The residence permit in Albania for EU citizens is removed!

Albania will grant the right to citizens of European Union countries to stay in Albanian territory without a residence permit or a unique permit, for more than three months.

This is one of the innovations proposed in the law on foreigners by the Ministry of the Interior, recently released for public consultation.

"The proposal for their exemption from this obligation is also in line with the recommendations left in the European Commission Report for 2023".

An EU citizen can reside in Albania without a residence permit or a unique permit if he meets one of these criteria, such as being employed or self-employed; to have sufficient financial resources for themselves and their family members so as not to become a burden on the social assistance system, as well as to have a health insurance policy in the Republic of Albania.

Those who will follow a study course in Albania also benefit from this facility.

Family members who are staying in our country can live in Albania for more than three months without a residence permit, fulfilling one of the above conditions.

"Citizens of the countries of the European Union, for periods of stay longer than three months, have the obligation to register with the civil status office, in whose territory they reside, no later than three months from the date of arrival. The civil status office provides them with a registration certificate".

Citizens of the European Union who have legally resided for a continuous period of five years in the Republic of Albania have the right to permanent residence.

According to the 2023 census, about 15,000 residents with foreign citizenship live in Albania.