Albanian visa resources
How to Apply for an Albanian Visa or Residence Permit
A step-by-step overview of the two main channels: the e-Visa portal for entry visas and the e-Albania portal for residence permits.
Important
Applying to enter or stay in Albania usually involves two distinct systems. Entry visas (short-stay Type C and long-stay Type D) are applied for online through the national e-Visa portal operated by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Residence permits, including the Unique Permit that combines work and residence, are applied for through the e-Albania government services portal and issued by the Border and Migration Authority under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Your exact path depends on your nationality and purpose. Visa-exempt nationals may enter without a visa and only need a residence permit if they stay beyond the permitted period; visa-required nationals typically obtain a visa first and then, for long stays, a residence permit after arrival.
Typical steps
- Check whether your nationality needs a visa on the Ministry's visa regime page
- For a visa, apply on e-visa.al with passport, photo and supporting documents
- For work, secure approval of the employment declaration via AKPA
- For a long stay, apply for the residence/unique permit on e-Albania after entry
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.