Housing
Albania’s rental market underwent significant changes in 2024, marked by a 19% increase in long-term rental prices due to rising demand, urbanization, and a shift toward short-term rentals. The boom in new residential complexes has reshaped the housing market, but supply remains constrained as many landlords opt for short-term leasing, particularly in Tirana and coastal areas.
Average monthly rates in Tirana
Studio
$300–$500
$800–$1,200
$1,200–$1,600
$1,600–$5,000
Two-bedroom
apartment
apartment
One-bedroom
apartment
apartment
$500–$750
Three-bedroom apartmen
Four-bedroom apartment
Key Trends:
- New residential developments are expanding housing options, particularly in the capital.
- Emerging neighborhoods in larger cities offer lower rents as they undergo redevelopment.
- Landlords may be open to negotiating lease terms and rental rates due to market changes
- Blloku and Komuna remain the most wanted districts for expatriates thanks to its proximity to amenities, shopping, cafes, as well as Tirana Grand Park.
Challenges:
- Informal rental agreements are common, leaving tenants unprotected.
- Supply shortages persist due to population growth and landlord preference for short-term leases.
- Infrastructure issues such as unreliable utilities and poor maintenance affect older properties.
Immigration
Albania allows visa-free entry and stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period under specific conditions. Foreign
citizens can enter without a visa if they hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, a residence permit from a Schengen state, or a similar visa or permit from the US or UK, provided it has been previously used in the issuing country.
Visa-free entry is also granted to those who can travel freely within the Schengen Area, holders of a 10-year UAE residence permit valid for at least 1 year from entry, and citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Thailand between March 6 and December 31, 2024. Additionally, holders of specific EU-issued travel documents for refugees, stateless persons, and individuals under subsidiary protection are also eligible.
Foreigners planning to live and work in Albania must obtain a Unique Permit, a biometric document that combines work and residence permits. This permit was introduced in 2023 following amendments to Albania's immigration law, streamlining the process into a single document similar to a national ID card.
citizens can enter without a visa if they hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, a residence permit from a Schengen state, or a similar visa or permit from the US or UK, provided it has been previously used in the issuing country.
Visa-free entry is also granted to those who can travel freely within the Schengen Area, holders of a 10-year UAE residence permit valid for at least 1 year from entry, and citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Thailand between March 6 and December 31, 2024. Additionally, holders of specific EU-issued travel documents for refugees, stateless persons, and individuals under subsidiary protection are also eligible.
Foreigners planning to live and work in Albania must obtain a Unique Permit, a biometric document that combines work and residence permits. This permit was introduced in 2023 following amendments to Albania's immigration law, streamlining the process into a single document similar to a national ID card.
Moving
Transportation: Albania's household goods transportation predominantly utilizes road freight. The primary seaport for shipments is the Port of Durrës, while the main international airport facilitating air freight is Tirana International Airport (TIA).
Customs Duties: shipments of household goods can be exempt from customs duties if the items have been owned and used for at least 6 months prior to relocation and the individual has lived abroad for at least 1 year. A security deposit is required for the exemption, refundable after 2 years upon proof that the goods have not been sold or transferred. Diplomatic passport holders are always exempt from customs duties.
Customs clearance typically takes 2-3 days, during which port charges and customs fees may apply.
Customs Duties: shipments of household goods can be exempt from customs duties if the items have been owned and used for at least 6 months prior to relocation and the individual has lived abroad for at least 1 year. A security deposit is required for the exemption, refundable after 2 years upon proof that the goods have not been sold or transferred. Diplomatic passport holders are always exempt from customs duties.
Customs clearance typically takes 2-3 days, during which port charges and customs fees may apply.
