Emigration to Albania in 2025 for Ukrainians: obtaining a visa, relocation opportunities, rules for obtaining a residence permit and citizenship
Albania is attractive to Ukrainians for its unique culture and warm, pleasant climate. Most often, people travel to this country for tourism, but emigration for work and study is also high. Find out if you need a visa to Albania for Ukrainians, how entry to Albania is regulated for Ukrainians, and how to obtain Albanian citizenship
Eurostat reports that in 2024, the number of emigrants in Albania increased by 24% compared to the previous year, reaching 7.4 million. This was a record increase in Europe. The number of foreign tourists visiting Albania also rose to a record level of 11.7 million, which is 15.2% more than in the previous year.
Ukrainians in Albania, like other emigrants, have opportunities for legal employment, quality education and qualified medical care based on an insurance policy. Life in Albania for Ukrainians involves certain migration nuances, which are highlighted on the following official online platforms:
– e-Albania e-services portal;
– Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Albania (Ministria e Brendshme);
– Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania (Ministria për Europën dhe Punët e Jashtme);
– Embassy of Albania in Ukraine (e-mail: consul@albconsul.com);
– e-Visa Albania portal.
To make your migration quick, convenient and successful, we have compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions in this article:
– Do Ukrainians need a visa to Albania?
– How is entry into Albania regulated for Ukrainians?
– How to obtain Albanian citizenship?
– How do Ukrainians apply for a residence permit in Albania?
Read more about this and other topics below.
Are you planning to emigrate to Albania? Visit Ukraine specialists will help you every step of the way.
Visa to Albania for Ukrainians in 2025: main types and requirements
Ukrainians do not need a visa to Albania if their trip lasts up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer for employment, study or other reasons (e.g. family reunification, volunteering, internship or religious activities), you will need to apply for a specific type of visa.
How to determine whether you need a visa to travel to Albania and how to avoid the most common mistakes when applying for one, read the link.
Student visa
To study in Albania, you need to obtain a long-term D visa. It will allow you to stay in the country for the entire period of your studies and, after its expiry, to obtain a residence permit. To obtain a student visa in Albania, you must meet only a few conditions:
– have confirmation from a higher education institution in Albania;
– confirm your financial ability to cover the costs of living in Albania;
– pay for the course and provide a supporting document;
– purchase a medical insurance policy valid in Albania;
– confirm your intention to return to Ukraine after completing your studies.
Follow the link and familiarise yourself with the full set of documents you need to apply for a student visa to Albania.
We offer you the TOP most famous universities in Albania and the study programmes they offer.
Work visa
In order to live and work in Albania for a year, you need to apply for a long-term D visa. If you plan to stay in Albania for a longer period, this type of visa will be necessary to obtain a residence permit.
Working in Albania: types of visas
The type of work visa for Albania depends on the purpose of your stay:
– Economic activity (D/AE)
– Professional activity (D/AP)
– Commercial activity (D/AT)
– Employment (D/APU)
– Seasonal employment (D/SP)
– Self-employment (D)
The package of documents required to obtain a work visa varies slightly for each type. You can view each of them by following the link on the Visit Ukraine portal.
Important! The processing time for a long-term visa application to Albania is 15 days, but may be extended to 30 days.
Step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a long-term visa to Albania can be found at the link.
How to travel to Albania: preparation stages
Stage one: choose the type of visa
When choosing the right type of visa for a long-term stay, which could potentially lead to a permanent residence permit, it is important to consult a qualified visa specialist.
Such an expert will be able to analyse your specific situation in detail, take into account all the nuances and recommend the best visa programmes that best suit your goals. This will not only save you time but also significantly increase your chances of success.
The specialist will also provide comprehensive assistance in preparing a complete set of necessary documents, which is a key step in ensuring that all bureaucratic procedures are completed quickly and smoothly. Their expertise will help you avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays or refusals in obtaining a visa or residence permit.
Please note! Each type of visa has its own list of required documents.
Stage two: submitting documents
There are two main ways to apply for a visa to Albania:
– online via the e-Visa Albania portal;
– in person at the Albanian embassy or consulate in Ukraine.
Stage three: providing biometric data
Although biometric data is not required for a visa, you will need it later when applying for a residence permit. We therefore recommend that you take care of this aspect of your emigration in advance.
Stage four: obtaining a visa
The processing time for your application can vary from 10 to 30 days.
At every stage of your migration, from the initial consultation to the successful completion of the paperwork, Visit Ukraine's specialists are ready to provide comprehensive support. Contact us for professional advice to ensure a successful and hassle-free emigration to Albania.
How to obtain a residence permit in Albania?
Obtaining a residence permit (RP) in Albania for foreigners, including citizens of Ukraine, involves several stages and depends on the purpose of stay. According to official sources, in particular the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Albania and the e-Albania portal, the procedure is standardised.
Important note: According to Decision No. 169 of 18 March 2022, Ukrainian citizens have the right to enter and stay in the Republic of Albania without a residence permit for up to one year from the date of first entry. This is a temporary measure. For long-term stays exceeding this period or for other purposes not covered by the visa-free regime (e.g. work, study, family reunification), a residence permit must be obtained.
If you have already obtained a long-term D visa and plan to obtain a residence permit, we recommend that you follow these rules:
1. The application for a residence permit must be submitted to the local migration office (General Directorate of Civil Status and Migration) within 30 days of entering Albania.
2. The application is submitted to the police department at the place of residence in Albania or via the e-Albania electronic portal.
3. The e-Albania portal is the central point for electronic services. You need to register and select the ‘Application for Unique Permit’ service, choosing the category that corresponds to your situation (work, business, real estate, etc.).
Important! The application processing time is usually 30-60 days, but can take up to 12 weeks.
Types of residence permits in Albania
– Type A (for certain categories of migrants)
– Type B (general)
– Type C (for long-term stays)
– Type S (special)
– AL Blue Card (for highly skilled workers)
– AL-C Blue Card (for certain categories of workers)
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How to obtain Albanian citizenship?
Obtaining Albanian citizenship is regulated by the Law on Albanian Citizenship and is based on the principles of jus sanguinis (right of blood) and jus soli (right of soil), as well as naturalisation. The decision to grant citizenship is made by the President of the Republic of Albania.
Four steps to Albanian citizenship
Submission of application: An application for citizenship by naturalisation is submitted to the local police (State Police) at the place of residence in Albania.
Review: The application is reviewed by the Citizenship Department of the Ministry of the Interior.
Final decision: The final decision on granting citizenship is made by the Office of the President of the Republic of Albania and is formalised by a presidential decree.
Oath: Once approved, the applicant must take an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Albania. Citizenship is considered acquired from the moment the oath is taken. If the oath is not taken within three months, the decision on naturalisation may be revoked.
Important! To obtain Albanian citizenship, you must have lived legally and continuously for at least 5 years with a valid residence permit.
To travel to Albania, you must take out medical insurance, as your safety and health are the guarantee of all successful projects in different countries around the world.
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