The Government has submitted for public consultation a draft decision that provides for additions and amendments to the Council of Ministers No. 858, dated 29.12.2021, which regulates the criteria, procedures and documentation for the entry, stay and treatment of foreigners in the Republic of Albania. The amendments come in implementation of Law No. 43/2025 “On some amendments and additions to the Law 'On Foreigners'” and aim to adapt the sub-legal framework to the new migratory reality, the needs of the labor market and European standards.
According to the explanatory report, the draft decision is technical in nature, but has a direct practical impact, as it addresses the problems encountered during the implementation of current rules, especially in online applications for visas, residence permits and unique permits, as well as in the documentation required for specific categories of foreigners.
One of the main innovations is related to the facilitation of the visa regime. The draft law provides that third-country nationals, holding a multiple-entry visa or a valid residence permit issued by a Member State of the European Union, are exempt from the visa requirement for entry and stay in Albania for up to 90 days within 180 days, for purposes equivalent to a type “C” visa. This change aims to harmonize Albanian practices with European standards and facilitate legal movement.
In parallel, the project revises and clarifies the basic documentation for visa issuance, requiring applicants to present a residence permit of over 12 months in the country of their legal residence, or alternatively previous or current Schengen, American, British or Albanian visas. The aim is to strengthen the verification of applicants' legal status and travel history.
Important changes also affect type "D" visas and the unique permit, where documentation for categories such as family reunification, study, athletes and seasonal employment is improved and standardized. In this context, for students, the requirement for financial proof in the amount of 300 thousand lek (or equivalent in euros) is clearly defined, while for athletes a document confirming registration with the relevant sports federation in the country of origin is required.
A new and important element is the formalization of the “domestic worker” category, recently integrated into the “Foreigners” law. The draft decision defines the special documentation for this category, both for the “D” type visa and for the unique permit, aiming to protect the rights of employees and regulate a sector that has traditionally operated informally.
At the level of residence permits, the draft brings an important procedural clarification: it introduces the obligation to present a certificate of judicial status, issued no earlier than 6 months from the date of application, for all categories of permits, with the exception of minors under 16 years of age and persons over 75 years of age. This provision aims to increase legal certainty and the level of control, in accordance with international practices.
Another innovation is the clear definition of the provisional residence permit, which is issued after the application is accepted and extended until the final decision is made. Also, the residence permit fee will be valid for 30 days in case of reapplication after rejection, a rule that did not exist before.
The draft decision also addresses the status of European Union citizens and their family members, specifying the procedure and documentation for obtaining a Registration Certificate and Residence Card. These documents will be issued without a service fee, in accordance with the principle of free movement and residence of EU citizens.
In terms of administration, the project foresees improvements in the electronic forms of e-Albania, with the aim of avoiding duplication and increasing the functionality of online applications. AKSHI is tasked with reflecting the changes within one month of the decision coming into force. /ekofin.al
