Information for Travelers

Residency in Albania

Entry To Albania

At the port of entry (Rinas, Durres, etc.) the passport is stamped with the date of arrival. It is important to check that the immigration police have stamped the passport and entered the date correctly. This allows you to stay in Albania for 90 calendar days.

If One Wishes To Stay Over 90 Days

For stays over 90 days one must apply for an Albanian Residency Permit at the police station nearest your place of residence. The validity for a residency permit varies from three months to 5 years and then there is a permanent residency permit issued in special cases. The following documents are submitted in support of the application for a residency permit to the local Police Commissariat:

1. A letter requesting a Residency Permit in which the purpose of your stay and your Albanian address is accurately stated;
2. Passport used to enter Albania and notarized copies of pages bearing important information as well as a notarized copy of the page stamped by the police at the port of entry. (The passport will be returned to the applicant immediately while the copy will be retained together with the other papers);
3. A Court certificate from your home country stating that currently you are not under any criminal proceedings. Certain certificates are unavailable in the U.S. but an Affidavit of Eligibility for a Residency Permit acceptable by the local authorities can be obtained at the U.S. Embassy Tirana against a fee of $30.00 USD;
4. A Police certificate from your home country stating your conduct for the last six months,(the good-boy letter). Certain certificates are unavailable in the U.S. but an Affidavit of Eligibility for a Residency Permit acceptable by the local authorities can be obtained at the U.S. Embassy Tirana against a fee of $30.00 USD;
   Note: Point 3 and 4 are adequately satisfied by one/one Affidavit of Eligibility for a Residency Permit.
5. A copy of your lease;
6. Family Certificate translated and notarized if accompanied by family members. Certain certificates are not available in the U.S. but a notarized personal statement can be submitted to that effect;
7. Two photos 3.5 x 4.5 cm for person and each family member (if they are applying);
   Financial evidence and notarized copy of the legal permit to perform economical or humanitarian activities, a bank statement and a bankbook; and
8. Certification from host or employer stating purpose of stay, how does he/she relate to the declared activity, involvement in the activity and its necessity.

All the above mentioned documents must have been issued no later than three months from the date of application.

To Renew the Residency Permit

The following documents must be submitted for renewal of the residency permit:

• Written request for renewal where the purpose of such renewal is clearly stated;
• Financial evidence and notarized copy of the legal permit to perform economical or humanitarian activities, a bank statement and a bankbook;
• A copy of the previous residency permit;
• One picture 3.5 x 4.5 cm for person and each family member (if they are applying) for the renewal of the residency permit.

Fee Schedule for a Residency Permit

Validity	Price in Lek
3 months	3.600
6 months	7.200
1 year	24.000
5 years	60.000
Permanent validity	120.000

One should always carry the Residency Permit along to be able to show it to the police at any time. The authorities will cancel the residency permit if one has been out of the country for more than:

• three months if the residency permit had a 1 year validity;
• six months if the residency permit had a 5 year validity; and
• two years if the residency permit had a permanent validity.

What If I have Resided In Albania For More Than the Initial 90-day period But Have Not Gone Through the Regular Procedure?

In such cases, one must go to the Police Station to regularize the stay. Depending on the circumstances, a fine may be assessed.