Albania has introduced a Unique Residence Permit, often referred to as the Digital Nomad Visa, which allows digital nomads to stay in Albania for a year, renewable for up to five years. This scheme was introduced at the start of 202.

Requirements

The requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa in Albania are as follows:

1. Employment Status: You should be a digital nomad who is self-employed or employed abroad.
2. Income: You must have an estimated minimum income of at least $9,800 per year for an individual.
3. Contract: You must provide a contract with a foreign company, a service contract with a foreign contractor, or a contract with a client for a specific remote project.
4. Tax: You will be required to pay taxes on both foreign and domestic income.

Application process

The application process for the Digital Nomad Visa in Albania is as follows:

1. Gather the required documents: This includes proof of employment status, income, and contracts.
2. Make an appointment: Schedule an appointment at your nearest Albania consulate or embassy.
3. Submit your documents in person: You will need to submit all the required documents in person.
4. Pay the application fee: The application fee for the Albania Digital Nomad Visa is around €100.
5. Wait for approval: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for approval. The processing time for the Albania Digital Nomad Visa is around 10 business days.

Taxes

As a digital nomad in Albania, you are required to pay taxes on both foreign and domestic income. However you will not be considered a tax resident for the first 12 months, which means you'll have a tax excemption on the first year.

As of 2024, the general personal income tax rate for self-employed individuals is 15% on the first 14 million ALL (around €120,000). If you exceed this threshold, the rate jumps to 23% on the income above.