Draft Legal Changes in 2026 for Expats in Albania

If you live in Albania, or are considering relocating, 2026 is a year worth paying attention to how the recent legal changes are reshaping the framework for foreigners living, working and investing in the country. Albania’s immigration system is undergoing steady reform, with a clear move toward greater structure and closer alignment with European standards.

Following substantial amendments adopted in 2025, the government introduced a new draft law in early 2026 aimed at refining visa, residence and stay procedures. While still progressing through the legislative process, the proposal signals a consistent direction: simplification, digitalisation and improved transparency.

The Background: Reforms That Began in 2025

To understand the 2026 draft, it helps to look at what happened the year before.

In 2025, Albania amended Law No. 79/2021 “On Foreigners” to bring the country closer to EU migration standards. These changes are still being implemented in 2026 and have already reshaped how certain categories of foreigners are treated.

Among the key developments were:

• Easier residence procedures for EU citizens and their family members: EU nationals staying longer than 90 days now register online instead of applying for a traditional residence permit, significantly reducing administrative steps.
• Expanded family reunification rights: Non-EU family members benefit from clearer eligibility criteria and longer validity residence cards, offering greater legal stability for families.
• More clearly defined categories of work and residence permits: The law introduces structured classifications for workers, investors and specialised categories, reducing ambiguity in application procedures.
• Greater alignment with EU directives on mobility and migration: The amendments bring Albania’s migration framework closer to EU standards, supporting transparency, legal certainty and future integration efforts.

2026 Draft Law: Scope of Legal Changes Proposals

In February 2026, the government circulated a draft regulation aimed at modernising Albania’s immigration procedures and reducing long-standing administrative bottlenecks. While the proposal does not introduce dramatic policy changes, it focuses on something arguably more important: how the system works in practice for the people navigating it.

For many foreigners living in Albania, the challenge has never been understanding whether they qualify for residence, but rather managing paperwork, timelines and procedural uncertainty.

Digitalisation of Applications

One of the most practical elements of the draft is the move toward fully digital procedures.

The proposal would allow:

• Online submission of visa applications
• Digital residence permit applications
• Streamlined processing through centralised systems

Short-Stay Flexibility for EU Permit Holders

Another important proposal of announced legal changes concerns third-country nationals who already hold a valid EU visa or residence permit.

Under the draft, such individuals could enter Albania without an additional Albanian visa for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For regional mobility, remote workers and business travelers, this would make Albania more accessible and integrated with European travel frameworks.

Clearer Documentation Standards

The draft also aims to clarify documentation requirements for longer stays. This includes:

• Defined validity periods for criminal record certificates
• More precise financial documentation requirements
• Specific provisions for categories such as seasonal workers, domestic workers, athletes and students

These may seem technical, but clarity in documentation reduces uncertainty and inconsistency during application processes.

Work and Labour Considerations

Albania has experienced labour shortages in several sectors, including tourism and construction. The reform effort acknowledges this.

The draft framework seeks to simplify procedures for certain categories of foreign workers while maintaining regulatory safeguards. It also introduces clearer structures for highly skilled professionals, seasonal employees and other specialised categories.

For entrepreneurs and foreign investors operating in Tirana, this is a development to watch. A more predictable work permit regime reduces operational risk and improves planning certainty.

The EU Integration Context

These changes are not occurring in isolation. Albania’s EU accession process plays a significant role in shaping migration law reform. Harmonisation with EU standards in justice, mobility and migration management is a strategic priority. The draft law reflects this alignment effort, particularly in areas of procedural fairness, transparency and integration policy.

The broader message is clear: Albania aims to modernise its immigration system while strengthening legal safeguards.

What This Means in Practice

For foreigners currently in Tirana or planning to relocate, the direction of reform suggests:

• Greater administrative clarity
• More digital interaction with authorities
• Improved mobility for EU-connected individuals
• Better-defined categories for workers and family members

It is important to note that the 2026 draft is still under review. Until formally adopted, existing legislation remains applicable. However, the trajectory of reform is evident and consistent.

A Personal Perspective

Over the past few years, Albania has moved steadily toward making its immigration framework more structured and internationally recognisable. Tirana, as the administrative and economic centre, naturally reflects these changes first.

For expats, remote workers and investors, what matters most is predictability. The ongoing reforms suggest that Albania is working toward a system that is clearer, more efficient and more aligned with European norms.

If you are planning a move or already navigating residency procedures, staying informed in 2026 is particularly important. Legal frameworks are not static, and in Albania’s case, they are clearly evolving.

Your Next Step Toward Relocating to Albania

Relocating to a new country is never just about understanding the law. It is about timing, preparation and having the right guidance along the way. The trusted partners of Magic Towns Albania are here to support you step by step throughout your relocation journey, from initial planning to residence applications and beyond. If you are considering a move to Tirana or elsewhere in Albania, we invite you to fill out the form below and connect with our team for personalised assistance tailored to your situation.

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