How to Open a Company in Albania

Opening a company in Albania is straightforward and fast. The National Business Center (QKB) offers online registration, and a standard LLC can be set up with a minimum capital of just EUR 100 in as few as 1-3 business days. Foreign investors enjoy 100% ownership rights with no requirement for a local partner.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Form

Albanian law provides several legal entity types. The most common for foreign investors are:

Limited Liability Company (Sh.p.k. / LLC)

The most popular choice for foreign investors. Minimum capital of just EUR 1 (typically EUR 100). One or more shareholders, with liability limited to contributed capital. Suitable for small to large operations.

Joint Stock Company (Sh.a. / JSC)

Required for businesses in regulated sectors such as banking and insurance. Minimum capital of 3,500,000 ALL (approx. EUR 33,000). Managed by a board of directors and a supervisory board. Required for companies that wish to issue shares publicly.

Branch Office

A foreign company can open a branch in Albania without creating a separate legal entity. The branch operates under the parent company's name and liability. Suitable for companies that want to test the market before committing to a full subsidiary.

Sole Proprietorship (Person Fizik)

The simplest form, suitable for individual entrepreneurs and freelancers. No minimum capital requirement. The owner bears unlimited personal liability for business obligations.

Step 2: Register at the National Business Center (QKB)

The QKB is Albania's one-stop shop for business registration. The process can be completed online or in person at QKB offices.

• Submit the application form with company details (name, address, activity codes, shareholders, administrators)
• Attach the Articles of Association (Akti i Themelimit) — notarized
• Provide identification documents for shareholders and administrators
• Pay the registration fee (currently free for standard registrations at QKB)
• Receive your unique business identification number (NIPT/NUIS)

Upon successful registration, the QKB automatically registers the company with the tax authority, social insurance institute and other relevant agencies.

Step 3: Obtain Your NIPT (Tax Identification Number)

The NIPT (Numri i Identifikimit te Personit te Tatueshem) is issued automatically as part of the QKB registration. This number serves as the company's tax identification and is required for all fiscal and commercial activities in Albania.

Step 4: Open a Bank Account

After registration, you must open a business bank account at a licensed Albanian bank. Required documents typically include:

• QKB registration certificate and extract
• Articles of Association
• Identification documents of shareholders and administrators (passport copies)
• Proof of registered address
• Source of funds documentation (for compliance requirements)

Major banks operating in Albania include Raiffeisen Bank, Intesa Sanpaolo (formerly Banka Intesa), OTP Bank, BKT (Banka Kombetare Tregtare) and Credins Bank. Most offer services in English and Italian.

Step 5: Register for VAT (if applicable)

VAT registration is mandatory for businesses with expected annual turnover exceeding 10 million ALL (approx. EUR 94,000). Businesses below this threshold may register voluntarily. VAT registration is processed through the tax authority, either at the time of QKB registration or subsequently.

Step 6: Additional Registrations and Licenses

Depending on your business activity, you may need:

• Activity-specific licenses: construction, food production, financial services, health, education, tourism
• Municipal permits: local business operating permits
• Environmental permits: for industrial or energy-related activities
• Import/export licenses: for certain regulated goods
• Professional certifications: for regulated professions

Required Documents Summary

To register an LLC in Albania, you will typically need:

• Valid passport copies of all shareholders and administrators
• Articles of Association (can be drafted by our legal team)
• Power of Attorney (if using a representative for registration)
• Proof of registered office address (lease agreement or property deed)
• Shareholders' resolution appointing administrators
• Bank certificate of initial capital deposit (for JSC entities)

Timeline and Costs

• QKB registration: 1-2 business days (no government fee for standard registration)
• Bank account opening: 1-5 business days depending on the bank
• VAT registration: typically processed within 1-3 business days
• Notary fees: approximately EUR 50-150 for Articles of Association
• Legal and advisory fees: vary based on complexity
• Total setup time: 1-2 weeks from start to fully operational company