Support & Knowledge Base
Frequently Asked Questions.
Starting a Business in Albania
Starting a business in Albania has become an increasingly attractive option
for international entrepreneurs due to its competitive tax system, strategic
location in Europe, and relatively simple company registration procedures.
These answers are based on our experience helping international
clients register and manage companies in Albania.
For Foreign Entrepreneurs
Yes. Foreign entrepreneurs can operate a company in Albania remotely without being physically present in the country.
To do this you typically need:
• A registered business address in Albania (a virtual or registered office can be provided)
• A local administrator or authorized representative if required
• Access to the Pivot client portal to monitor tasks, documents and compliance
Pivot can handle all communication with Albanian institutions, including tax authorities, filings, and administrative procedures, allowing you to manage your business from anywhere.
Starting a business in Albania as a foreign entrepreneur is a relatively straightforward process.
The typical steps include:
1. Choosing the legal form of the company (usually Sh.p.k. – Limited Liability Company)
2. Preparing the required company documentation
3. Registering the company with the Albanian National Business Center
4. Registering the company for taxes
5. Opening a business bank account
6. Setting up accounting and compliance procedures
Pivot Enterprise Solutions manages the entire process on behalf of our clients, from company registration and legal documentation to tax registration, accounting setup, and ongoing compliance.
Entrepreneurs choose Albania to start a business for several key reasons.
• Competitive corporate tax rates
• Strategic location between Western Europe and the Balkans
• Relatively simple company registration procedures
• Lower operational costs compared to many EU countries
• Access to international markets
For many international founders, Albania offers a combination of low taxes, business flexibility, and a growing economic environment.
Pivot helps foreign entrepreneurs navigate the legal, tax, and administrative requirements to start and operate their business in Albania.
You do not need to live in Albania to open a company.
Foreign entrepreneurs can establish and own a company in Albania without being physically present in the country. In most cases, the registration process can be handled remotely through a legal representative.
However, certain administrative steps—such as opening a bank account or completing specific formalities—may require additional documentation or a local representative.
Pivot assists international clients throughout the entire process, including company registration, tax registration, and ongoing compliance, allowing you to manage your Albanian business remotely.
Yes. Foreign investors can own 100% of the shares of a company in Albania.
Albanian legislation allows foreign individuals and foreign companies to establish and fully own businesses without the need for a local partner. The most common legal structure used is a Sh.p.k. (Limited Liability Company).
This structure provides limited liability and flexibility for international entrepreneurs who want to operate a business in Albania.
Pivot advises foreign founders on the most suitable legal structure and manages the entire setup process, including company registration, tax registration, and compliance requirements.
LEGAL
A Sh.p.k. (LLC) is better for businesses that want to scale, hire staff, work with larger clients, or have partners. It offers limited liability, your personal assets are protected.
💡 Not sure which one fits you?
Book a free consultation and we'll advise based on your case.
Business registration in Albania is one of the fastest in the region. The QKB/NBC typically issues your NUIS (tax identification number) within 1–2 working days after document submission. The full setup including bank account, fiscalization, and tax configuration usually takes 1–2 weeks.
💡 Pivot handles the entire registration process on your behalf, you just sign.
YES! Foreign nationals can fully own and operate a business in Albania. There is no requirement to be physically present in Albania after registering a company. You can operate remotely, provided you have a registered address and a local administrator. Albania has no restrictions on foreign ownership of businesses.
💡 Albania is an EU-candidate country, stable legal environment and competitive tax rates.
TAX
• Corporate Income Tax (CIT): 15% (0% if annual income is below €140,000)
• VAT standard rate: 20%
• Reduced VAT: 6% (accommodation services)
• Dividend tax: 8%
• Withholding Tax (WHT): 15% on services, royalties, rent paid to individuals
• Personal Income Tax (PIT): Progressive — 0% up to €300/month, 13% up to €2,000/month, 23% above
VAT registration in Albania is mandatory once your annual turnover exceeds approximately €100,000. Below this threshold, VAT registration is optional, you can voluntarily register if it benefits your business (e.g., for B2B clients who need VAT invoices).
💡 Not sure if you need VAT? Pivot advises on VAT status as part of the initial setup.
• Social & health contributions (minimum base): ~€140/month
• Rent withholding tax (15% on €400 rent): ~€60/month
• Municipal taxes/fees: ~€10/month
• Electronic certificate: ~€3.30/month (€40/year)
• Fiscalization/invoicing software: ~€3.80/month (€45/year)
• Electronic signature: ~€4.20/month (€50/year)
Estimated total: ~€220/month.
Real costs vary with VAT status, office rent, number of employees, and invoice volume.
Withholding Tax (WHT) of 15% applies on certain payments made to individuals or non-resident entities, including: professional service fees, royalties, interest, and rent paid to individuals. If your business pays rent to an individual landlord, you must withhold 15% and remit it to the tax authority.
Pivot manages all withholding tax calculations and declarations automatically.
PAYROLL
At this level, Personal Income Tax is 0%, and the total employer cost including social and health contributions is approximately €584/month. The minimum wage is set by government regulation and updated periodically.
💡 Pivot prepares and submits all payroll declarations monthly, you just approve.
• Social security: 15% of gross salary
• Health insurance: 1.7% of gross salary
Employees also contribute (deducted from gross):
• Social security: 9.5%
• Health insurance: 1.7%
Personal Income Tax (PIT) is applied progressively:
• 0% on monthly income up to ~€300
• 13% on monthly income €300–€2,000
• 23% on monthly income above €2,000
NET Salary | Total Employer Cost |
€500 | €710 |
€700 | €1,018 |
€1,000 | €1,480 |
€1,500 | €2,233 |
€2,000 | €2,897 |
ABOUT PIVOT
Legal: Business registration, contracts, licenses, permits, employment documentation, every procedure handled from start to finish.
Tax & Accounting: VAT declarations, payroll, annual financial statements, tax advisory, monthly reporting, every obligation met, on time.
Technology: Client portal with real-time task tracking, document management, deadline alerts, and structured workflows, full visibility, always.
• View the real-time status of every active task
• Access all your documents — declarations, contracts, financial reports
• See upcoming deadlines before they arrive
• Communicate directly with your dedicated accountant
• Track the full history of completed work
No more chasing emails. No more wondering what's been done. Full visibility. Full control.
1. Book a free 30-minute consultation via our website
2. We understand your business, needs, and goals
3. We send you a clear proposal with services and pricing
4. You get onboarded into the Pivot portal and we start immediately
No long contracts. No surprises. Just results.
Still have questions about starting a business in Albania?
Our team can guide you through the entire process, from company registration and legal setup to accounting and tax compliance.
Contact Pivot Enterprise Solutions to discuss your business plans.