Albania digital nomad visa: Complete guide for UK expats

Dreaming of working remotely in another country as a UK expat? If you have the kind of job that only requires an internet connection, you could become a digital nomad and explore the world - working as you go.

An increasingly popular spot for digital nomads is the southeastern European country of Albania. It offers everything from stunning natural scenery to a low cost of living, along with pretty decent Wi-Fi. Even better, Albania has its own dedicated digital nomad visa.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to get a digital nomad visa for Albania. This includes info on how much this visa costs, eligibility requirements, the documents you’ll need and how long you can stay.

We’ll also show you a cost-effective way to manage your money across borders. With the Wise account from the money services provider Wise, you can send, spend and convert money in 40+ currencies at great mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees. It’s not a bank account but offers some similar features, and your money is safeguarded.

Looking to take your savings with you? Wise can also help you with large transfers.

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Albania digital nomad visa: requirements and eligibility

Albania is one of many countries which offers a digital nomad visa.

It’s known as a Unique Permit, which you’ll apply for on arrival in Albania after securing a Type D long stay visa.

With this visa and accompanying permit, eligible foreign nationals can legally live in Albania and work remotely for an overseas employer or clients.

The Albanian digital nomad visa lasts for 1 year, but can be renewed.¹

You may also be able to bring close family members with you on this visa, including your spouse/partner and dependent children.

To meet the Albania digital nomad visa requirements, you’ll need to have a minimum income. It’s not clear from official sources how much this is, but it’s estimated to be around $9,800 USD (approx. £7,411 GBP) a year.¹

How much does it cost?

The Albania digital nomad visa costs a certain amount in application fees, but these are based on something known as ‘reciprocity’. This means that the fee is equivalent to what an Albanian national would have to pay to get a similar visa for the UK.² You’ll find out what the fee is when you start the application process.

Aside from the upfront application fees, there may be other costs to factor in. For example, the cost of getting travel/health insurance, or having documents translated.

What documents do you need?

You’ll need the following documents to apply for a digital nomad visa for Albania:³

• A completed application form - you can complete and submit this online
• Your passport (original and copies) with validity for at least 3 months beyond the requested visa period and 2 blank pages
• If you’re not a UK national, a valid residence permit for the UK
• A recent passport-size colour photograph of yourself, taken no more than 6 months before the application
• A copy of a valid employment contract with an overseas employer, or work/service contracts if you’re self-employed
• If self-employed, proof of previous client contracts showing at least 3 months of paid work.
• Proof of accommodation in Albania, such as a rental contract or hotel booking
• Documents proving your professional capacity, such as qualification certificates and/or work experience
• Bank statements from the last 12 months.

If you’re bringing family members with you, you’ll also need relevant supporting documents for them too.

How to apply for the digital nomad visa for Albania

You can apply for the digital nomad visa for Albania online, via the Albanian government’s E-Visa Application System.

Here’s how to apply, step-by-step:

1. Check your eligibility
2. Get your documents together
3. Go to theE-Visa portal
4. Select ‘Visa Type D’
5. Select the drop-down for ‘Visa for digital mobile workers (D)’ and then click ‘Apply’
6. Create an online account
7. Complete the online application form, uploading supporting documents when prompted
8. Pay the visa application fee
9. Wait for your application to be processed
10. If your visa is approved, you’ll receive details on how you’ll receive it, plus what permit to apply for when you arrive in Albania.

While you’re waiting for your visa to be issued, you can get on with other important pre-move preparations.

For example, finding somewhere to live, getting a suitable SIM card for your phone and perhaps getting some Albanian lek (ALL) or a travel-friendly card, like the Wise card, to cover your first days and weeks in the country.

How long can you stay in Albania as a digital nomad?

The digital nomad visa for Albania lets you stay in the country for up to 1 year, and it can also be renewed.²

In total, it could mean a stay of up to 5 years.²

Taxes for digital nomads in Albania

While you’re living and working in Albania as a digital nomad, you may need to pay taxes on your income.

There’s no specific Albania digital nomad visa tax, just income tax rules that apply to anyone considered a tax resident of the country.

If you have the Type D visa and the Unique Permit, it’s likely that you’ll be classed as a tax resident of Albania.⁴ This means you’ll have to pay tax on both your local and worldwide earnings.

There’s also the issue of what income taxes are due in the UK, and the need to avoid paying tax twice on the same income.

Tax between countries can be really complicated, so it’s best to get professional advice to make sure you understand your obligations.

Save on your relocation costs with Wise

That’s everything you need to know about the digital nomad visa in Albania. Make sure you check for any updates to the application process or the requirements ahead of applying.

Before moving to Albania, you’re likely to have lots of costs to cover. Some of these, such as real estate costs, visa application fees and rental deposits, will need to cross borders and can get expensive because of the transfer fees and exchange rate markups.

Open a Wise account and you can send money between the UK and 140+ countries in 40+ currencies for low, transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rate. It's not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is safeguarded.

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FAQs

Is it possible to extend the Albania digital nomad visa?

Yes, you can extend the Albania digital nomad visa as long as you meet the requirements, which could mean a total stay of up to 5 years.²

Does an Albania digital nomad visa lead to citizenship?

There isn’t a direct route to citizenship with the Albanian digital nomad visa but it could be the first step.

After applying for and renewing your residency permit, you may be able to stay for up to 5 years. And after this time, you can apply for permanent residency - and then apply for citizenship after you’ve been in the country 7 years.⁵

How long does it take to get a digital nomad visa for Albania?

The processing time for visa applications is around 15 working days, although in some cases it can take as long as 30 working days.³

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 28-Nov-2025