Albania Digital Nomad Visa
Are you looking for a new place to call home as a digital nomad? If so, you should consider Albania. This small country in southeastern Europe (that is not a part of the European Union) has much to offer for remote workers.
In this article, we will discuss the digital nomad visa for Albania and answer all of your questions about it. We will also provide information about what to expect when living in Albania as a digital nomad.
So, if you're ready to explore a new country and get your work done at the same time, keep reading!
Information about Albania and digital nomad visas
Albania is a Balkan country that offers beautiful beaches, landscapes, and villages. It is famous for its natural wonders and capital Tirana which has a lot of modern amenities. Moreover, the costs of living are quite cheap there. It is a perfect place for digital nomads, so firstly let's explain this term.
Digital nomads are people who work remotely in a foreign country. It is a very convenient option for people who want to explore new places but at the same time work from home.
The Albanian government introduced a project for a new visa that will enable remote workers to stay in Albania. It is still in progress so we need to wait for the final result. However, even now we know a lot of important information.
This nomad visa would be called the Unique Permit and would generally make things easier for digital nomads who need two separate permits right now (from the Border and Migration Police and Labour Office).
It would enable remote workers to live in Albania for up to one year with the possibility of an extension for another year, and then for 5 years. In this article, you will learn more about this topic.
Who is eligible for the Albania freelance visa?
It would be possible to obtain an Albanian visa for nomads as:
- foreign nationals who are employed abroad and are remote workers
- individuals who are self-employed
- researchers and students
- investors or contractors
- cross-border/seasonal workers
- real estate owners or retirees.
Right now you can apply for permits but you need to have a contract with a company/client and meet the other requirements listed in the below section.
How to apply for a digital nomad visa to Albania
We still wait for the information about how to apply for the nomad visa to Albania as it hasn't been launched officially yet. We can speculate that digital nomads would need to:
- check requirements
- gather all documents
- fill in the application form
- contact the proper authority
- make and attend meetings at the embassy
- pay the fee
- wait for the finalization of the process and visa approval.
In this scenario, you will apply through a single authority. At this moment you must send separate applications (for the Labour Office and the Border and Migration Police).
The requirements for getting a digital nomad visa
The Unique Permit is still in the progress and there are no official requirements so far. However, probably applicants would have to prepare:
- employment contract
- service and accommodation contract
- proof of income adequate to support the person's stay and family members (if they plan to go as well)
- travel and health insurance
- clear criminal record
- Albanian bank account
- proof of annual pension (for pensioners).
At this moment you need a residence permit to visit Albania and to work there. To obtain it, generally, you should prepare:
- completed application forms
- health insurance
- copy of travel documents
- recent photos
- proof of accommodation
- certificate of civil status.
You need to be ready for more requirements demanded by the migration authorities.
Benefits of being a digital nomad in Albania
Digital nomads have a lot of possibilities in Albania as it is a beautiful place surrounded by marvelous mountains and beaches. They can enjoy this magnificent place thanks to the nomad visa that will enable them to stay and work in the country.
Albania is also known for its affordable prices which can be another advantage. Also, it is not a crowded place so if you don't like big groups of people it is a very good choice for you.
Soon the Albanian government would introduce a digital nomad visa which would make the country even more attractive for remote workers. If you are interested, follow this topic and news about it to be up to date.
You have also the opportunity to receive permanent residency in the country with the Unique Permit Albania visa. The processing time also shouldn't take a lot of time.
How to extend your stay in Albania with a digital nomad visa
When it comes to the Unique Permit, Digital Nomads will be able to extend it for another one year. After living in Albania for 2 years, you can extend the visa for 5 years, and then you will be eligible to receive permanent residency. With it, you can live legally and permanently in the country.
During the process, you will need to fill in the proper documents, submit them to the authorities, and wait for the approval. But before that check all the requirements to avoid disappointment. The list should be available soon.
Important things to know about the Albania visa for remote workers
In the near future, Albania will offer a digital nomad visa for those who wish to stay in the country for up to one year. The visa would be available to citizens of any country, and, as for now, there are no minimum income requirements.
Albania is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history, and it's a great place for remote workers. In case you're looking for an affordable place to live and work, The Balkans are definitely worth considering.
If you're interested in applying for a digital nomad visa for Albania, you can find more information on the Albanian government website as the project is still in progress. We can guess that the application will be relatively simple comparing it to the current situation.
