Steps to Open a Company in Albania as a Foreigner

Your Friendly Guide from Someone Who’s Helped Dozens Navigate the Process  

So, you’re thinking of opening a company in Albania? First off—welcome. Whether you’ve fallen in love with the coast, see the potential in this growing market, or just want a fresh start somewhere warm and exciting, Albania is a pretty great place to do business right now.  

I’ve helped quite a few foreign clients set up their companies here—mostly in real estate, hospitality, tourism, and services. And while the paperwork may sound intimidating at first, the actual process is much smoother than in many other European countries. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown, based on real experience—not just the formal rules.  

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1. Choose the Right Legal Structure  

Let’s start simple.  

The most common and straightforward business type in Albania is the Sh.p.k.  

That stands for “Shoqëri me përgjegjësi të kufizuar” — or, in English, a Limited Liability Company (LLC). It’s flexible, affordable, and easy to manage.  

You’ve got three main options:  

• Sh.p.k. – The standard LLC  

• Sh.p.k. with a single partner – If you’re going solo  

• Sh.A. – Joint-stock company (more suitable for big or investor-heavy ventures)  

Most entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small investors go with the Sh.p.k. It’s the easiest, and you only need 100 lekë (yes, literally about 1 euro ) to start.  

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2. Pick a Business Name  

This part is fun—but you’ll want to double-check availability.  

Your company name has to be unique and follow Albanian naming laws.  

To check if your idea is taken, visit the National Business Center website (QKB) . It’s all public. Just type your name idea into their system and see if it’s free.  

Tip from the field: Choose something pronounceable by locals if you plan to market here. English or Italian names are common and accepted.  

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3. Register Your Company at the QKB  

This is the official registration step, and it can be done:  

• In person at any QKB office  

• Or online , which is pretty efficient nowadays  

Here’s what you’ll need:  

• A valid passport (no residency required!)  

• Founding act and company statutes (must be in Albanian)  

• A registered address in Albania  

• A capital declaration (even if it’s the symbolic 100 lekë)  

• A list of your business activities using NACE codes  

It might sound bureaucratic, but with a good translator or legal assistant, this process often takes just a couple of days. I always recommend working with someone local for the documentation—it makes a world of difference.  

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4. Get Your NUIS (Tax Identification Number)  

Once your company is registered, you’re automatically issued a NUIS .  

That’s the Albanian equivalent of a tax ID or VAT number.  

You’ll receive this along with your registration certificate. No extra steps needed.  

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5. Open a Business Bank Account in Albania 

You’ll need: 

• Your company’s registration certificate 

• A copy of your company’s documents 

• Passports or IDs for the shareholders/administrator 

Most banks will ask you to be present in person, though some allow opening an account via a Power of Attorney . My tip? Go with banks that are used to working with foreigners (Credins, OTP, and Raiffeisen tend to be smoother). 

Also, be prepared—they may ask what your business will do, or even want to see your contracts or invoices later. Albanian banks are tightening regulations to meet EU standards. 

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6. Register for Taxes and Social Insurance (If Hiring Staff) 

If you’re planning to hire employees or operate with regular invoices, there’s a bit more setup involved. You’ll need to: 

• Register at the Tax Office 

• Register with the Social Insurance Institute 

• Declare your business address 

• Apply for a fiscal device if you’ll be issuing receipts or invoices 

This part often confuses people because it’s not always well-explained online. If you’re hiring locals or operating a physical location, get a good accountant early on. They’ll handle monthly filings and make sure you stay compliant. 

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7. Apply for a Business License (If Required) 

Not all businesses need a license, but many do—especially: 

• Real estate agencies 

• Construction or renovation companies 

• Tourism operators 

• Restaurants and bars 

You can apply for most licenses via e-Albania , which is Albania’s official e-government portal. If you’ve never used it before, you’ll probably need someone with an Albanian ID to assist at first. 

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Final Thoughts from Someone Living It

I live and work in Saranda—one of the most exciting places on the Albanian Riviera for new businesses right now. The opportunities here aren’t just hype. They’re real.

I’ve seen people arrive here on vacation, fall in love with the place, and return three months later with a business plan in hand. If that’s you—I get it. And if you’re not sure where to start, feel free to reach out. My team and I help foreigners open companies here all the time. We know the system, the workarounds, and—importantly—the human side of it.

Whether you’re dreaming of opening a beachfront café, starting a property company, or launching something totally new… you’ll find Albania surprisingly open to entrepreneurs.

If you’re already imagining life on the coast, take a look at some of our available properties. Many clients start with a residential investment before going fully into business:

• New Projects – Viva View

• Luxury Seaview Apartments in Saranda

• Affordable 2-Bedroom Apartment in Prime Location

Good luck on your journey—and if you need someone on the ground, I’m always here.