Company Formation in Albania for Foreign Nationals

Why Set Up a Company in Albania?

Albania has become an increasingly practical base for Turkish and Azerbaijani entrepreneurs. Key advantages include:

• 15% corporate income tax — one of the lowest rates in Europe
• EU candidate country — Albania is actively aligning its regulations with EU standards, which benefits businesses planning future expansion
• No minimum capital requirement for an SHPK (limited liability company) — you can register with as little as 1 Albanian lek
• Fast registration — the National Registration Centre (NRC) can complete basic registration in 1 to 3 business days
• Path to residence — owning and actively running a registered company qualifies you for a self-employment residence permit

Business Structures Available to Foreign Nationals

Albania's commercial law allows foreign nationals to register and own companies on the same terms as Albanian citizens. The most common structures are:

• SHPK (Shoqëri me Përgjegjësi të Kufizuar) — the Albanian equivalent of a limited liability company (LLC). The most popular choice for foreign entrepreneurs. Can have one or more shareholders, liability is limited to share capital.
• Sole trader (Tregtari i Vetëm) — simpler registration for freelancers and small businesses, but the owner bears unlimited personal liability. Suited to low-risk, service-based activities.
• Branch office — a foreign company can register a branch in Albania without creating a separate legal entity. The parent company retains full liability.
• SH.A. (Joint-stock company) — suited to larger businesses planning to raise external investment. Minimum share capital of 3.5 million Albanian lek applies.

Registration Steps

1. Choose your structure — we assess your activity type, revenue expectations, and residency goals to recommend the right structure
2. Draft the founding documents — articles of association and other required notarised documents
3. Submit to the NRC — the National Registration Centre via e-Albania; you receive a unique company identification number (NIPT)
4. Tax registration — automatic with NRC registration; you will be assigned a tax number and VAT status if applicable
5. Open a business bank account — required for operational activity; we assist with the introduction to partner banks
6. Obtain any sector-specific licences — some activities (construction, healthcare, food service) require additional permits from line ministries

Timeline and Costs

Basic SHPK registration through the NRC takes 1 to 3 business days once all documents are in order. Notarisation, translation, and bank account opening add additional time; allow 1 to 2 weeks for the full process. NRC registration fees are modest (a few thousand Albanian lek); notary and translation costs vary.

How Alba Visa Helps

We advise on structure, prepare and notarise all founding documents, submit your application to the NRC via e-Albania, handle tax registration, and introduce you to partner banks and accountants. We also assist with the self-employment residence permit once your company is active. All communication is in Turkish and English.