Albania's Temporary Residence Permit for the Use of Owned Real Estate (Leje Qëndrimi e Përkohshme për Përdorim të Pasurisë së Paluajtshme në Pronësi) lets foreign nationals reside in the country based on their ownership of qualifying property. It is established under Article 84 of Law No. 79/2021 "On Foreigners" and administered by the Directorate General of Border and Migration within the Albanian State Police. The law does not set a minimum investment amount, making this one of the most flexible property-based residence pathways in Europe — eligibility rests simply on owning at least 50% of a property of at least 20 m². The permit does not authorize employment in Albania.
The permit is issued for up to 1 year on first issuance and is renewable annually for as long as the holder continues to own the qualifying property. A current Ownership Certificate must be submitted at each renewal, and the renewal request should be filed 30 days before expiration. After 5 consecutive years of legal residence, holders may apply for permanent residence (Type C permit); after 7 years, for citizenship by naturalization.
A spouse and dependent children may apply for residence permits through family reunification. The qualifying property must provide a minimum of 20 m² of residential area per family member. Dependants must provide valid passports, proof of relationship, health insurance, and criminal record certificates, all translated into Albanian and properly certified or apostilled.
Albania levies a flat 15% corporate income tax. Personal income tax is progressive: 0% on income up to ALL 50,000/month, 13% on ALL 50,001–200,000/month, and 23% above ALL 200,000/month. Property transfer tax ranges from 0–3.5% of the purchase price, and property owners pay an annual building tax. Tax residents (183+ days per year) are taxed on worldwide income.
Applicants requiring a visa first obtain a Type D long-term visa from an Albanian embassy or consulate; visa-exempt nationals (including EU, US, UK, Canada, and Western Balkan citizens) may enter without one. After arrival, the applicant registers their address at the regional Border and Migration office, acquires the property, and obtains the Ownership Certificate from the cadastral authorities. The application is submitted online via the e-Albania portal under service code 15388, with all documents uploaded and the state fee (approximately EUR 80) paid. A personal visit is required for identity confirmation and submission of originals. A decision is typically made within 30 days, after which the applicant attends a biometrics appointment to receive the physical permit card.
The real estate residence permit does not confer work rights. Holders wishing to be employed or self-employed in Albania must obtain a separate work permit or switch to a Unique Permit category.
Foreign citizens can purchase apartments and buildings directly but cannot purchase land unless the investment exceeds three times the land's value. Property is acquired through notaries and registered with the State Cadastre Agency (ASHK). The passport name must match the property ownership documents exactly, and any sale or transfer of the qualifying property must be reported as it may affect permit validity.