Who is Albania for? Albania can cater to any means, from modest budgets to modern luxury living. Though laid-back generally, Albania can also satisfy the active, even adventurous, lifestyle seekers.

Albania’s main seasons are basically spring, summer, and autumn. Most cities experience moderate winters, and cool temperatures with a snow flurry being a once-in-three-year event. If you enjoy the snow, Albania offers numerous snow-capped mountain escapes.

Summer days can average 90°F/32°C and dry. Late autumn is a wet season of approximately 2–3 weeks and rains can be torrential with occasional flash floods in low-lying areas. Typically, only a momentary issue though.

The urban and modern capital city, Tirana, is a day trip to the full gamut of outdoor life, from the mountains to the pristine coastlines.

Demographically, Albania is a Muslim country, but the people embrace a secular existence. Nevertheless, Eastern and Western Rite Catholic, Christian, and Muslim holidays are recognized and represented in the country.

Albania cannot be considered an LGBTQ destination, and such public displays of affection are not advisable. However, there isn’t any prolific or aggressive harassment towards the community, politically or socially.

An official EU candidate with accession talks started in 2020, Albania joined the Council of Europe in 1995, and NATO in 2009. The official currency is the LEK, which has held strong against the Euro and US dollar, while still providing a low-cost standard of living.

Can foreigners live in Albania? Yes, foreigners can come and live in Albania as long as they comply with the immigration rules.

Foreign visitors are significant to Albania’s economy, and foreigners are welcomed everywhere. Albania is already a European vacation secret, with most tourists coming from the UK, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Germany, Russia, and the Balkans.

Albania has a long list of countries whose citizens are allowed visa-free entry. As a rule, if you are allowed to enter the country without a visa, you are permitted to stay for a period of 90 days. To stay for longer you need a residency permit.

The expat community grows every year. It’s composed of nationals from all regions of the globe, with a significant presence from Italy, the UK, and the US. And, with embassies representing virtually the entire international community, no one is ever far from their home or services.

search...

Getting residency in Albania Residency needs to be initiated within 30-days of entering the country. If you miss the 30-day mark, just leave the country for one day and enter again.

The process can be started using Albania’s electronic portal, e-Albania, offered in Albanian and English. But you will need to go in person to an immigration office.

As we mentioned before, Albania’s entry visa scheme is rather liberal, providing most travellers with visa-free entry.

The UK and EU have the typical 90-days, while Albania provides US citizens with a very generous 1-year stay.

US citizens should consider the potential costs of being subjected to both US and Albanian taxes if stay in Albania long term.

In 2021, Albania approved its version of the Digital Nomad visa; availability is expected in 2022.