Immigration to Albania for Ukrainians

Long-term residence in Albania for Ukrainians in 2026

Thanks to a special decision by the Albanian Council of Ministers, Ukrainians can stay in the country without a residence permit until March 30, 2027—without any additional documents.

However, if you plan to work officially, stay in Albania after 2027, or want to have full legal status, you should apply for a residence permit (RP). The basis for this is a long-term Type D visa.

What is a long-term D-type visa?

This visa is for those who plan to:

• apply for a residence permit after entering Albania;
• work officially or conduct business in the country;
• stay in Albania for an extended period.

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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