications.
With low tax rates, a fast incorporation process and a legal framework fully open to foreign investors, Albania has become one of the most attractive business hubs in the Balkans. A limited liability company (SHPK) can be registered with just 1 shareholder and 1 director, usually within 1–3 business days, at the National Business Center (QKB). This guide covers Albanian company types, current tax rates, formation costs, the step-by-step process and residence permit options, using verified 2026 data.
The Albanian Commercial Law (Law No. 9901/2008) applies the same formation rules to domestic and foreign investors. Legal entities acquire legal personality upon registration in the commercial register. The three most common structures are:
The SHPK is the structure most preferred by foreign investors. It requires just 1 shareholder and 1 director of any nationality, with no requirement to reside in Albania. The minimum paid-up capital is ALL 100 (approximately €1), and companies must submit financial statements every year after incorporation.
The SHA suits investors wishing to issue shares or make large-scale investments. Minimum capital is ALL 3,500,000 for companies not offering shares publicly and ALL 10,000,000 for public offerings. It requires at least one shareholder and one director, and its financial statements are subject to annual audit.
Representative offices may not carry out income-generating activities; they are limited to non-commercial functions such as market research and promoting the parent company. There is no minimum capital requirement, but a local representative must be appointed.
Albania's tax system governs income tax under Law No. 29/2023 "Tatimi mbi të Ardhurat". Resident taxpayers are taxed on worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Albanian-source income. The infographic below summarizes the main rates applicable for 2026.
An SHPK in Albania is normally registered within 1–3 business days after application to the QKB. An end-to-end process including advisory, bank account opening and tax registration typically takes 2–3 weeks. Total cost varies depending on capital amount, notary and registration fees, accounting and advisory services.
Company formation alone does not automatically grant a residence permit; however, investment and business activity provide a strong basis for a residence permit application. A corporate bank account can usually be opened with banks such as Raiffeisen, Intesa Sanpaolo or Credins, and in most cases the client does not need to travel to open the account.
All companies established in Albania are required to keep books and prepare annual financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards and tax legislation. Although accounting processes vary by company type and size, the core obligations are similar for all businesses. Timely filing of tax returns and compliance with the electronic invoicing (fiscalization) system are critical to avoid penalties.
The corporate income tax return is filed annually, while VAT-registered taxpayers generally submit a monthly VAT return. Payroll and social security contributions are declared monthly. Companies exceeding certain thresholds have their financial statements subject to independent audit.
Albania operates a fiscalization system that transmits transactions to the tax administration in real time. Businesses must issue sales invoices electronically and integrate with the system. This framework aims to reduce the informal economy and improve tax compliance.
In recent years, Albania has carried out significant reforms to attract foreign direct investment. Its geographic location, proximity to European markets and competitive cost structure make the country particularly attractive for SMEs and service-sector companies. The key advantages are summarized below:
That said, obtaining professional advice to choose the right company type, plan taxes and fully meet compliance obligations minimizes potential risks.
The main documents required to set up a company in Albania are listed below. Most can be completed remotely through an authorized representative (via power of attorney):
Once the documents are complete, the application is submitted to the QKB, and the company acquires legal personality upon registration in the commercial register. The tax identification number (NIPT) is then obtained and a corporate bank account is opened.
Tax liability in Albania is based on residency. A company is considered resident if it is incorporated in Albania or its place of effective management is in Albania, and it is then taxed on its worldwide income. Non-resident companies are taxed only on Albanian-source income.
Albania has signed double taxation treaties (DTTs) with numerous countries. These treaties prevent the same income from being taxed both in Albania and in the investor's home country, and can provide reduced withholding rates on dividends, interest and royalty payments. A DTT is also in force between Turkey and Albania.
With low tax rates, a fast incorporation process and investor-friendly legislation, Albania is one of the most attractive business hubs in the region. Choosing the right company structure, keeping track of current tax obligations and fully managing compliance processes are critical to the long-term success of your business. World Company Setup experts guide you through the entire process, from formation to bank account opening and accounting.
To choose the right structure and manage the process with confidence, you can also review other Balkan options such as company formation in Montenegro, or get a free quote.
Get an Offer for Company Formation in Albania and start growing your business in Europe's fast-growing market! Albania offers an attractive option for entrepreneurs with low operating costs, tax advantages and investment-friendly policies. World Company Setup simplifies the company formation process in Albania, fulfilling all legal requirements and helping you get your business up and running quickly. Discover the opportunities for starting a business in Albania and benefit from the economic growth in the region by getting a quote now!
Get Offer for Company Formation in Albania; Get Offer for Company Formation in Albania
An SHPK in Albania is usually registered in the commercial register within 1–3 business days after applying to the QKB. The end-to-end process, including bank account opening and tax registration, typically takes 2–3 weeks.
The cost of establishing a company in Albania is $3570. The total cost includes preparation of legal documents, company registration, payment of all taxes and duties during registration, and the legal address of the company (one year).
Yes, it is necessary to have a registered address in Albania to complete the necessary company registration and incorporation process.
To get a residence permit, you must apply online to the Albanian Immigration Office within thirty days of your entry into Albania. The decision on your application will be made within thirty days of your online application.
It will take up to a month for residence permit applications to be processed by the Immigration Office. If all legal requirements and required documents are not met, the processing time may be longer. The Immigration Office will contact the foreigner who made the request if necessary.
A residence permit will allow you to stay in Albania for more than 90 days. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you can apply for a residence permit for work, education, family reunification, etc. You must apply for a residence permit 30 days after entering Albania.
The standard corporate income tax rate in Albania is approximately 15%; different rates may apply to small businesses. Personal income tax ranges from approximately 0% to 23% depending on the income bracket. Since rates can change over time, please confirm exact figures on the official website of the Albanian tax authority (Tatime).
Yes. Albanian law allows foreign investors to set up a company under the same conditions as local citizens. Turkish citizens can form a 100% foreign-owned SHPK (limited liability company) and can own or manage the company without residing in Albania.
No, forming a company does not automatically grant a residence permit; however, shareholding or a director role provides valid grounds for a residence permit application. The application must be submitted separately to the Migration Department after entering Albania.
Albania is an EU candidate country and is not yet a full member; accession negotiations with the EU are ongoing. This gives investors the advantage of Albania's proximity to the EU market and its ongoing alignment process.
+90 542 381 3868
+971 58 5204103