Albania's Residence Permit for Pensioners (Leje Qëndrimi për Pensionistë) is a dedicated retirement residence permit for foreign nationals who receive a pension from their home country. It is established under Article 85 of Law No. 79/2021 "On Foreigners" and administered by the General Directorate of Border and Migration under the Ministry of Interior. Issued as a renewable Type B permit, it lets retirees benefit from Albania's low cost of living, favourable tax treatment of foreign pension income, and Mediterranean climate. Holders may not engage in any economic or professional activity in Albania, though volunteering is permitted.
The permit is issued for 1 year and is renewable annually as long as the holder continues to meet the criteria. Renewal applications should be submitted at least 30 days before the current permit expires with updated documentation. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, holders may apply for permanent residence (Type C permit, indefinite duration). After 7 years of continuous legal residence, holders become eligible for Albanian citizenship by naturalization.
Permit holders may pursue family reunification with a spouse or partner who does not themselves receive a pension. Family members apply for dependent residence permits through the General Directorate of Border and Migration, and the main applicant must demonstrate sufficient additional income to support them.
Foreign-sourced pension income (social security, government, and private pensions) is exempt from Albanian personal income tax for retirement permit holders, with additional exemptions for EU citizens. Residents who spend 183 or more days per year in Albania are generally treated as tax residents on worldwide income, but pension income from abroad remains specifically exempt. Employment income is taxed at progressive rates of 13% and 23%, and dividend income at 8%.
The process has two stages. Applicants who require a visa first obtain a Type D long-stay visa ("Visa for Pensioners") online through the e-visa.al portal or at an Albanian embassy or consulate; the Type D visa is processed within 15 days, exceptionally up to 30 days. Once in Albania, the applicant submits a residence permit application through the e-Albania portal or in person at a regional office of the General Directorate of Border and Migration, with a maximum processing time of 12 weeks.
Citizens of visa-free countries — including EU/EEA member states and the United States, who may enter and stay up to 1 year without a visa — may apply directly for a residence permit without first obtaining a Type D visa. After receiving the permit, the holder must register their accommodation with local authorities and carry the residence permit or passport at all times.
Fees: Type D visa approximately EUR 100; residence permit application approximately EUR 60–100; renewal approximately EUR 50–80.