The #1 Essential Guide To Albania For Digital Nomads

Albania is the newest place to be for digital nomads, who are seeking an affordable and beautiful country to settle in. The splendid weather, breathtaking nature, vibrant cities, and rich history have already drawn many remote workers to this side of the Mediterranean. From the vibrant city life in Tirana to the relaxed atmosphere in coastal cities or the Alps, Albania offers many tempting choices for anyone who wants a good life and work balance. However, there are a few things you should consider before packing your luggage and becoming a permanent resident.

In this guide to Albania for digital nomads, I will walk you through the process of getting a visa, give you some recommendations on where you could live, and provide some useful insights that are necessary. Keep scrolling!

Why Become A Digital Nomad In Albania? 

There are many good reasons why you should relocate to Albania as a digital nomad. These are only a few of them:

  • Affordable Cost of Living: Albania is significantly cheaper than Western Europe. The lower prices extend to food, rent, entertainment, traveling, etc. You can access medical care in private clinics with reasonable bills at the end. In other words, you can enjoy a higher quality of life on a rather tight budget. 
  • Fastly Developing Country: The days when Albania made it to the news chronicles for their post-communism problems are far gone. The country’s infrastructure is rapidly developing, as Albania is currently a candidate state to join the European Union. Major cities like Tirana, Durres, Shkodra, and Vlora are equipped with excellent internet services, a good system of public transport, and modern co-working spaces, which are crucial for every remote worker. 
  • Stunning Nature: The breathtaking, diverse landscape is what Albania is mostly known for. As a digital nomad, you can work from home and enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Adriatic and Ionian seas, the majestic Alps, and the ancient ruins of Illyrian kingdoms or the Arbanon medieval castles. 
  • Great Weather: Albania is located in the Mediterranean and has more than 200 days of sun throughout the year. The weather is amazing, to the point that even the rainy days are enjoyable. Most locals enjoy the beach from early spring till the middle of autumn. Cold winters are not as harsh in coastal cities, but if you are a fan of snow, then the Albanian Alps offer the perfect escape. Outdoor sports like hiking, swimming, skydiving, or cycling are very popular in Albania, due to the amazing weather and beautiful scenery. You can keep in shape and explore hidden gems, or small villages that seem as frozen in time. 
  • Ancient History and Rich Culture: The Albanians’ ancestors, the Illyrians, predate the old Greeks and Romans, so if you are a history enthusiast, here you can visit some of the coolest archeological and historical sites in Europe. Furthermore, big civilizations have clashed in Albania due to its strategic location. From the Roman Empire and their epic war with Illyrian kingdoms to the Byzantines and Ottomans, they have all left their print on history. In Albania, you can visit three UNESCO-protected cities and countless museums to expand your knowledge. 
  • Delicious Food: Albanian cuisine is based on fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs; grilled meat and seafood; savory pastries; and tasty desserts. Here you can enjoy the traditional food and unique dishes for the real Albanian experience. Many restaurants offer Italian, Greek, Mexican, or Asian food, especially in big cities. Food delivery is common in Albania if you are ever too lazy to cook or dress up for dinner. 
  • Friendly Locals: You’ll never feel lonely in Albania, because the locals are that friendly and will go above and beyond to make you feel welcomed and accepted in their community. Expect to be invited out for coffee, sharing a meal, or even inside their homes. 
  • Cafe Culture: This is the first thing you’ll notice when visiting the country for the first time. The coffee shops are always full of customers because Albanians love to gather and chat, whether with friends or family members. It is common to sit down in a cafe shop even if you want to talk about work with a business partner or colleagues or on a first romantic date. In the capital, Tirana, most cafes also offer coworking spaces for students and remote workers. So while you are working from a distance, you can always choose to be surrounded by other people and enjoy a nice cup of coffee. 
  • Proximity to Other Cool Destinations: As a digital nomad, you might want to visit other countries and cultures too. In Albania, you can easily do that because it offers easy access to all neighboring countries like Kosovo, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, in which you can travel by car or bus. The Tirana International Airport has direct flights to all European countries and the Middle East if you ever want to go away for a weekend or need to travel for work. 
A beautiful Albanian alleyway

Albanian Digital Nomads Visa 

Since 2022, the Albanian government has approved the law for digital nomads’ visas as part of the efforts to support online businesses and entrepreneurs. There is a simple process you need to follow when applying for permanent residence. The initial visa period is only valid for a year, and after that, you can extend it up to five years. Direct family members can also be included in the visa application.

The application process for the digital nomad visa for Albania is done entirely online, making it one of the easiest digital nomad visas to apply for. It is important to note that those living in Albania with a digital nomad visa will become tax residents and subject to local income tax.

According to the legal guidelines of the government, you qualify for a visa if you:

  • Possess a valid travel document recognized in the Republic of Albania.
  • Have a valid motive to stay in the Republic of Albania.
  • Have or provide sufficient income to afford accommodation and living in Albania (this applies to foreigners who don’t hold an Albanian passport).
  • Do not constitute a danger to order, national security, or public health in Albania.

Best Cities In Albania For Digital Nomads

1. Tirana

Tirana is the capital city and the most popular choice for digital nomads. The vibrant culture and the growing number of coworking spaces, rental office spaces, and cafes make remote work easier. The city life is also lively, with a great mix of urban fun and entertainment, including nature, artificial lake parks, and nearby mountains and small villages. 

2. Durres

Durres has one of the largest digital nomad communities due to its many perks. It’s close to the capital and has beautiful beaches, ancient history, and a more relaxed vibe. There are many accommodation options in Durres that are usually cheaper than in Tirana. You don’t have to worry about the internet speed because it is very fast. 

3. Shkodra

Shkodra is the perfect choice for that idealized digital nomad lifestyle. Located near the stunning Shkodra Lake, the city offers a laid-back vibe, yet it’s close enough to the Albanian coast and Montenegro to explore. It is an ancient city with a lot of Albanian culture. Everything is within walking distance. You can work in a lake bar or the charming coffee shops in the city center before a day trip to achieve that perfect work-life balance everybody dreams of. 

4. Berat

Berat is also known as the city of a thousand windows for its unique architecture. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and a lot of nature. While it lacks the coworking spaces of Tirana, Berat provides a relaxed environment with reliable internet and affordable accommodation options. It’s perfect for digital nomads seeking a quieter, more scenic place to work and live.

5. Vlora

Vlora is the perfect choice if you are looking to be close to the Albanian Riviera. It’s much quieter than Tirana or Durres but still offers modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere for remote workers. The stunning coastline will make the stay worthwhile.

Useful Tips For Digital Nomads In Albania

Settling in a new country can be a challenge at first, so here are some useful tips that can help you navigate Albania with ease while living as a digital nomad. 

1. Use Social Media

It doesn’t mean you have to become an influencer to find a community and make new friends. Joining Facebook groups or following hashtags on Instagram can help you find apartments, coworking spaces, or some local recommendations. 

A scenic Albanian view in the background with an open laptop and work accessories on a wooden table

2. Carry Cash

While card payments are widely accepted in major cities like Tirana and Durres, it’s always a good idea to have some physical money with you. In most rural areas of smaller markets, you can only pay with cash. 

3. Plan Your Budget

The cost of living in Albania is affordable, but it’s always good to have a budget and save money where possible. Renting a fully furnished one-bedroom apartment can cost from $200 to $600, depending on where you stay. The closer to the city center, the higher the prices. 

4. Transportation Tips

Albania has an extensive network of direct buses connecting most cities and towns, which is the most popular form of public transport. However, for intercity travel or remote areas, it is important to check the schedules at the bus station because they might be available only at certain hours. 

5. Learn Albanian

Knowing Albanian will open new doors of opportunity in your career and help you make new friends. Albanian people are very friendly and will appreciate your efforts to speak their language, even if you use Google Translate for every word at first. Using the Ling app and following our Albanian blog will help you achieve fluency quickly. 

Visit Albania before you decide to reside here. Make sure to explore at least a few cities so you’ll know what life is like and what to expect. Moreover, make language learning a part of this planning by learning these Albanian phrases for planning a trip.

How Do You Say Digital Nomads In Albanian? 

In Albanian, digital nomads translate as lëvizës digjitalë.

While most Albanians speak English in big cities, learning a few basic Albanian words and phrases related to remote work is still a good idea. 

EnglishAlbanianPronunciation
Remote workPunë nga distanca
Residence permitLeje qëndrimi
Digital nomad visaVizë për lëvizësit digjitalë
Coworking spacesAmbjente të përbashkëta pune
Office spacesAmbjente pune
Health insuranceSigurime shëndetësore

FAQs About Digital Nomads In Albania

1. What Are The Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads In Albania?

Albania offers a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to live and work in the country for one year, with the option to extend up to five years. The process is fully online, and applicants must show proof of sufficient income to support themselves and meet other criteria.

2. How Is The Internet Speed In Albania For Digital Nomads?

Albania has reliable internet speeds, especially in major cities like Tirana, Durres, and Shkodra. Many coworking spaces and cafes offer fast and stable connections, ensuring that digital nomads can stay productive throughout their stay.

3. What Is The Cost Of Living For Digital Nomads In Albania?

The cost of living in Albania is significantly lower than in Western European countries. Rent, food, and entertainment are affordable, allowing digital nomads to maintain a high quality of life on a smaller budget.

Conclusion: Guide To Albania For Digital Nomads

So there you have it: the guide to Albania for digital nomads. Now you know everything necessary for the Albania digital nomad visa, how to apply, and the best places to reside. Albania is a fantastic destination for those who are looking for affordable living costs, great weather, breathtaking landscapes, and a welcoming community.

Tirana and Durres will soon become your favorite cities for their many perks and high-speed internet. While living in Albania, you’ll find many other hidden gems that will make you never regret the decision to live as a digital nomad. And don’t forget to download the Ling app as your language friend to make this transition smoother for you!

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