Lately, I’ve seen quite a few Americans who’ve already moved to Albania, some who are in the middle of relocating, and others who are seriously thinking about it. Around the same time, when I was in America a month ago, I also met Albanians who were thinking about moving back to their homeland.

Growing up in a country where America was considered the dream, hearing that was honestly surprising.

But if you asked, “What’s making Albanians in America consider coming back?” …the answers were pretty much the same…

• “I want my kids to be raised in their country, to learn and preserve the traditions.”
• “I want to invest in Albania, it seems like there are rising opportunities there.”

On the other side, Americans who are thinking about moving to Albania often mention reasons like:

One-Year Visa for US Citizens

First things first, Albania offers a 1-year visa on arrival for US citizens. No messy applications. No long waiting times.

You literally show up, get stamped in, and you’re good to stay for a full year.

Personally, I think that’s super convenient, especially when you look at how complicated moving to most other European countries can be. This makes it one of the easiest (if not The easiest!) countries in Europe for Americans to stay long-term without the stressing out from visa processes.

Life Isn’t Just About Work Here

There’s something about life in Albania (and a lot of Europe honestly), it’s not all about grinding at work 24/7.

People actually live. And I love that!

It’s normal to see cafes full in the middle of the day, or groups of friends getting coffee at 9 p.m. And it’s not really about actually having coffee, it’s more about being with people, catching up, laughing, just enjoying life without feeling guilty about it.

Walkable Cities and Accessible Facilities

One thing Americans notice fast: you don’t have to drive everywhere. (I found this inconvenient in America.) Most cities are walkable here.

Need groceries? A pharmacy? A quick snack? It’s probably a short walk away, not a 20-minute car ride. And there are shops that stay open late, at least compared to other countries I’ve seen like Italy and Malta, where shops shut down relatively early.

Traveling Europe is Way Cheaper (and Easier)

Being based in Albania means cheap flights across Europe. A trip to Italy from the US might cost around $500+, but from Albania, you can find the same flight for as cheap as 1490 L (around $17) one-way trip! You can even visit places like Italy within a weekend…or within a day! I’ve travelled to Italy before (Bologna, Catania) just for a day there, and it’s such an adventure.

Work Less, Live More

This is the real jackpot: If you have a remote job with a US company and you move to Albania, you’ll feel rich compared to the average local salary.

I mean…you can always work more if you wish, but overall, life’s more balanced here, more affordable, and your dollars stretch way, way further.

You can actually live the dream. Work a reasonable amount, enjoy your free time, eat out, travel, save money, things that feel almost impossible or a bit challenging in America right now.

Sun, Good Food, Good People

The weather here is amazing! In January, I was on a road trip to Përmet and it literally felt like spring. People were enjoying the sun and thermal baths like it was May.

The food is fresh and organic (if you know where to buy it as well).
You can taste the difference, the tomatoes actually taste like tomatoes, you know?

Albanians are super welcoming. But also genuine. An American friend of mine put it perfectly: “Either they like you, and you know it, or they don’t like you, and you know it. Very direct, which I like.”

Investments Are Heating Up (But Still Affordable

Real estate and small businesses are booming here. Prices are rising, sure, but they’re still way more reasonable than most other European countries. So, you’re thinking about investing long-term, now is a very interesting time to get in.

But Now, Let’s Talk About the Challenges

Of course, it’s not all perfect in Albania. And I’ll be real about the not-so-fun parts, based on real experiences of those who’ve moved here as well.

Bureaucracy

Paperwork can be slow and frustrating. Getting documents like apostille birth certificates, FBI background checks, and other certifications might take time, both in the US and once you’re in Albania.

Tip: If you can, keep your job tied to the US, it’ll save you a lot of headaches.

Nepotism and Favoritism

If you’re planning to work locally, be prepared: Connections (“who you know”) often matter more than qualifications. This can be very frustrating if you’re used to merit-based systems.

Driving is Chaotic

Traffic in Tirana is chaotic, drivers often ignore road rules, and congestion is heavy.
Roads in rural areas can be poorly maintained.

Important tip based on experience: Don’t trust Google Maps blindly; ask locals for directions when in doubt! Sometimes, you might end up literally in the middle of nowhere..

Healthcare System: Good for Small Treatments, Have a Plan for Serious Ones

For minor things, you’ll probably be fine.

But for anything serious, having a backup plan to go abroad for treatment is smart.
Private hospitals are better than public ones, but even then, it’s hit or miss. There are people here who go abroad just for health purposes, as they find the quality better in certain other countries.

Dental care is an exception though. Dental work here is cheap, professional, and a lot of Europeans actually come to Albania for it.

The same thing that applies to healthcare sometimes applies to education as well. Some parents choose to send their kids to private schools, and when it’s time for university, they often prefer investing in their future by sending them to study abroad.

Shipping Takes…Forever

Good news…the internet is solid. Fibre optic internet with 1GB speeds for about $20 a month in Tirana.
Outside major cities, it depends a bit, but overall, it’s much better than people expect.

Bad news…shipping takes some time (it might take a few weeks for purchases to come to your home).

Soo, if you love Amazon Prime, there’s no two-day shipping here.

Language and Cultural Differences

Even if you learn Albanian, it takes time to really blend in. The language is a bit difficult to learn, and of course, it needs lots of practice.

Another thing I’ve noticed and that many people comment on is how often people will just stare as you. I get it, it can feel super uncomfortable, especially when you have no idea why it’s happening. But from what I’ve seen, there are usually two reasons behind it. The first is plain curiosity. Albanians can be very curious, and sometimes a little nosy too. I’ve had strangers ask me all kinds of questions, “Where do you live?” “What do you do?” “Are you married? whether I was in Albania or travelling. It’s usually not meant in a bad way; they’re just genuinely interested.

Now, the second kind of stare… yeah, it might come with a bit of judgment. But I feel like that’s not as common. Most of the time, it’s more curiosity than anything else.

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Another tip… get used to carrying cash. Card payments aren’t as common as you might be used to, especially in smaller towns. That’s not convenient at all, especially if you’re used to using cards all the time.

Post-Communist Realities

Albania is still a country recovering from decades of communism. You will notice struggles with corruption, inequality, and slower development in some sectors.

If you have a steady income and a positive mindset, you’ll probably love it.
If you expect everything to work smoothly like in the US, you’ll get frustrated fast.

Afsluttende tanker

Moving to Albania as an American can be rewarding, a slower, simpler, and sunnier lifestyle that’s much more affordable than in the US.

But it’s important to move with realistic expectations.

Albania isn’t always just the “cheap Europe” fantasy some imagine. While it’s more affordable than probably most of the countries in Europe, living here comes with it’s own challenges.

If you’re financially secure, have remote work, and embrace the cultural differences with patience and an open mind, Albania could be the refreshing change you’re looking for.

Would I recommend trying it first? Absolutely.
Then you can decide if it feels like home, or just a beautiful chapter in your story.