Nearly 22,000 Foreigners Now Hold Residence Permits In Albania

Albania is quietly becoming home to a growing community of foreigners. According to the latest data from INSTAT, by the end of 2024, there were about 22,000 people holding valid residence permits in the country.

What’s more, more than half of them are here to work, filling labour gaps in industries like tourism and construction.

A Steady Rise in Residence Permits in Albania

The foreign resident population has increased significantly in recent years. In 2020, Albania registered around 13,600 residence permits. Four years later, that number has jumped to nearly 22,000, an increase of more than 60%. Even compared to 2023, the rise was notable, with a growth of over 2%.

Men continue to make up the majority of permit holders (about 62%), while women represent 38%. The most common age group is 30 to 39 years old, reflecting the young and active profile of people choosing to live in Albania.

Who’s Moving to Albania?

The largest share of foreigners still comes from Europe, about 14,000 people, or two-thirds of the total.

But there’s a clear shift happening. While the European share slightly declined, arrivals from Asia grew by 20%, and those from Africa, the Americas, and Oceania rose by more than 20%.

When looking at nationalities, Kosovars lead the way with 4,592 residents, followed by Italians (3,763) and Turkish citizens. Interestingly, India and the Philippines have now entered the top five, showing how Albanian businesses are increasingly hiring from South and Southeast Asia.

Why They’re Relocating

The reasons for residence permits paint a clear picture:

54% are issued for employment,
24% for family reunification,
16% for other personal reasons,
4% for studies,
and less than 1% for humanitarian grounds.

The demand for foreign workers is easy to understand. Albania currently has more than 5,000 job vacancies, especially in sectors struggling to attract local staff. Construction companies are recruiting teams from India, while hotels and restaurants often turn to workers from the Philippines, Vietnam, or Thailand.

Irregular Residency Declines

Another important finding is that the number of foreigners staying in Albania without proper documents has dropped sharply. In 2023, authorities recorded over 6,600 irregular residents. By 2024, that figure had fallen to around 1,500, suggesting that the system for permits and regulation is becoming more effective.

What This Means for Albania

These shifts mark an important change in Albania’s story. For decades, the country was known more for its own people emigrating abroad. Today, however, it is increasingly attracting foreign workers and families who see opportunities here.

This trend is reshaping not just the labour market but also Albania’s demographics and culture. Businesses are benefiting from new workers, while the country faces the challenge of ensuring fair integration, housing, and labour rights.

One thing is clear: Albania is no longer just a country of departure. It is slowly becoming a place where more people choose to settle, work, and build their lives.

FAQs About Residence Permits in Albania

1. How long is a residence permit valid in Albania?

Most residence permits are issued for one year and can be renewed. Some categories, like family reunification or long-term employment, may be granted longer durations.

2. What are the main requirements to apply for a residence permit?

Requirements depend on the purpose of stay. For work permits, you’ll typically need a valid work contract, proof of accommodation, and health insurance. Family reunification requires documents proving your relationship.

3. Can foreigners apply for permanent residency or citizenship?

Yes. After five years of legal stay (with residence permits), foreigners may apply for permanent residency. Citizenship usually requires a longer stay and additional conditions, such as knowledge of the Albanian language.

Thinking about moving to Albania?

If you need help with residence permits, legal support, or relocation guidance, our team can assist you step by step.

👉 Contact us today to get started with your Albania residence permit.

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Autor

Sara Alimehmeti

Sara verkörpert die Definition von Kreativität in ihrer Rolle als Inhaltserstellerin in unserem Team. Als albanische Muttersprachlerin konzentriert sie sich auf das Verfassen von qualitativen Beiträgen, meist gut recherchierte Artikel und informative Blogbeiträge. Sie spielt auch eine Schlüsselrolle bei der Erstellung von ansprechenden Beiträgen in den sozialen Medien, um eine gleichgesinnte Gemeinschaft von Albanisch-Liebhabern aufzubauen und sie bei der Stange zu halten. Zu ihren Qualifikationen gehören unter anderem ein von Reuters anerkanntes Zertifikat in Journalismus, ein Sprachzertifikat, ein Praktikum in Bukarest und eine Ausbildung in digitalem Marketing. Wenn Sara nicht an ihrem Schreibtisch sitzt und Inhalte erstellt, kann man sie beim Lesen eines guten Buches oder beim Aufschreiben ihrer Gedanken in ihrem Tagebuch antreffen.

Sie können ihre Worte auch bei Momentum Group, Bulls Media Albania, 112hub und Ajroni finden.