Property Ownership Rights for Non-EU Citizens in Albania

A local perspective from the Saranda coast

When people first contact me about buying property in Albania, the first question is rarely about price or location.
It’s usually simpler than that.

“Can I actually own property here if I’m not from the EU?”

I understand the hesitation. Buying abroad always sounds complicated. Different laws, different systems, unfamiliar processes. But after years of working in real estate here in Saranda, I’ve learned that most of the fear comes from uncertainty, not reality.

Because the truth is — property ownership in Albania is far more straightforward than many people expect.

And I’ve seen that realization happen many times, often during a property viewing, somewhere between the sea view and the second espresso.

Why Albania Feels Different for Foreign Buyers

The Albanian Riviera has changed a lot in the last decade. Not in a loud or aggressive way. More quietly. Slowly.

Foreign visitors started coming for holidays. Then they came back the next year. And eventually, some of them started asking about ownership.

I remember showing a couple from Canada a seaview apartment one afternoon just above the promenade. They had come only to look — that was the plan. But standing on the balcony, watching ferries arrive from Corfu while the evening light hit the water, they started asking serious questions. Not about decoration. About contracts, ownership, long-term plans.

That moment happens often here.

People arrive as tourists. They leave thinking like owners.

Can Non-EU Citizens Own Property in Albania?

Yes. And in most cases, the process is surprisingly simple.

Non-EU citizens can legally buy and own apartments, villas, and commercial properties in Albania in their own name. The ownership is registered officially, and the buyer receives a property certificate just like a local owner would.

This is one of the reasons the market has grown steadily. Buyers from outside Europe — the UK, USA, Middle East, even Australia — feel comfortable knowing they have full ownership rights.

Where things become slightly more technical is land ownership. In practice, many foreign buyers choose to purchase built properties rather than raw land, simply because it keeps the process smoother. Still, land investments exist, especially for investors thinking long term.

For example, I recently walked a client through a seaview land plot in Porto Palermo. First line, just meters from the water. The kind of place where you immediately start imagining a boutique hotel or a small villa complex. Opportunities like that are rare along the Mediterranean now.

What Makes Saranda Attractive for Non-EU Buyers

There are many reasons, but one stands out: accessibility.

You don’t need complicated residency structures to buy property here. Many clients start with a holiday apartment, then gradually spend more time in Albania each year. Some eventually move permanently. Others keep it purely as an investment.

And honestly, I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast right now.

You can still find affordable properties with sea views — something that disappeared years ago in Greece or Croatia.

Take, for instance, a seaview 1-bedroom apartment on Skënderbeu Street. Quiet neighborhood, new residence, private pool, completely open sea views without future construction blocking it. It works equally well as a home or an investment, and that flexibility matters to foreign buyers.

A Small Local Detail Most Buyers Don’t Notice at First

Here’s something you won’t read in legal guides.

In Saranda, location isn’t just about distance from the sea. It’s about lifestyle rhythm. Some areas feel alive all year, others only in summer. Locals know the difference immediately.

There’s a small bakery near the old road toward Lëkurësi where many agents stop between viewings. If a neighborhood still has people buying bread there in February, it’s a good sign. It means the area isn’t seasonal.

Foreign buyers often realize this later. Locals feel it instantly.

Apartments vs Villas: What Non-EU Buyers Usually Choose

Most non-EU buyers begin with apartments. Easier maintenance, simpler ownership structure, and strong rental potential.

Ksamil, especially, has become popular for this reason. Properties close to the beach but in newer, quieter neighborhoods tend to perform best. Something like this 1-bedroom apartment in Ksamil fits exactly into that category — brand new 2025 construction, private pool for residents, seven minutes walking from the beach. It’s understated. Comfortable. The kind of place people return to every summer without thinking too much about management.

Then there are buyers who want more privacy.

A private villa, like this one in Surra, Saranda, appeals to families who want space, silence, and their own swimming pool. These properties are rarer, especially in quiet residential areas, which is why they tend to hold value well over time.

A Short Tangent — Albanian Hospitality Matters More Than You Think

This might sound unrelated, but it isn’t.

In Albania, ownership comes with community. Neighbors bring homemade olive oil. Someone will always help you park when streets get busy in summer. Coffee invitations appear out of nowhere.

Foreign buyers often tell me this surprises them the most. The legal process brings them here, but the culture makes them stay.

Anyway — back to ownership.

Investment Perspective: Why Timing Still Matters

Social media has made the Albanian Riviera visible to the world, but prices are still catching up. That creates a window of opportunity.

I see it clearly in Ksamil, where new developments are built with higher standards every year. A good example is these luxury duplexes near the beach. Built in 2025, two swimming pools — one private, one shared — underground parking, and only a short walk from the center. For investors, returns can reach around 16% annually during strong seasons. But even beyond numbers, the privacy and security make them attractive for long-term ownership.

And that’s something many non-EU buyers prioritize. Stability.

Commercial and Land Opportunities

Not every buyer is looking for a home. Some see Albania as a business opportunity.

I’ve had investors asking about beachfront commercial spaces or land suitable for future tourism projects. A first-line commercial space in Saranda, for example, makes sense for someone planning a restaurant or beach-focused business. Visibility alone carries value.

The same goes for land in Borsh, where larger plots still exist for villa developments or boutique hotels. The coastline there feels untouched compared to other Mediterranean destinations — and that’s becoming increasingly rare.

So, Is Buying in Albania Safe for Non-EU Citizens?

From my experience, yes — when done correctly and with proper guidance.

The key is transparency. Understanding what you’re buying, where it’s located, and how it fits your long-term plan. Albania is still developing, which means opportunities exist, but local knowledge matters.

That’s where experience comes in. Knowing which neighborhoods will feel right in winter, which buildings maintain value, which views will remain unobstructed.

These are things you only learn after years here.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, after a long day of viewings, I drive along the coastal road toward Porto Palermo. The sea looks different every evening. Some days calm, other days wild. It reminds me how much this region still has to grow.

Non-EU buyers are no longer just visitors here. They’re becoming part of the story — renovating homes, opening businesses, bringing new energy while respecting local traditions.

And if you’re reading this because you’re considering buying in Albania, my advice is simple: come see it yourself. Walk the streets. Sit by the water. Talk to locals.

Because once you understand the rhythm of Saranda and the Albanian Riviera, ownership stops feeling complicated.

It starts feeling natural.