Start a Business in Albania from India: Company Formation for Indian Entrepreneurs

Indian nationals holding a national passport require a visa to enter Albania. The visa costs EUR 15 for both single and multiple entry.

Albania offers an e-visa system at e-visa.al, which allows you to apply online without visiting an embassy.

For long-term business stays, a type D visa is required. The type D visa costs EUR 15 and must be obtained before entry. It is typically linked to a residence permit application.

For detailed visa and immigration guidance, see our Albania Visa for Indian Citizens guide.

Source: Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (punetejashtme.gov.al) -- verified October 2026.

Albania offers Indian entrepreneurs several practical advantages for establishing a European business presence:

• IT and software outsourcing: Albania has a growing pool of software developers and IT professionals. Indian IT companies can establish near-shore development centres serving EU clients at costs lower than Western Europe.
• Pharmaceuticals and healthcare: the Albanian market for pharmaceutical distribution and healthcare services is growing, and Indian pharmaceutical companies are well-positioned to enter it.
• Trade and import/export: India-Albania trade routes for textiles, food products, machinery and consumer goods.
• Restaurants and food services: Indian cuisine has a growing niche market in Tirana and tourist areas.

Albania's 15% flat corporate tax rate, lower operating costs, and EU accession path (which means progressive alignment with EU market regulations) make it a compelling base.

India acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention with the Convention entering into force on 14 July 2005. India's accession is marked A** (accession). We recommend confirming with the Albanian embassy whether the Apostille is accepted for your specific Indian documents.

In India, Apostilles are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or its regional offices.

Documents that typically need legalisation for company registration include:

• Passport copy
• Criminal record certificate (Police Clearance Certificate from the Passport Office or state police)
• Power of attorney (if registering remotely)
• Educational qualifications (if required for the business activity)

All documents in Hindi or other Indian languages must be translated into Albanian by a certified translator.

Source: HCCH Apostille Convention Status Table (hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41) -- verified October 2026.

The most common structure for foreign entrepreneurs is a Limited Liability Company (SHPK -- Shoqeri me Pergjegjesi te Kufizuara). Registration is handled by the National Business Centre (QKB), established under Law No. 131/2015.

You can register in person at QKB in Tirana, or remotely through a notarised and apostilled power of attorney given to a local representative. The process typically takes 1-2 business days once all documents are submitted.

For a full guide on the LLC registration process, see our How to Open an LLC in Albania page.

After company registration, your business must register with the Albanian tax authorities. Key obligations include:

• VAT registration: mandatory if annual turnover exceeds ALL 10 million (approximately EUR 90,000). See our VAT Declaration page.
• Monthly tax declarations: corporate income tax, withholding taxes, and social/health contributions. See Monthly Tax Declarations.
• Fiscalisation: all invoices must be issued through the national fiscalisation system.
• Annual financial statements: required for all LLCs. See Year-End Closing.
• Payroll: if you hire employees, payroll declarations are required monthly.

Check with us whether a double taxation treaty between Albania and India applies to your situation -- this could affect how business profits, dividends and service fees are taxed across both countries.

For ongoing accounting support, see our Monthly Accounting and Outsourced Accountant services.

Indian citizens must obtain a type D visa (EUR 15) before applying for a residence permit in Albania. Under Law No. 79/2021 "On Foreigners", relevant permit types for business owners include:

• Self-employed unique permit (leje unike per punonjes te vetepunesuar): for company founders and sole traders
• Employment unique permit: if you plan to work within your own company as a director or employee

The initial permit is typically valid for one year and renewable. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

For detailed guidance on the residence permit process, see our Albania Residence Permit Guide.

Albanian banks require standard documentation for opening a business account. You will need the QKB registration certificate (ekstrakti i QKB-se), company statute, identification documents of directors and shareholders, proof of registered business address, and a source of funds declaration.

Documents not in Albanian or English must be accompanied by certified translations. Due diligence for non-EU nationals may be more thorough, so prepare clear documentation of your business background and source of funds.

Major banks operating in Albania include Banka Kombetare Tregtare (BKT), Raiffeisen Bank Albania, OTP Bank, and Credins Bank.

We assist Indian entrepreneurs at every stage:

• Visa guidance: orientation on the e-visa process and type D visa requirements
• Company formation: LLC registration at QKB, including document preparation and Apostille verification
• Tax registration: NIPT, VAT, fiscalisation setup, and employee registration
• Monthly accounting: bookkeeping, tax declarations, and payroll in compliance with Albanian accounting standards
• Annual financial statements: balance sheet, income statement, and statutory filings
• Residence permit support: type D visa and permit application preparation

Contact us via WhatsApp or phone for a free initial consultation. We respond in English.