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Office suite #304, 3rd Floor, Siddique Trade Centre, Gulberg2, , Lahore, Pakistan
+92 321 6348963
Europe is a continent with different cultures, languages, landscapes and opportunities. Many Pakistanis dream of living and working in Europe, whether for a short-term adventure or a long-term move. But how to migrate and settle in Europe? What are the best countries, requirements and types of visa to go there? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and give you some useful tips and resources for your trip.
The European Union (EU) consists of 27 countries, plus other non-EU countries that are part of the European Economic Area (EEA) or the Schengen area. Each country has its own immigration rules, benefits and challenges. So you need to do your research and find the one that best suits your goals, skills and preferences. Here are some of the most popular and attractive European countries for Pakistanis.
Along the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo, lies a small Balkan nation that spends most of its time under attack from most entrepreneurs and the investors.
At first glance, Albania doesn’t really look like a European country. It’s not as developed as Germany or the Netherlands, and it doesn’t have world-class beaches or tourist havens like its neighbors Montenegro and Greece.
So why would someone want to establish a temporary or permanent residence in Albania?
It is one of the countries that has realized its weaknesses and is actively strengthening the private sector and improving the economy. Less than a tenth of the country’s population is non-Albanian, so the government is doing its best to attract foreigners to Albania.
More foreigners means more foreign investment and improved economic activity. Albania is not usually the first destination for those looking for a residence in Europe and it is probably not at the top of your list yet, but that does not mean that it is not promising.
Albania is trying to put its best foot forward and to draw the attention of international investors through a liberal foreign investment regime.
Whether you are a foreigner looking to start a business or invest in the public or private sector, Albania offers lucrative incentives. Albania’s Foreign Investment Law allows for 100% foreign ownership of businesses and provides other legal benefits to foreign investors.
Several economic zones have been created in the capital Tirana and other major cities across the country to accommodate promising new businesses, with additional incentives for foreigners looking to set up their own businesses in Albania. Real estate taxes and the transfer of real estate in these economic zones will be exempt for five years.
After nearly five centuries under Ottoman rule, Albanians began to reconnect with their European roots in the late 19th century. Albanian authorities and people are eager to join the European Union and the country is doing its best to adopt the EU legal framework to achieve future membership.
However, don’t expect it to become an EU member country overnight, as the country will have to fight long and hard to achieve its membership goals. In the meantime, you can benefit from more affordable investments and lighter regulations, because the situation will change once Brussels – the epicenter of EU dominance and bureaucracy – is involved.
In general, any foreigner from a visa-exempt country can enter Albania with a valid passport. Visa-exempt foreigners can legally stay in Albania for 90 days in a 180-day period. In general, any longer stay requires a residence permit in Albania, although there are some exceptions.
According to the Albanian law on “Stresters”, US, EU and Schengen area citizens enjoy the same labor and self-employment rights as Albanian citizens.
Albanian Law n. 188/2013 “For Foreigners” regulates all aspects of immigration, residence and work permits for foreigners who want to travel to Albania for specific reasons.
Modified in 2021, the new law n. 79/2021 “For foreigners” introduced, among the topics, new legal definitions, types of residence permits and the relevant procedures for their granting.
The Albanian Law regulates the following aspects:
Albania has several residence permits depending on the length and purpose of the stay. The Border and Immigration Authority will issue one of the following residence permits to foreigners who plan to stay in Albania for more than 90 days in a 180-day period. These permissions include:
According to the law on foreigners, each residence permit in the Republic of Albania is issued for a certain period of time, unless the law provides otherwise, after which it expires or must be renewed.
The durations are as follows:
When you apply for the first time, the Albanian temporary residence permit is not issued for more than one year, unless you are a citizen of the United States, the EU or Kosovo. With the first application, citizens of the United States, the EU and Kosovo will receive a five-year residence permit.
However, foreigners who obtain a residence permit through the purchase of real estate only receive a one-year residence permit, which can be renewed annually.
A foreign citizen with permanent ties to Albania will have the right to permanent residence after legal residence here for five consecutive years.
The Albanian law on foreigners provides different reasons for granting residence permits. Law no. 79/2021 as amended, introduced a new type of residence permit and several new categories of foreigners qualified for a residence permit in Albania.
Here are some of the important changes introduced by the law:
New Foreigner categories: According to the amended law, digitally mobile workers, au pairs, stateless people and retirees will be eligible for an Albanian residency.
To obtain a residence permit, you must submit your online application to the Albanian Migration Service within 30 days of entering Albania. A decision on your application will be made within 30 days of your online submission.
Residence permit holders can apply for Albanian citizenship after five consecutive years of residence in Albania (more than 180 days per year). You must also master the Albanian language at a basic level to qualify for citizenship.
According to the latest Nomad Passport Index, Albanian passport holders can enter 120 destinations visa-free, with a visa on arrival or via an eTA (electronic travel authorization).
Albania’s current ranking (86) in our index is expected to improve once the country joins the EU.
Albania is not a high-profile country, but this does not automatically make it a bad choice for residence. You have to weigh the pros and cons of the country and determine if it fits into your offshore puzzle.
Albania may not currently be at the top of many lists, but who is to say that its situation will not change in the near future? Other countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, have already undergone drastic changes and become centers for investment, tourism and business.
So, if you want to bet on a loser, Albania could be the place for you. If you want to learn more about your options in Albania or elsewhere, contact Nomad Capitalist today. We’ll help you get where you’re best treated, as we’ve helped over 1,500 wealthy people just like you.