How to Stay in Albania Long-Term: Helping Americans Understand Residency Options
If you're an American considering a longer stay in Albania—whether to retire, work remotely, or simply enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle—you’re in luck. Albania offers one of the most generous visa-free policies in Europe: U.S. citizens can stay for up to one year without a visa. But what happens after that year? That’s where Albania’s residence permit system comes in.
Applying for a Residence Permit in Albania
Once you’ve spent up to 365 days in Albania visa-free, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit if you want to stay longer. The application says it must be submitted within 30 days of entering the country (if you're applying for the first time), and the process is handled through the official e-Albania portal. However, if you simply leave Albania and re-enter, obtaining an official stamp, you can start your 30 day window from that date. a
Common Residence Permit Types for Americans:
Retirement: Proof of pension income over 1,200,000 ALL (~$12,000/year), health insurance, and accommodation.
Real Estate Ownership: If you own property in Albania, you can apply based on that.
Digital Nomad/Remote Work: Requires proof of employment with a foreign company and income transfer to an Albanian bank.
Family Reunification: For spouses, children, or parents of Albanian citizens or residents.
Study or Research: With acceptance from an Albanian institution.
Required Documents:
Valid passport
Recent passport-sized photos
Proof of accommodation (lease or ownership)
Health insurance in Albania
Financial proof (bank statements, pension, or salary)
Translated and notarized documents from your home country
⏱️ Processing time: Up to 30 days
💶 Validity: 3 months to 5 years, depending on the permit type
💻 Apply online: e-Albania Portal
Why This Matters for Americans
Albania’s visa-free policy gives you the freedom to explore the country for a full year without paperwork. However, if you fall in love with the lifestyle, as many of us do, you’ll want to plan ahead for a residence permit. The good news? The process is clear, digital, and relatively fast compared to other European countries.
