Albania Immigration
Unique immigration permit in Albania
Long-term residence in Albania
How to obtain Albanian citizenship?
Obtaining a Unique Immigration Permit for Albania (Leje Unike) for Ukrainians
The Unique Immigration Permit for Albania (Leje Unike) is an innovative solution that combines a work permit and a residence permit in one application. This permit provides foreigners, including Ukrainians, with the opportunity to live, work or conduct business in Albania legally.
What is Leje Unike?
Leje Unike is a combined permit designed for the following categories of persons:
- Entrepreneurs - for those who start a business or invest in Albania.
- Remote workers - including freelancers or employees of international companies.
- Au Pairs - for those who work in families.
- Real estate buyers - for people who have purchased a home in Albania.
- Retirees - for people who plan to spend their golden years in a warm country.
- Citizens of friendly countries - including Ukraine.
Advantages of the Unique Permit
1. Combined approach. You get a work and residence permit at once, which saves time and effort.
2. Convenient electronic procedure. The application is submitted through the e-Albania platform and no physical presence in Albania is required.
3. Fast processing of applications. Application processing takes up to 12 weeks, after which the permit is sent electronically.
General requirements for applicants
To obtain Leje Unike, you must meet the following criteria:
- Valid passport. The document must be valid for the entire duration of the permit.
- Good reasons for staying. For example, an employment contract, a real estate purchase contract or proof of income for pensioners.
- Financial solvency. You must confirm that you have sufficient funds to live in Albania.
- Residence in Albania. Own or rented housing.
- Health insurance. The policy must cover the entire period of validity of the permit.
- Certificate of no criminal record. The document must be legalized in accordance with international standards.
How to apply for Leje Unike?
Step 1. Register on the e-Albania platform
- Go to the official website of e-Albania.
- Register and select the “Application for a Unique Permit” service.
- Choose the category that suits your situation (work, business, real estate, etc.).
Step 2. Submission of documents
Upload:
- The completed electronic form.
- A copy of your passport.
- Receipt of payment of the administrative fee.
- Documents confirming your activity or grounds for staying in Albania.
Step 3. Sending documents by post
Send within 7 days:
- A printed application form.
- Two passport photos.
- Receipt of payment of the fee.
- A photocopy of your passport.
Step 4. Waiting for a response
- The application is considered up to 12 weeks.
- If approved, the permit is sent by e-mail.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the validity period of Leje Unike?
The validity period depends on the reason for issuance, usually from 1 to 3 years.
2. Can I apply from Ukraine?
Yes, the application is submitted online and physical presence in Albania is not required.
3. What should I do if my application is rejected?
You can file an appeal or re-apply with updated documents.
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Long-term residence in Albania for Ukrainians in 2025
The basis for a legal stay of more than 90 days is a long-term visa type D, which allows you to obtain a residence permit in the country.
What is a long-term visa type D?
This type of visa is required for Ukrainians who are planning to:
- Stay in Albania for more than 90 days within 180 days.
- Apply for a residence permit after entering Albania.
Grounds for obtaining a residence permit
To apply for a long-term residence permit, Ukrainians must have one of the following grounds:
1. Family reunification:
- With an Albanian citizen.
- With a foreigner who is already legally residing in Albania.
2. Education: Students enrolled in Albanian educational institutions.
3. Employment: formalization of work and residence permit.
4. Other reasons: e.g. investment, purchase of real estate, pension stay.
5. Special case: for certain categories defined by law.
Validity of the residence permit
A residence permit for Ukrainians can be issued for the following periods:
- Three, six months or one year: renewable up to five times in a row.
- Two years: a one-time extension is possible.
- Five years: for foreigners with a long-term stay.
- Permanent residence: if you have been living in Albania for more than five consecutive years, have a stable income, activity or family ties.
Main requirements and documents for long-term residence
1. Foreign passport. The passport must be valid for the entire period of stay.
2. A document proving the grounds for residence:
- Certificate of marriage or kinship.
- Employment contract or confirmation of employment.
- Document of admission to an educational institution.
3. Proof of financial solvency. A document demonstrating your ability to support yourself in Albania.
4. Health insurance. A policy that covers the entire period of stay in the country.
5. Certificate of no criminal record. Legalized and translated in accordance with the requirements.
6. A lease agreement or a housing ownership document.
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How to apply for a long-term residence permit?
- Get a type D visa. This is the first step to enter and legalize your stay in Albania.
- Gather the necessary documents. The list depends on the reason for your stay.
- Submit an application to the migration service. After entering Albania, contact the local migration office to submit your documents.
- The application processing time is usually 30-60 days.
- Obtaining a residence permit. The document is issued in electronic or physical format.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I work in Albania with a long-term type D visa?
Yes, provided that you have also obtained a work permit.
2. How long does it take to get a residence permit?
The application can take up to 60 days to be processed, depending on the complexity of the case.
3. Can I get a permanent residence permit?
Yes, if you have lived in Albania for more than 5 years and have a stable income or connections in the country.
How to obtain Albanian citizenship?
The process is regulated by the Law on Citizenship and provides for three main ways of acquiring citizenship:
- By birthright.
- By naturalization.
- By adoption.
1. Citizenship by right of birth
A child can obtain Albanian citizenship automatically under the following conditions:
- Both parents are Albanian citizens.
- One of the parents is an Albanian citizen and the child was born in the country.
- If the child is born outside Albania, but one of the parents is an Albanian citizen, with the consent of both parents.
- A child found in Albania without known parents is automatically granted citizenship.
Note: if the citizenship of the parents is later established, the child may lose Albanian citizenship upon the parents' application, provided that the child does not become stateless.
2. Citizenship by naturalization
Foreigners, including Ukrainians, can obtain citizenship by naturalization if they meet the following requirements:
- Age: the applicant must be over 18 years old.
- Residence: legal residence in Albania for at least 5 years (3 years for persons of Albanian origin).
- Financial solvency: availability of income sufficient for living in the country.
- Criminal record: no criminal convictions for crimes that require imprisonment for more than 3 years.
- Language: basic knowledge of the Albanian language.
- Security: the acquisition of citizenship should not threaten national security.
Special cases of naturalization
1. Marriage to an Albanian citizen: after 3 years of marriage, the applicant can obtain citizenship by residing in Albania for at least 1 year.
2. Albanian descent: persons with Albanian roots up to the second generation can obtain citizenship under a shortened procedure.
3. National interest: if a person has scientific, cultural or economic achievements important for Albania, some of the requirements may be waived.
3. Citizenship by adoption
A child adopted by Albanian citizens automatically acquires Albanian citizenship if:
- Both parents are Albanian citizens.
- One of the parents is an Albanian citizen and resides in Albania.
- Adoption prevents the risk of statelessness for the child.
The procedure for applying for citizenship
Where to apply?
- In Albania: to the Department of Citizenship or regional police.
- Outside of Albania: to Albanian consulates and embassies.
Documents required:
- Passport or other identity document.
- Documents confirming the grounds for acquiring citizenship (marriage, descent, adoption, etc.).
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Certificate of income or documents confirming financial stability.
- Certificate of Albanian language proficiency (if necessary).
Processing time: the process can take from several months to a year depending on the complexity of the case.
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