🇦🇱Albania Visa for Zambian Citizens2026 Requirements, Fees & Documents

Type C Visa - Scientific/Cultural/Sports/Humanitarian

Short-stay visa for foreign nationals attending scientific, cultural, sporting, or humanitarian events in Albania.

Requires invitation from Albanian host institution, accommodation proof, and proof of sufficient funds. Processing up to 15 working days; exceptionally up to 30 working days.

Type C Visa - Official Visit

Short-stay visa for foreign officials conducting official visits to Albania on behalf of their government or institution.

Requires invitation from the Albanian host institution and a verbal note from the applicant's employer. Fee typically waived for diplomatic and official passport holders.

Type C Visa - Medical Reasons

Short-stay visa for foreign nationals travelling to Albania to receive medical treatment.

Requires medical diagnosis documentation, declaration from the receiving Albanian hospital or medical facility, and proof of financial means to cover treatment and stay.

Type D Visa - Employment Activities (D/APU)

Long-stay visa for foreign nationals who have obtained an Albanian work permit and intend to take up employment in Albania beyond 90 days.

• Requires a valid work permit, good character certificate, and employer invitation.
• Type D visas are issued for up to 1 year with a 90-day initial stay allowance, after which holders must apply for a residence permit (Unique Permit).
• Available as single, double, or multiple-entry.

Type D Visa - Seasonal Employment (D/SP)

Long-stay visa for foreign nationals undertaking seasonal employment in Albania under a fixed-term employment contract.

Requires a seasonal employment contract and valid work permit. Typically issued for the duration of the seasonal contract.

Type D Visa - Economic Activities (D/AE)

Long-stay visa for foreign nationals undertaking economic activities (self-employment, entrepreneurship) in Albania.

Requires work permit, good character certificate, and documentation of the planned economic activity. Holder must apply for a residence/unique permit after entry.

Type D Visa - Professional Activities (D/AP)

Long-stay visa for foreign nationals undertaking regulated professional activities (e.g., liberal professions) in Albania.

Requires work permit, professional credentials, good character certificate, and invitation. Holder must apply for a residence/unique permit after entry.

Type D Visa - Study Purposes (D/ST)

Long-stay visa for foreign nationals admitted to or enrolled in an educational institution in Albania for a period exceeding 90 days.

• Requires a document certifying registration or admission to an Albanian educational institution.
• Holder must apply for a student residence permit after entry.
• Available as single, double, or multiple-entry.

Type D Visa - Family Reunion (D/BF)

Long-stay visa for foreign nationals joining a family member legally residing in Albania.

Requires proof of family relationship, housing documentation, and employment verification of the Albanian resident sponsor. Holder must apply for a family reunification residence permit after entry.

Type D Visa - Humanitarian/Religious Activities (D/VHF)

Long-stay visa for foreign nationals undertaking humanitarian or religious activities in Albania under an authorised organisation.

• Requires organisation license, employer certificate, and motivation letter.
• Fee typically waived for humanitarian purposes.
• Holder must apply for a residence permit after entry.

Type D Visa - Humanitarian Reasons (D/H)

Long-stay visa issued on humanitarian grounds to foreign nationals who cannot return to their country of origin due to circumstances beyond their control.

• Requires invitation and humanitarian motivation documentation.
• Fee typically waived.
• Holder must apply for a residence permit after entry.

Type D Visa - Diplomatic/Service Visa (D/DS)

Long-stay visa for foreign diplomats, service passport holders, and accredited officials assigned to diplomatic missions, consular posts, or international organisations in Albania.

• Requires a verbal note from the sending state's foreign ministry and an invitation from the receiving Albanian institution.
• Fee waived.
• Many nationalities with bilateral diplomatic waiver agreements do not require this visa at all.

Unique Permit for Digital Mobile Workers (Leje Unike per Punonjesin Dixhital)

Residence permit for remote workers employed by or freelancing for companies and clients established outside Albania, allowing them to live and work remotely from Albania.

• Introduced under Law No. 79/2021 'On Foreigners'.
• Applicants must have a valid employment or service contract with a foreign entity and sufficient income (approximately EUR 450/month per secondary sources; not confirmed in official law text).
• Initial permit valid 1 year, renewable for 1 year, then extendable up to 5 years.
• Application submitted entirely online via e-Albania portal (service code 15146).
• Processing time up to 12 weeks maximum.
• Combines residence and work authorisation in a single biometric card.
• After 5 years continuous residence, eligible for permanent residency.

Unique Permit for Investors (Leje Unike per Investitorin)

Residence permit for foreign nationals making a qualifying investment in Albania, including establishing or acquiring a business with a minimum capital threshold.

• Based on Article 69 of Law No. 79/2021 'On Foreigners'.
• Minimum investment approximately 10,000,000 ALL (approx. EUR 85,000–90,000); threshold set by joint ministerial instruction and may have been updated by Law 43/2025 (unconfirmed).
• Requires employment of at least 5 Albanian citizens.
• Initial permit valid 2 years, renewable for 3 years.
• After 5 years continuous legal residence, eligible for permanent residency.
• Standard naturalisation requires 7 years.