Foreign nationals who intend to stay in Albania for more than 90 days must apply for either a Residence Permit or a Unique Permit, depending on the purpose of stay and whether the stay involves employment or economic activity.
Albanian legislation establishes clear categories for both permits and expressly regulates the possible validity periods and renewal limits.
1. Residence Permit in Albania
(Stay without employment)
A Residence Permit allows a foreign national to reside legally in Albania without engaging in employment or economic activity, unless otherwise permitted by law.
Who Can Apply for a Residence Permit?
Foreign nationals may apply for a residence permit for the following purposes:
🔹 Family Reunion
- Family members of Albanian citizens
- Family members of foreign nationals legally residing in Albania
🔹 Study and Education
- University students
- Pupils
- Participants in unpaid training programs
- Scientific researchers and academic staff
🔹 Humanitarian Reasons
- Asylum seekers
- Victims of trafficking
- Unaccompanied minors
- Other protected persons under humanitarian grounds
🔹 Other Lawful Reasons
- Pensioners
- Foreign nationals using or owning real estate in Albania
- Other cases expressly provided by law
2. Unique Permit in Albania
(Residence combined with the right to work)
A Unique Permit authorizes foreign nationals to reside and work legally in Albania. It combines residence authorization and work authorization into a single permit.
Who Can Apply for a Unique Permit?
Foreign nationals may apply for a Unique Permit under the following categories:
- Unique Permit as an Employee
- Unique Permit for Seasonal Employment
- Unique Permit for Intra-Company Transferees
- Unique Permit as a Cross-Border Worker
- Unique Permit for Vocational Training
- Unique Permit for Athletes
- Unique Permit for Voluntary Service
- Unique Permit for Highly Qualified Employees
- Unique Permit for Self-Employed Persons
- Unique Permit for Digital Mobility Workers
- Unique Permit for Contractual Service Providers
- Unique Permit for Special Categories
(including persons working in circuses, fairs, exhibitions, consultancy services, etc., pursuant to Article 81 of the law) - Unique Permit for Domestic Workers
Each category is subject to specific legal conditions and supporting documentation.
3. Duration of Residence and Unique Permits
(As expressly provided by Law no. 79/2021)
Under Albanian law, residence permits and unique permits are issued for limited periods, classified as follows:
🔹 Short-Term Permit
- Up to 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year
- A 1-year permit may be renewed, but not more than five (5) consecutive times
🔹 Two-Year Permit
- Issued for a period of 2 years
- May be renewed only once
🔹 Five-Year Permit
- Issued for a period of 5 years
- Granted in accordance with the specific provisions of the law, subject to the applicable permit category and legal conditions
🔹 Permanent Residence Permit
- Granted on a permanent basis
- Issued where the foreign national:
- has had lawful residence in Albania for five (5) consecutive years, and
- has stable ties or sustained activity in the country
📌 The applicable duration depends on the permit category, the purpose of stay, and continued compliance with legal requirements. Renewal limits are strictly regulated by law.
4. Key Legal Distinction Between the Two Permits
| Residence Permit | Unique Permit |
|---|---|
| Lawful stay only | Lawful stay and work |
| No employment allowed | Employment or economic activity allowed |
| Family, study, humanitarian, other reasons | Employment, self-employment, professional activities |
Choosing the correct permit type and duration is essential. Applying under the wrong category or exceeding renewal limits may result in refusal or loss of legal status.
Conclusion
Albanian law provides a clear and structured framework for foreign nationals who wish to live, work, study, or reunite with family in Albania. Both Residence Permits and Unique Permits are issued within legally defined duration categories, with strict renewal rules and a distinct path to permanent residence. Understanding who can apply and for how long is the key to a lawful and uninterrupted stay in Albania.
SIPËRMARRJA 
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