Albania: Combined Visa, Work and Residence Permit Now Available
March 22, 2023
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At a Glance
- Eligible foreign nationals, including remote workers, au pairs and retirees, can now apply for the Unique Permit, which combines existing visa, work and residence permit applications into a single, streamlined application.
- Under the new policy, business travelers who stay for more than one month within a year need to obtain a Unique Permit.
- This permit will replace certain existing application processes, including the Work and Residence Permit, Certificate of Exemption and Work Registration Certificate.
- The Unique Permit is expected to reduce administrative hurdles and process delays as a result of the online application and expedited processing time of two months, which is shorter than that of other permits in Albania.
The situation
The Unique Permit is now available to certain foreign nationals seeking work authorization and/or residence in Albania. This permit will replace certain existing application processes, including the Work and Residence Permit, Certificate of Exemption and Work Registration Certificate.
A closer look
The Unique Permit is now available for the following categories of foreign nationals:
| Permit subcategories | Details |
| Business travelers | Business travelers who stay for more than one month within a year need to obtain a Unique Permit. |
| Remote workers |
|
| Au pairs |
|
| Real estate purchase |
|
| Retirees |
|
| Longer stay available for EU, U.S. and Western Balkan citizens |
|
- 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.
Impact
- 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.
Background
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.
Looking ahead
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.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
