So You Want to Start a Business in Albania? Here’s What You Should Know (From Someone Who’s Done It)

I’ll never forget the look on a client’s face last week as we stood on a balcony in Ksamil, looking out over that endless blue. It was one of those perfect spring days — warm sun, no wind, and just the faint scent of the sea in the air. They turned to me and said, “I can’t believe this is still affordable.” 

That’s the thing about Albania. It still surprises people. Every day. 

And for those of us who live and breathe real estate in places like Saranda , Ksamil , and the rest of the Albanian Riviera , we see it firsthand: foreigners falling in love with the views, the culture, and, increasingly… the opportunity. 

Yes, You Can Start a Business Here as a Foreigner. And You Should Consider It. 

If you’re wondering whether you can open a business in Albania without being Albanian — the answer is yes. You don’t need to have citizenship. You don’t need to partner with a local. Albania is actually quite open when it comes to foreign business ownership. 

Now, is it always smooth? Of course not. But that’s part of the charm — and the challenge. 

I’ll walk you through it like I would if we were sitting at the little café across from the port in Saranda, the one where the waiters still remember your coffee order after just two visits. 

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Step 1: Pick the Right Business Type (and Be Real About Your Goals) 

Most foreigners either open: 

• A real estate company 

• A tourism-related business (think hotels, beach bars, rentals, or diving) 

• A consulting, tech, or remote service company (for EU clients) 

But recently, I’ve seen a few brave souls open wine bars, coworking spaces, or even wellness studios. And honestly? Some of them are thriving. 

That said, if you’re planning to invest rather than operate daily, real estate is hands-down the way to go. Whether it’s buying Saranda apartments for sale , renting out beachfront property short-term, or flipping affordable properties in villages like Borsh or Qeparo, the opportunities are growing. 

(By the way, this luxury duplex for sale in Ksamil is one of the best new-build investment units I’ve seen this season — pool, near the beach, and in a quiet street. Just saying.) 

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Step 2: Registering the Business – Surprisingly Simple 

Here’s the truth most people don’t expect: registering a business in Albania is relatively fast and affordable. 

You’ll need: 

• A Tax ID (NIPT) – like a company registration number. 

• A legal address (you can even use your lawyer’s or accountant’s office at first). 

• Your passport , obviously. 

• A company name (check it’s not already taken). 

• Around 100–150 euros for registration fees. 

• A local accountant (seriously, don’t skip this). 

You can even do much of it online through the National Business Center (QKB) . But if you don’t speak Albanian, just get a local expert to help — there are plenty in Saranda who’ve worked with foreign clients before. 

I’ve helped multiple clients do this and honestly, if you’re focused and have someone to guide you, you can get your business up and running in less than two weeks. 

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Step 3: Taxes, Rules, and The “Unwritten Stuff” 

Technically, Albania has a flat 15% corporate tax , but small businesses with turnover under a certain threshold pay less (as of 2025, businesses under 10 million lek turnover pay only 5%). 

Then there’s income tax , social contributions , and of course property taxes — especially if you’re investing in apartments or holiday rentals. 

Now, let me be real with you — there’s the legal system… and then there’s how things actually work here. 

For example, it’s normal to wait a bit longer for a permit, or for a lawyer to call you back in two days instead of one. It’s not laziness — it’s just Albania. You learn to breathe through it. 

Oh, and don’t forget the local coffee culture. If someone says, “let’s talk over coffee,” that’s not optional. That’s business. 

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Why So Many Foreigners Are Buying Property Instead

Some of my clients come here wanting to open a business — but end up buying seaview apartments in Saranda instead. And I get it.

When you can buy something like this apartment with a view of the Ionian — close to the beach, ready to rent out, and for under what you’d pay for a garage in Italy — it makes sense.

Others go even smaller: like this studio, perfect for Airbnb, walking distance from everything, and low upkeep.

You don’t have to run a big business to benefit from the growth here.

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Insider Tips You Won’t Find in Guides

• Hire local staff when possible — even just part-time. Locals appreciate foreigners who integrate.

• Learn a few words of Albanian — even just “faleminderit” (thank you). It opens doors, literally.

• Don’t underestimate the power of personal connections. One client got a property deal just by chatting to the owner of a taverna near Borsh beach — the kind that doesn’t even have a sign but grills the best fresh octopus you’ve ever tasted.

• Trust your instincts. This isn’t Germany. If something feels off, it probably is. But also — if something feels right and exciting? Chase it. That’s how most of us ended up here.

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Final Thoughts: Why I Still Believe in This Place

I’ve been in this business for over a decade, and I’ve watched Saranda evolve from a sleepy summer town to a thriving coastal destination. The skyline is changing. The streets are busier. But the heart of this place — the people, the sunsets, the little surprises — it’s still here.

And every time I meet a foreigner who’s ready to take a risk, to build something new, to dream a little in this corner of the world… I feel like I’m watching the next chapter of Albania unfold.

So if you’re thinking about starting something here — business, lifestyle, or just a fresh beginning — know that it is possible.

And if you need help finding your base — whether it’s a beachfront property or something affordable with great rental value — you know where to find me.

(Probably sipping macchiato by the port, showing a property, or talking someone’s ear off about why I still believe Saranda offers the best value on the Mediterranean coast.)

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Ready to explore what’s possible?

Check out VivaView’s latest properties — or better yet, come visit and we’ll talk over coffee.