Moving Guide

Yes. Most Western passport holders can enter visa-free and stay for 90 days. Many expats spend the first 90 days settling in while completing the Unique Permit application from within Albania. Just ensure you don't overstay your visa-free allowance.

Officially 4–12 weeks from submission of a complete application. In practice, processing times vary and can extend beyond 12 weeks during busy periods. Apply as early as possible and use a local immigration lawyer to ensure your application is complete to avoid delays.

Driving in Albania is challenging - particularly in Tirana, where traffic is chaotic, lane discipline is loose, and pedestrian crossings are treated as suggestions. Outside cities, roads vary from good (new EU-funded highways) to very poor (rural mountain roads). An international driving permit is required for non-EU licence holders. Many Tirana expats find Bolt + occasional car hire sufficient without owning a vehicle.

In Tirana, yes - fibre connections of 50–200 Mbps are standard and costs $15–30/month. Most modern apartments in Tirana include internet in the utilities or offer it cheaply. On the Riviera, quality is adequate but not as reliable. Always have a 4G hotspot backup via a local SIM for important calls.

Albania is a European country with standard vaccination coverage. No exotic vaccinations are required for normal expat living. Ensure you're up to date on standard Western vaccination schedules (MMR, DTP, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B). The ECDC does not flag any unusual health risks for Albania beyond standard European advice.