The geography of foreign citizens coming to Albania for work, family reunification or other reasons is expanding. INSTAT reported that citizens from India and Italy had the highest number of applications for residence permits in 2024. America, Africa and Oceania also recorded increases.
At the end of 2024, the number of foreigners with residence permits in Albania was 21,940, an increase of 2.2% compared to 2023, INSTAT reported. Of these, almost 12,000 are working.
61.9% of foreigners with residence permits are dominated by men, compared to women at 38.1%;
The most represented age group is 30–39 years old, with 24.6% of total foreigners;
According to INSTAT, the number of applications for residence permits in Albania in 2024 marked an increase of 6.0%, compared to 2023. Citizens from Italy and India account for 28.8% of applications.
Europe accounts for the largest share with 65.5% (14,367 people with residence permits), marking a decrease of 5.6%, compared to 2023. Asia has also recorded a significant increase of 20.1% (4,545 people). America, Africa and Oceania recorded an increase of 23.4% (3,028 people).
Foreigners originating from Kosovo, Italy and Turkey make up the largest number of foreigners with residence permits in Albania;
Employment is the main reason: 54.3% of residence permits followed by:
– family reunification: 24.5%;
– other reasons: 16.3%;
– study: 4.0%; -
humanitarian purposes: 0.9%.
In 2024, 1,540 irregular foreigners were identified on the territory of Albania, marking a significant decrease, compared to 6,630 in 2023.
In 2024, foreigners originating from Kosovo are 4,592 residents, marking an increase of 23.7%, compared to 2023, while foreigners with a residence permit in Albania originating from Italy are 3,763 residents, marking an increase of 11.5%, compared to 2023./Monitor
