Business Licenses and Permits in Albania

A business licence is the official authorisation that allows a specific economic activity to be carried out. Not every business needs a licence, but many sectors require authorisation before the activity may begin.

The licensing system in Albania is governed primarily by Law No. 10081/2009 "On licences, authorisations and permits in the Republic of Albania" and its sub-legal acts.

Main categories:
- Licence — authorisation to practise a professional activity (financial services, construction, transport, etc.);
- Authorisation — permission for specific actions (import/export of particular goods);
- Permit — approval before undertaking an action (construction permit, environmental permit);
- Certificate — confirmation of compliance (hygiene-sanitary certificate).

Most licences are administered through the National Licensing Centre (QKL) or the e-Albania portal.

Source: Law 10081/2009. Review date: 9 October 2026.

Not every business requires a licence. Common commercial activities (retail shops, consulting, IT) usually do not need a specific licence — a tax identification number (NIPT) and fiscalisation are sufficient.

Sectors that require a licence/permit:

• Construction — construction licence by category;
• Transport — licence for goods or passenger transport;
• Food and beverage — hygiene-sanitary certificate (AKU/AKVMB);
• Pharmacy — licence from the AKBPM;
• Financial services — licence from the Bank of Albania (BSH) or AMF;
• Tourism/hotels — classification certificate;
• Environment — environmental permit for impactful activities;
• Mining and energy — exploitation licence;
• Private education — licence from MASH;
• Healthcare — licence from MSHMS;
• Import/export of specific goods — customs authorisation.

How to know if you need a licence? Check the e-Albania portal under the Licence Register, or contact us — we identify your obligations based on your NACE code.

The Albanian system classifies licences into several groups:

Construction companies must obtain a licence according to the category of works:

• Categories I–V — by complexity (from simple works to complex structures);
• Licensed professionals — engineers, architects;
• Application: through QKL;
• Documents: registration certificate, staff CVs, employment contracts, insurance, equipment;
• Timeframe: 30–60 working days;
• Validity: 5 years (renewable).

Companies without a construction licence cannot participate in construction tenders.

Transporting goods or passengers requires a specific licence:

• Goods transport — national or international licence;
• Passenger transport — urban, inter-urban, or international licence;
• Requirements: registered vehicles, insurance, licensed staff;
• Application: through QKL or DPSHTRR;
• Validity: 5 years.

The type of authorisation varies depending on the mode of transport (including taxi, bus, truck).

Businesses that handle food (restaurants, bars, grocery shops, producers) must obtain:

• Hygiene-sanitary certificate from AKU (National Food Authority) or AKVMB;
• Requirements: premises must meet hygiene standards;
• Inspection: the premises are inspected before the certificate is issued;
• Training: staff must hold a food-hygiene certificate;
• Renewal: periodically, depending on the risk level.

Without the certificate, a food business cannot commence operations — the risk includes fines and forced closure.

Most licences and permits are applied for online via the e-Albania portal (e-albania.al):

Process:
1. Account — create an account on e-Albania (using your personal ID number);
2. Find the service — locate the type of licence/permit;
3. Fill in the form — business data, activity, address;
4. Upload documents — as required for the specific licence;
5. Submit — the application goes to the responsible institution;
6. Track — application status can be followed online;
7. Approval/refusal — the decision is communicated electronically.

Advantages of e-Albania:
- No need for a physical visit;
- Real-time tracking;
- Digital documents;
- Email/SMS notifications.

Source: e-albania.al — government services portal.

QKL administers professional and sectoral licences:

• Role: receives, reviews, and approves/refuses applications;
• Location: Tirana, with regional counters;
• Application: online through e-Albania or in person;
• Timeframes: 2–30 working days (depending on licence type);
• Appeal: a decision may be appealed within 30 days.

QKL ensures that businesses meet the legal and technical requirements before they begin their licensed activity.

Source: Law 10081/2009; www.qkl.gov.al.

Although documents vary by type, these are standard:

• QKB registration certificate — proof the business exists legally;
• QKB extract — up-to-date (no older than 3 months);
• Identification document — of the administrator/representative;
• Articles of association (for an LLC) — founding act;
• Tax clearance certificate — confirming no outstanding tax liabilities;
• Sector-specific documents — diplomas, certificates, contracts, etc.;
• Business plan — for certain licence types;
• Insurance — proof of professional insurance (if required).

We prepare the complete dossier — we identify every document and assist with obtaining them.

Timelines and fees vary by licence type:

| Type | Indicative timeframe | Fee |
|------|---------------------|-----|
| Hygiene certificate | 5–15 days | 1,000–5,000 ALL |
| Construction licence | 30–60 days | 5,000–50,000 ALL |
| Transport licence | 15–30 days | 5,000–20,000 ALL |
| Environmental permit | 30–90 days | Depends on category |
| Pharmaceutical licence | 30–60 days | Per applicable framework |
| Tourism certificate | 15–30 days | 2,000–10,000 ALL |

Note: Fees vary — check with the responsible institution or contact us for current information. Our assistance fee is separate from the state fees.

Note: Fees are indicative and may have changed. Verify with the relevant institution.

Most licences have a validity period and must be renewed:

• Validity: usually 3–5 years (varies by type);
• Procedure: a new application with updated documentation;
• Application deadline: at least 30 days before expiry;
• Activity during renewal: may continue if the application is submitted on time;
• Non-renewal: the activity becomes unlawful after expiry.

Tip: Keep a calendar of expiry dates — we send automatic reminders if we manage your accounting.

Operating without the required licence may result in:

• Administrative fine — the amount depends on the activity type and institution;
• Activity suspension — temporary closure until the licence is obtained;
• Confiscation — of goods/equipment in serious cases;
• Criminal prosecution — for activities posing a public risk (pharmacy, healthcare, food).

Obtaining the licence before starting the activity prevents fines, closure and financial losses.