This summer, the Albanian National Assembly adopted a significant package of amendments to the Law on Foreigners, signalling a clear shift toward aligning national migration rules with key EU directives. While the legal changes are substantial, their purpose is broader: to simplify how Albania governs entry, residence, and work rights for foreign nationals, especially those from the European Union. The reform reflects both Albania’s political will to approximate the EU acquis and a growing recognition that the country must adapt to new demographic, labour, and mobility dynamics. While the amendments cover a wide range of areas, we highlight below the provisions most likely to impact foreign nationals and their interactions with Albanian institutions.
Free movement of EU citizens: From Permit to Registration
At the heart of the reform lies Article 33/1, a landmark provision that for the first time recognises the right of EU citizens and their family members to move, reside, and work freely in Albania.
Under the new rules, EU citizens who intend to stay in Albania for more than 90 days will no longer be required to apply for a traditional residence permit or a unique permit. Instead, they must register online with the migration authority within three months of arrival. Upon registration, they receive a certificate confirming their right of residence, which allows them to lawfully remain in Albania. This right applies to EU nationals who are employed or self-employed in Albania, enrolled as students and financially self-sufficient, or economically independent individuals with sufficient income and valid health insurance.
An equally important innovation is the extension of residence rights to family members, including spouses and children who are not EU citizens themselves. These family members may reside in Albania on the basis of reunification with an EU citizen and are entitled to a residence card valid for up to five years. After five years of continuous legal residence, both EU citizens and their family members can apply for permanent residence, provided they meet the necessary conditions.
While the reform provides a strong legal foundation, its success will ultimately depend on the capacity of institutions to implement it effectively. A key issue that remains unresolved is the lack of a definition for what constitutes “sufficient resources,” a central requirement for economically inactive EU nationals such as retirees or students. This ambiguity is expected to be addressed through secondary legislation, which should ideally establish clear thresholds based on Albania’s minimum wage, subsistence levels, or social assistance benchmarks, thereby ensuring consistency and legal certainty.
In addition, the registration procedure itself is expected to be further regulated through detailed implementing acts. These acts should clarify the procedural steps, documentation requirements, and deadlines applicable to both EU citizens and their family members. Particular attention will need to be paid to ensure that the online registration process is accessible, user-friendly, and supported by adequate administrative guidance
Regulating a Grey Zone: Legal Recognition for Domestic Workers
Another important change is the formal recognition of domestic workers as a legal category eligible for residence and work permits. Until now, foreign nationals employed in private households, such as caregivers or housekeepers, operated in a regulatory grey zone.
The 2025 reform introduces a dedicated, unique permit for domestic workers, issued for the duration of their employment relationship. Such a unique permit is subject to the usual labour and migration compliance requirements, and the employment relationship must be duly declared.
A More Predictable Visa System
The recent amendments introduce a more structured and predictable visa regime, particularly for type C multiple-entry visas. A tiered system now allows eligible applicants to progress based on their travel history: those who have lawfully obtained and used three short-term visas within two years may qualify for a one-year multiple-entry visa; after successfully using that, they may become eligible for a two-year visa; and eventually, a five-year visa.
This progressive model, inspired by Schengen rules, promotes lawful travel by offering increasing flexibility to compliant visitors. Additionally, a new 15-day grace period after visa expiry provides a more proportionate response to minor overstays, except in cases involving national security.
With the amendments now in force, the focus must shift from legislative intent to practical execution. Ensuring the reforms achieve their full impact will require more than administrative preparedness; it demands consistent institutional coordination, clear and timely secondary legislation, and accessible guidance for the public. The coming months will be significant in shaping the procedures, tools, and legal certainty needed to support a migration system that is not only compliant on paper but functional, fair, and future-proof in practice.
The information in this document does not constitute legal advice on any particular matter and is provided for general informational purposes only.
