The Latest Legal Updates for Foreigners Buying Property in Albania – What You Need to Know

It’s early July in Saranda, and as I sip my morning coffee on my office balcony, watching the ferries drift in from Corfu, I’m reminded again just how fast this little corner of the Albanian Riviera is evolving. Every week, more and more foreigners walk through my doors asking one big question:  

“Can I still buy property here as a foreigner? And are there any changes I should know about?”  

The short answer is yes. But the long answer? That’s where things get interesting—and where I come in.  

A Quick Recap: What Was the Law Until Recently?  

For years, Albania has had a very open-door approach when it comes to property purchases. Foreigners could freely buy apartments (what we call “units without land”) pretty much anywhere—especially along the coast, where cities like Saranda and Ksamil have become favorites.  

Villas and land? That’s where things used to get a little trickier. Non-Albanians couldn’t directly purchase land unless they planned to use it for business or agricultural purposes. And that’s still technically the case.  

But in practice, things have started to shift—and I’ve seen it firsthand.  

What’s Changing in 2025?  

There’s no official announcement (yet) that abolishes the restrictions on land ownership for foreigners entirely, but local municipalities are getting more flexible. Especially in southern Albania.  

In fact, I had a Belgian client last month who wanted to invest in a seaview villa in Borsh , just off the main road. We spoke with a notary, walked through all the necessary permits, and found a way for him to own the property through a registered Albanian company. This is becoming more and more common—and often the best route for serious investors.  

And when the properties are part of a residential complex , like the White Residence in Saranda, everything becomes even easier. These are structured in a way that makes legal ownership smooth, transparent, and low-risk—even for foreigners.    

Opening the Door Wider: The Role of Notaries and Local Government  

The biggest change I’ve noticed lately isn’t written in any law. It’s in the attitude of local authorities and notaries.  

Back in 2018, I remember having to explain to a German couple why they couldn’t legally own a villa with a plot of land unless they set up a local business entity. Now, those same conversations are much more flexible. The notaries I work with regularly are well-versed in creating secure purchase contracts that protect both the buyer and the seller—even when the buyer is from abroad.  

You’ll still need to go through official channels—translated documents, legal verifications, and sometimes a representative with power of attorney—but it’s all possible , and honestly? It’s getting smoother every season.  

Residency Perks for Property Buyers  

Here’s something many people don’t realize: owning property in Albania doesn’t automatically give you residency, but it definitely helps your case.  

There’s a growing trend of property owners applying for temporary residency permits based on real estate investment. And even though the rules aren’t as formalized as, say, Portugal’s Golden Visa program, we’re seeing more success stories than ever.  

One of my American clients just secured his one-year residency after purchasing a seafront apartment in Saranda . He plans to live here six months out of the year, rent it on Airbnb the rest of the time—and yes, he’s already fully booked for August.  

A Note on Taxes and Costs  

Let’s get practical for a second.  

When foreigners buy property here, the standard property purchase tax is around 2-3% of the contract value , depending on the area and property type. But here’s the good part: for new constructions directly from the developer , like this Villa 1+2 in Borsh , there’s often no tax at all. The buyer gets the property directly from the builder— no agent fees, no hidden commissions.  

I always tell my clients to budget around €600–€900 for notary and legal fees, and another €300–€500 for translation and certification of documents. That’s it.  

No annual ownership tax. No surprise penalties. Albania is still one of the most affordable places in Europe to invest in coastal property.   

Little Insider Tips from a Local 

If you’re still reading, here’s where I’ll share the stuff you won’t find on Google: 

• The best time to buy ? September to January. Prices drop, sellers are more flexible, and the city is quiet—perfect for property tours. 

• Want to impress a local seller? Show up on time, say “faleminderit” (thank you), and don’t lowball on your first offer. Respect goes a long way here. 

• One of my favorite places to take clients after a showing is a tiny taverna just past the Borsh waterfall. No menus, no WiFi—just grilled seabass and homemade raki. You’ll never forget it. 

Last week, I showed a young couple from the Netherlands a commercial property just 100 meters from the beach , right on Saranda’s main boulevard. They weren’t sure if they were ready to invest yet—but after sitting on the terrace, watching the foot traffic, and calculating how many tourists walk by each day, they looked at me and said, “Okay, we get it now.” 

Final Thoughts 

If you’re thinking about investing in Saranda apartments for sale , beachfront property , or a seaview apartment with rental potential, now is a great time to take the leap. 

And I don’t just say that as someone in the business. I say it as someone who’s lived here, built here, and watched this city transform into one of the most promising destinations on the Mediterranean. 

Is everything perfect? No. But is it worth it? Absolutely. 

If you’re curious, just reach out. We’ll grab a coffee, take a drive down the coast, and maybe even stop by that secret taverna in Borsh. You won’t find that on Booking.com—but you’ll find it here. 

(The photo on this blog is captured in Dhërmi, Albania)