Albania Moving Guide
Thinking about making the move to Albania? Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! From the bustling capital city of Tirana, to the charming countryside, and the stunning Albanian Riviera, you’ll never run out of things to explore. Imagine sipping coffee in the charming streets of Shkoder, taking in the stunning views of Berat, or lounging on the beautiful beaches of Saranda, Vlora and Durres. With delicious food, friendly locals, and a low cost of living, Albania has something for everyone. Don’t wait any longer, pack your bags and get ready to call this beautiful country home!
Key Facts
Language: Albanian
Currency: Lek
Population: Approximately 2.9 million people
Capital City: Tirana
Climate: Albania has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET)
Country Code: +355
Top Destinations
- Tirana
- Saranda
- Durres
- Shkoder
- Vlora
- Korca
- Berat
Gjirokastër, Albania
Why Albania?
Affordability: Albania has a relatively low cost of living compared to many other European countries.
Natural Beauty: Albania offers a diverse range of landscapes, from the rugged mountains to the pristine beaches of the Albanian Riviera.
Rich Culture and History: Albania has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from its ancient Illyrian and Roman past, as well as its Ottoman and communist eras.
Growing Job Market: Albania’s economy is growing and it is becoming a more popular destination for foreign investment.
Friendly and welcoming people: Albanians are known to be friendly and welcoming to foreigners, making it easy to make connections and feel at home in the country.
Mediterranean climate: Albania has a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and hot summers, making it a good destination for people who enjoy warm weather.
Tourism Industry: Albania is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, and the tourism industry is growing rapidly.
Fun Facts
Albania is home to the world’s only remaining medieval castle town, Berat.
Albania is the birthplace of Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun and missionary of Albanian-Indian descent.
Albania has a rich history of traditional folk music, including the unique and distinctive style of folk music called “çiftelia”
Albania has a rich and diverse cuisine, with influences from Greece, Italy, and Turkey.
Albania is home to many beautiful beaches and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for beach holidays.
Potential Downsides
Infrastructure: Albania’s infrastructure is still developing, and in some areas, it may not be as developed as in other European countries. This can make it difficult to access certain services or amenities.
Job Market: While the job market is growing, it may still be difficult for some expats to find work, particularly in certain fields. Additionally, the average salary in Albania is lower compared to other European countries.
Corruption: Albania is still dealing with a certain level of corruption in some areas, which can make it difficult to navigate certain aspects of daily life.
Pollution: Albania’s environment has been affected by pollution, particularly in urban areas, due to the lack of regulations and enforcement.
Healthcare: While healthcare system is improving, it may still not be at the same level as in other European countries.
Limited nightlife: some areas in Albania may have a limited nightlife, with less options for entertainment.
Natural Disasters: Albania is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.
Checklist for Moving to Albania
✓ Research the area
✓ Obtain a work or residence permit
✓ Find a place to live
✓ Sort out your healthcare
✓ Learn some basic phrases
✓ Open a bank account
✓ Find a school for children
✓ Get familiar with the transportation
✓ Find a doctor and dentist
✓ Get to know the community
✓ Get a local SIM card
✓ Get your documents translated
Taxes in Albania
Taxes in Albania are levied by both the central government and local municipalities. The Albanian tax system is based on a progressive income tax, where individuals and companies pay different tax rates based on their income level.
Individuals are subject to a personal income tax, which ranges from 0% for low-income earners to 24% for high-income earners. Income tax is paid on a monthly basis through withholding tax by employers.
Companies are subject to a corporate income tax of 15% on their taxable profits. Additionally, value-added tax (VAT) is also imposed on goods and services, at a standard rate of 20%.
There are also various other taxes in Albania, such as property taxes, taxes on vehicles, and taxes on certain goods and services. The tax system in Albania is still developing and it is undergoing changes in recent years. It’s important to stay informed about the current tax laws and regulations in Albania, and to seek professional advice if necessary.
Real Estate in Albania
Foreigners are able to buy real estate in Albania. The Albanian government has implemented laws and regulations to make the process of buying and owning property in Albania as easy as possible for foreigners.
Foreigners are able to buy and own property in Albania without any restrictions, as long as the property is not located in a protected area and the purchase does not violate any national security laws.
However, it is recommended that a lawyer is consulted to help with the legal procedures, as well as to check for any potential legal issues with the property. It’s also important for the potential buyers to be aware of the tax implications and fees related to buying and owning property in Albania.
In addition to buying property, foreigners are also allowed to rent or lease property in Albania. The process of buying, renting or leasing a property in Albania is similar to other European countries, and it is advisable to seek professional help to make sure the process is done correctly.
Guides for traveling
Final thoughts
In conclusion, Albania offers many benefits to expats who are considering relocating there. From its stunning natural landscapes and delicious cuisine to its friendly people and rich cultural heritage, there’s a lot to love about this little-known country. The cost of living is relatively low, which means you’ll have more money to explore the country and fully immerse yourself in the culture. Plus, with a Mediterranean climate, you’ll be able to enjoy warm weather all year round!
But as with any adventure, there are bound to be some challenges along the way. The infrastructure is still developing, and finding a job may not be as easy as it is in some other European countries. Also, corruption is still an issue in Albania and pollution is a problem. But the healthcare system is improving and Albania’s economy is growing.
In the end, whether Albania is the right place for you depends on your personal preferences. But if you’re looking for an adventure, a change of pace, and a chance to experience a unique culture, Albania might just be the perfect destination.
ica
A Seattle native who decided to embark on a journey of a lifetime. Together with my husband Kostika, we're on a mission to find our new home abroad and live the life we've always dreamed of. From exploring new cultures to meeting fascinating people, we're excited for all the adventures that lie ahead in our pursuit of creating the ultimate international lifestyle.
