Albanian visa resources
The Unique Permit Explained
How Albania's combined work-and-residence permit works under the 2021 foreigners law and 2024 procedures.
Important
The Unique Permit is Albania's single authorisation that combines the right to work and the right to reside, modelled on the EU single-permit approach and introduced by Law No. 79/2021 On Foreigners. It replaces the need for separate work and residence permit applications for most employment-based cases.
Under procedures updated in 2024, the process is consolidated online through e-Albania: the National Agency for Employment and Skills (AKPA) approves the employment declaration, a Type D visa is issued where the nationality requires one, and the Border and Migration Authority issues the Unique Permit. Nationals of the EU, the US and Western Balkan countries are reported to be able to reside under the permit for up to five years before qualifying for permanent residence.
Key points
- Combines work and residence in one application
- Employment declaration approved by AKPA
- Issued by the Border and Migration Authority via e-Albania
- A path toward permanent residence after qualifying continuous residence
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.