Register Your Company in Albania
Consul provides comprehensive company formation services in Albania, catering to local entrepreneurs and international investors.
0% Tax
0% tax up to €145,250 turnover, VAT applies over €103,750, 8% dividends
Why Register Your Company in Albania?
Albania offers one of Europe's most competitive tax environments for SMEs and foreign investors. Compare the key metrics across the most popular low-tax jurisdictions.
| Metric | AL Albania Best Pick | BGBulgaria | GEGeorgia | AEUAE | CYCyprus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Tax Standard rate | 0% * up to €145,250 | 10% | 15% * 0% virtual zone | 9% * above AED 375K | 12.5% |
| Dividend Tax On profit distribution | 8% | 5% | 5% | 0% | 0–17% |
| VAT Threshold Before mandatory registration | €103,750 | €25,600 | ~€36,000 | ~€100,000 | €15,600 |
| Registration Time Typical processing | 1–3 days | 3–7 days | 1–3 days | 5–14 days | 7–14 days |
| Minimum Capital For LLC equivalent | €1 | ~€1 | ~€1 | ~€272 | €1,000 |
| Residency Required To open a company | No | No | No | Sponsor needed | No |
| Physical Presence During registration | Via PoA | Via PoA | Via PoA | Often required | Via PoA |
| EU Candidate Path to EU market access | Yes | EU Member | No | No | EU Member |
| Cost of Living Relative operating costs | Very Low | Low | Low | Very High | High |
| Annual Compliance Cost Accounting + filing est. | €500–€1,500 | €800–€2,000 | €600–€1,500 | €3,000–€8,000 | €2,000–€5,000 |
* Albania: 0% corporate tax applies up to ALL 14,000,000 (~€145,250) annual turnover per current legislation. Standard rate 15% applies above threshold.
* Georgia: 0% applies to IT/Virtual Zone companies only; standard rate is 15%.
* UAE: 9% corporate tax introduced 2023; 0% applies below AED 375,000 (~€93,000) threshold for eligible small businesses.
Data reflects general legislation as of 2025–2026. Tax rules change - always consult a professional.
Albania
Recommended- 0% corporate tax up to €145,250 turnover
- No residency required to open a company
- Remote registration via Power of Attorney
- EU Candidate - growing market access
- Adriatic coast - tourism & real estate upside
- Very low operating & living costs
- NBC registration completed in 1-3 business days
Bulgaria
EU Member- Flat 10% corporate tax - lowest in EU
- Full EU membership and Schengen access
- 5% dividend tax - among EU's lowest
- Low VAT threshold (€25,600) - early compliance required
- Higher operating costs than Albania
Georgia
Non-EU- 0% corporate tax for IT Virtual Zone companies
- Fast and cheap registration process
- No EU membership or candidate status
- Territorial tax - foreign income often untaxed
- Geographically distant from European clients
UAE
Non-EU- 0% dividend tax - strong for profit extraction
- 0% corporate tax below AED 375K (~€93K)
- Very high setup and operational costs (€3,000-€8,000/yr)
- Local sponsor often required for mainland companies
- Not in European timezone - logistical friction
Cyprus
EU Member- EU member with double tax treaty network
- Popular for IP holding and royalty structures
- Higher compliance costs (€2,000-€5,000/yr)
- Low VAT threshold - early VAT burden
- English-language legal system
Documents Required to Register a Company in Albania
Select your company type below to see the exact documents required for registration with the National Business Center (NBC / QKB).
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1
Passport or National ID Valid and unexpired. For all shareholders and directors. Foreigners must provide a passport - Albanian ID is not accepted for non-residents.Required
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2
Apostilled Passport Copy Foreign nationals must provide a notarized and apostilled copy of their passport for use in Albanian legal procedures.Foreign only
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2
Proof of Residential Address A recent utility bill, bank statement, or official document showing your current home address. Must be issued within the last 3 months.Required
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3
Apostilled Proof of Address The proof of address document must also be apostilled or officially translated into Albanian when provided by a foreign national.Foreign only
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3
3 Company Name Options Your preferred company name(s) in order of preference. Consul checks availability at the NBC before submission. Names must be in Albanian or use Latin characters.Required
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4
Shareholder & Capital Details The ownership percentage and capital contribution for each shareholder. The legal minimum capital for an SHPK is symbolic (€1), but you may declare any amount.Required
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5
Description of Business Activity A brief description of what your company will do. This determines the NACE activity codes registered with the NBC and may affect licensing requirements.Required
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6
Power of Attorney (PoA) If you cannot be present in Albania during registration, a notarized and apostilled PoA authorizes Consul to act on your behalf. Consul prepares the PoA template for you to sign.If remote
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NBC Registration Application Complete filing with the National Business Center (QKB) including all required forms and declarations.
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Articles of Association (Statuti) The company's founding charter drafted according to Albanian law, defining ownership, governance, and operating rules.
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Registered Address / Virtual Office A valid Albanian company seat address, required by law for all registered entities. Included in Consul's service.
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NUIS / Business ID Number The unique business identification number (NUIS/NIPT) issued by the NBC upon successful registration.
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Certificate of Registration (Extract) The official company extract from the NBC registry - your proof of legal existence, required for banking, contracts, and permits.
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Beneficial Owner (UBO) Registration Mandatory under Albanian law. All companies must register their beneficial owners in the NBC's Beneficial Owners Register upon incorporation. Consul handles this filing as part of the registration process.
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1
Passport or Albanian National ID Valid and unexpired. For a Sole Proprietorship, the registration is in the individual's name - no separate legal entity is created.Required
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2
Proof of Residential Address A recent utility bill or bank statement. Must show the address where the individual resides - this may also serve as the business address.Required
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3
Business Name (Optional) You may operate under your own name or register a trade name. If using a trade name, provide 2-3 preferences for the NBC availability check.Optional
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4
Description of Business Activity What services or goods you will offer. Determines the NACE codes and whether any specific license or permit is required for your activity.Required
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NBC Registration Filing Complete application to the National Business Center under your name and activity.
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NUIS / Business ID Number Your personal business identification number (NIPT), issued upon registration and required for invoicing and tax reporting.
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Certificate of Registration Official NBC extract confirming your registration as a sole trader, including activity codes and registered address.
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Accounting Setup Guidance Consul guides you on setting up simplified bookkeeping and tax reporting obligations applicable to sole proprietors.
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1
Certificate of Incorporation Official proof that the parent company is legally registered in its home country. Must be apostilled and officially translated into Albanian.Required
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2
Articles of Association of Parent Company The founding documents of the parent entity, apostilled and translated. Used to verify ownership structure and signing authority.Required
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3
Board Resolution to Open a Branch An official decision by the parent company's board authorizing the establishment of a branch in Albania, apostilled and translated.Required
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4
Passport of Appointed Branch Manager Valid passport of the individual designated to manage the branch in Albania. This person will be named as the branch representative at the NBC.Required
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5
Power of Attorney for Branch Manager PoA authorizing the branch manager to act on behalf of the parent company in Albania. Must be apostilled and translated.Required
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6
Description of Activities Outline of the commercial activities the branch will conduct in Albania. Must align with the parent company's registered activity scope.Required
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7
Parent Company Balance Sheet (last financial year) Required by the NBC if the parent company has been active for more than one year. Must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Albanian translation. (Art. 32, Law 9723/2007)Required
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8
Current Status Certificate of Parent Company An official document confirming the parent company is active (not in liquidation or bankruptcy), issued within the last 90 days from the date of the NBC application. Must be apostilled and translated.Required
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NBC Branch Registration Filing Complete application and submission to the National Business Center for branch registration via e-Albania portal.
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Registered Address in Albania Legal Albanian address for the branch office, required for registration and official correspondence.
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Translation Coordination Consul coordinates certified Albanian translations of all foreign documents through authorized translators.
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Branch NUIS Number The branch receives its own NUIS identification number for tax and regulatory purposes in Albania.
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1
Certificate of Incorporation + Current Status Official proof of parent company's legal registration, apostilled and translated. Also required: a current status certificate confirming the company is not in liquidation or bankruptcy, issued within 90 days of the NBC application date.Required
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2
Board Decision to Open a Rep Office Formal resolution by the parent company's governing body authorizing establishment of a Representative Office in Albania.Required
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3
Passport of Representative Valid passport of the individual appointed as the official representative in Albania.Required
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4
Power of Attorney PoA granting the representative authority to act on behalf of the parent organization in Albania. Apostilled and translated.Required
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5
Description of Non-Commercial Activities Confirmation that activities will be limited to market research, promotion, and liaison - no revenue generation in Albania.Required
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NBC Registration Filing Full application for Representative Office registration with the National Business Center.
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Registered Address Official Albanian address for the Rep Office, required for registration and legal correspondence.
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Translation Coordination Certified Albanian translation of all foreign documents through authorized translators.
Documents issued outside Albania must be apostilled (authenticated under the Hague Convention) and accompanied by a certified Albanian translation. Albania has been a Hague Convention member since 2003. Consul coordinates the translation process. Apostilles are obtained in your home country through the relevant authority (notary, court, or government office depending on jurisdiction).
Note: notarization of the Articles of Association for Albanian entities is no longer mandatory since 2021 legislative reforms, though it remains recommended for added legal clarity. All registration applications are submitted online via the e-Albania portal.
From First Contact to Fully Operational
A clear, guided process - Consul handles the complexity so you can focus on your business. Most companies are registered within 1-3 business days.
Free Consultation
Consul reviews your situation - business activity, ownership structure, nationality, and goals - and recommends the right legal structure for your case. No generic advice, no templates.
- Reviews your business activity and structure needs
- Recommends the optimal legal form (SHPK, Branch, etc.)
- Provides exact document checklist for your case
- Clarifies timeline, costs, and next steps
- Share your business idea and goals
- Answer a few quick questions about your activity
Document Preparation
Consul drafts the founding documents - Articles of Association, incorporation act, and NBC application. You provide your ID and basic details. Foreign clients receive a PoA template if registering remotely.
- Drafts Articles of Association (Statuti) in Albanian
- Prepares incorporation act and NBC application forms
- Prepares Power of Attorney template for remote clients
- Coordinates certified translation of foreign documents
- Provide passport or ID copy
- Confirm company name preferences
- Sign PoA if registering remotely (apostilled)
NBC Registration
Consul submits the complete application online via the e-Albania portal. The National Business Center issues your Business ID (NUIS/NIPT) and Certificate of Registration - your company is now a legal entity.
- Submits full application via e-Albania portal
- Handles name availability check at the NBC
- Registers beneficial owners (UBO) - legally mandatory
- Receives and delivers NUIS and registration extract
- No action required - Consul handles everything
- Physical presence in Albania is not required
Registered Address
A valid Albanian address is legally required for every registered company. Consul provides an official registered address and virtual office service, valid for both registration and ongoing official correspondence.
- Provides official registered address for company seat
- Handles all official mail and correspondence
- Address is included in the NBC registration filing
- No action required - included in Consul's service
Bank Account Opening
Consul coordinates the corporate bank account opening process and prepares all documentation required by the bank. Note: some banks require the director or an authorized representative to be present in person for signing.
- Selects the most suitable bank for your profile
- Prepares all required KYC documentation
- Coordinates the appointment and submission process
- Attend bank appointment (in-person or via PoA)
- Provide original ID for bank KYC verification
VAT & Tax Registration
VAT registration is mandatory once your annual turnover exceeds ALL 10,000,000 (~€104,000). Consul evaluates your obligations and handles the registration with the General Directorate of Taxes (DPT) where applicable.
- Assesses whether VAT registration applies to your activity
- Handles DPT registration filing where required
- Advises on tax rates, reporting periods, and deadlines
- Share expected annual turnover estimate
- Confirm primary business activity for tax classification
Accounting Setup
Consul organizes the start of accounting and financial reporting for your company, ensuring compliance with Albanian tax law from the first day of operations.
- Sets up accounting structure and reporting system
- Advises on bookkeeping obligations under Albanian tax law
- Prepares initial contracts and internal company documents
- Review and approve initial company documents
- Begin business operations
Licensing & Permits
Certain business activities in Albania require specific licenses or permits issued by government ministries. Consul evaluates whether your activity requires licensing and coordinates all applications with the relevant authorities.
- Evaluates licensing requirements for your specific activity
- Identifies the relevant ministry or regulatory authority
- Prepares and submits license/permit applications
- Monitors application status and communicates outcomes
- Provide activity-specific documents if requested
- Most activities do not require a specific license
Which Company Structure is Right for You?
Albania offers five distinct legal structures for business registration. Answer three quick questions to find your match, or browse all types below.
1How will you operate?
2What is your expected annual turnover?
3What is your primary goal?
Sole Proprietorship
Person FizikThe simplest legal form for independent professionals and small-scale self-employed individuals.
A Sole Proprietorship is registered directly under the individual's name and ID. It is the quickest and cheapest way to start operating legally. The owner bears full personal responsibility for all business debts and obligations, which makes it best suited for low-risk, service-based activities with predictable income.
Limited Liability Company
SHPK Most PopularThe most common structure in Albania. Limited liability protection for all shareholders with flexible ownership.
The SHPK (LLC equivalent) is the default choice for the vast majority of businesses registering in Albania - both local and international. Shareholders are only liable up to the value of their capital contribution. It can be owned entirely by foreigners, managed remotely via Power of Attorney, and has no meaningful minimum capital requirement.
Joint Stock Company
SHADesigned for larger businesses, significant capital investments, and share-based ownership structures.
The SHA (Joint Stock Company) is structured around transferable shares and is designed for larger-scale operations that may seek external investment, list on a stock exchange, or operate in regulated sectors (banking, insurance, etc.). It carries higher compliance requirements and a mandatory minimum capital, making it less suitable for small businesses.
Branch Office
DegaFor foreign companies operating in Albania as a direct extension of the parent company abroad.
A Branch Office is not a separate legal entity - it is an official extension of the foreign parent company in Albania. It can conduct commercial activities, sign contracts, and employ staff, but all legal and financial obligations ultimately rest with the parent. Requires registration at the NBC plus submission of certified parent company documents.
Representative Office
Zyra PerfaqesueseFor establishing an official presence in Albania for promotional, research, and liaison activities only.
A Representative Office cannot conduct revenue-generating activities in Albania. Its function is limited to market research, promotion, building client relationships, and liaising on behalf of the parent company. It is a cost-effective way for foreign companies to establish a legal footprint and test the Albanian market before committing to a full business structure.
Everything your company needs.
One annual package.
Full-service company management in Albania. Registration, compliance, banking, accounting - handled end to end by Consul.
Company Formation FAQs
How long does it take to register a company in Albania?
In most cases, registration with the NBC is completed within 1-3 business days, provided the documentation is complete and accurate. The timeline may vary depending on the structure and specific requirements.
