Albania: Combined Visa, Work and Residence Permit Now Available

The Unique Permit is now available for the following categories of foreign nationals:

• Process changes. The Unique Permit is an online application (applicants must also submit hard copies to immigration authorities for record keeping). The processing time is expected to be two months, which is shorter than other permit types in Albania. Unique Permit applicants also obtain a Type D visa online while in Albania after the approval of their work permit.
• Validity of existing documents. During the transitional phase during which the government implements this new residence category, current residence and work permits will remain valid until their expiration date, unless otherwise stated by authorities.

• Quicker process. The Unique Permit is expected to expedite and centralize the visa, residence and work authorization process, lessening administrative hurdles and reducing process delays as a result.  
• Efforts to combat skill shortages and depopulation. This permit aims to provide easier residence and work permit access to certain foreign nationals, with the aim to fulfill industry demand and revitalize the country’s aging population.

The Albanian Parliament approved Unique Permit legislation in June 2021; since then, many European countries have streamlined application processes and created combination-based permits to lessen ongoing skill shortages and revitalize economic markets affected by COVID-19.

Since the Unique Permit is replacing multiple application processes, this may result in discrepancies surrounding eligibility assessments and document requirements, especially during the transition period.