Albania Digital Nomad Visa
Albania's Unique Permit for digital nomads has one of Europe's lowest income bars (roughly the minimum wage), runs one year renewable up to five, and gives a first-year exemption from Albanian tax residency.
A residence permit (not a standalone visa) under Law 79/2021, for remote workers serving foreign employers or clients. The income bar is low, pegged to the minimum wage, though advisers suggest showing more. A 2023 law exempts qualifying nomads from Albanian tax residency for their first 12 months, a break that is being phased out (grandfathered to about 2030). [Source: Republic of Albania (e-Albania / Law 79/2021) ↗]
Updated: The permit route became fully operational online via a 2024 instruction; the 2023 nomad tax exemption is being phased out (reportedly grandfathered to ~2030).
Key requirements
- Remote work for a foreign employer or clients (not the Albanian local market)
- Income at least Albania's minimum wage (advisers suggest showing more), via ~12 months of statements
- Private health insurance valid in Albania (~€30,000)
- Clean criminal record; one of the lowest income bars in Europe
Before you apply
Albania requires private health insurance for the application. A nomad policy (like SafetyWing or Genki) meets the requirement and covers you abroad.
Compare nomad insurance →Albania nomad visa FAQ
How much income do you need for the Albania digital nomad visa?
You need about ≈€490/month (at least Albania's minimum wage), shown from income earned outside Albania.
Who can apply for the Albania nomad visa?
Open to all nationalities (EU/EEA/Swiss rarely need it). It's for people working remotely (employed, freelance, business) for clients or employers outside Albania. Family can be included (Spouse and children can join via family reunification, with extra income shown).
How long is the Albania nomad visa valid?
It's granted for 12 months, renewable up to 5 years total. Processing typically takes ~30 days (up to 12 weeks).
Do you pay tax in Albania as a digital nomad?
A 2023 law gives qualifying nomads a 12-month exemption from Albanian tax residency; stay past that and 183+ days makes you taxable on worldwide income (13–23%). The break is being phased out.
Do you need health insurance for the Albania nomad visa?
Yes. Albania requires private health insurance covering your stay. Nomad policies like SafetyWing or Genki are built for this.
Compare other countries
Visa rules and income thresholds change and can vary by consulate. Confirm the current requirements with Republic of Albania (e-Albania / Law 79/2021) before applying. This page is general information, not legal advice.