Doing Business in Albania (2025): Key Government Websites, Policies, Step-by-Step Procedures and Practical Tips

This guide compiles the latest practical information for overseas companies planning to operate in Albania in 2025. It focuses on the primary government agencies and portals you will use for company registration, tax filings, labor compliance and visa/work‑permit procedures. Below you will find a compact table of relevant agencies, concrete operation steps for typical transactions, hands‑on reminders and short case examples to illustrate common approaches.

Primary government portals and agencies

Company registration — step-by-step (typical flow for an overseas investor)

1. Decide entity type: common options are an LLC (SHPK equivalent) or a branch. Choose based on liability, tax and investment plans.
2. Name reservation: submit proposed names to the Business Register and confirm availability.
3. Prepare founding documents: articles of association, shareholder lists, director appointments and notarized signatures (translated and legalized if foreign documents used).
4. Register with the National Business Center: submit the formation package; upon approval receive the registration number and extract.
5. Tax registration: apply to the General Directorate of Taxation for a tax identification number (NIPT). Determine VAT registration requirement (thresholds apply).
6. Open a local bank account: required for capital injection and ongoing operations; banks will ask for company registration extract and KYC documents.
7. Register employees for social and health insurance and payroll withholding before the first salary run.
8. Obtain sectoral licenses or permits if the activity is regulated (e.g., finance, transport, pharmaceuticals).

Timeline and tips

Registration can be completed in a few days to several weeks depending on document legalization and license requirements. Use e‑services where available to speed the process. Translate and apostille key corporate documents in advance to avoid delays.

Tax compliance and filing (core actions)

1. Corporate income tax: prepare annual accounts and file profit tax returns within statutory deadlines; maintain transfer‑pricing documentation for intercompany transactions.
2. VAT: if VAT registration is required, file periodic VAT returns (typically monthly) and pay electronically through the tax portal.
3. Payroll taxes: withhold employee income tax and remit employer/employee social security contributions monthly; submit payroll declarations via the social insurance portal.
4. Electronic filing and payments: most filings and payments are performed via the tax authority’s e‑portal—register for access and verify payment methods in advance.

Labor law and HR compliance — operational steps

1. Draft written employment contracts aligned with the Albanian Labor Code: specify position, salary, probation, working hours and notice periods.
2. Register each employee with the social security system before the first salary.
3. Ensure legally required minimum wage, overtime calculations and paid leave entitlements are observed.
4. Implement workplace health & safety procedures and keep records of employee training and incidents.
5. Follow statutory termination and redundancy procedures; document performance issues and severance where applicable.

Visas and work permits — employer‑led process

1. Determine whether the mobile employee needs a short‑stay business visa (for brief visits) or a long‑term work permit and residence permit.
2. Employer submits the work permit application with required documents: contract, business registration, justification for hiring a foreign national, and proof of accommodation/health insurance.
3. After approval, the foreign national applies for the residence permit card; biometric collection and local registration may follow.
4. Timing: short visas can be processed in days; work permit + residence can take several weeks—start early.

Notes (Practical precautions)

• Document legalization and translations: notarize and apostille corporate documents as required and provide certified translations into Albanian where requested.
• Check double taxation and treaty provisions: verify whether your country has a DTA with Albania to optimize withholding taxes and avoid double taxation.
• Stay current on thresholds: VAT and social‑contribution thresholds and reporting frequencies can change—confirm on official portals before filing.
• Local representation: having a local legal or accounting partner reduces risk and accelerates procedures.
• Data protection and payroll: ensure compliance with local data privacy rules when handling employee records.
• Sector licenses: some activities require prior approvals (e.g., energy, transport, financial services). Do not commence operations before obtaining necessary permits.

Short case examples

Case 1 — EU tech startup (SHPK formation)

A German software firm formed an Albanian SHPK to offer regional services. Steps taken: reserve company name via the Business Register, notarize and translate the shareholder agreement, register for NIPT, register two hired developers with social insurance, and register for VAT once turnover projections exceeded the threshold. Using a local accounting firm reduced paperwork time by two weeks.

Case 2 — International shipping company (branch + staffing)

A US shipping company established a branch to manage regional logistics. They needed crew and local administrative staff. The branch registered with the tax authority, arranged work permits for a key manager and used a local HR firm for payroll and social contributions. For overseas hiring and crew services, they engaged SailGlobal to help with recruitment, contracts and visa coordination.

Policy highlights and interpretations to watch in 2025

Authorities continue to accelerate digital public services and e‑filing. Expect further refinements to tax reporting tools and incremental labor law clarifications—particularly regarding remote work, cross‑border social security obligations and digital services taxation. Always verify the current rules on official portals and consult a local advisor for policy interpretations tied to your industry.

Resources and next steps

Start with the national e‑services portal to locate up‑to‑date agency pages and electronic procedures. Engage a local lawyer or accountant to confirm required licenses and prepare documents. For companies needing overseas staffing, payroll or visa support, consider a specialist provider; for example, SailGlobal offers assistance with remote crew and cross‑border human services.

Disclaimer: This article provides a practical overview and does not substitute for formal legal or tax advice. Official procedures and fees may change—always consult the relevant Albanian authority or authorized local professionals before acting.