Cost of Starting a Business in Albania: Fees, Taxes and Accounting

Albania's business registration costs are among the lowest in Europe. The government does not charge a fee for basic QKB registration, and the minimum capital requirement for an LLC is symbolic. However, there are several other costs — notarization, accounting, licenses, and compliance — that add up. The breakdown below covers each category so you know exactly what to budget for.

The first costs you encounter are those related to formally registering your business with the National Business Centre (QKB). Here is what to expect:

QKB Registration

Registration at QKB is free of charge for both sole proprietorships and LLCs. You can apply online through the e-Albania portal or in person at a QKB office. The process is governed by Law No. 9723/2007 on Business Registration.

Notarization of Founding Documents

For a sole proprietorship, notarization is generally not required, making the initial cost very low.

For an LLC (SHPK), you will need a founding act (akt themelimi) and articles of association (statut). While notarization of these documents is recommended rather than legally mandatory for the registration itself, most professionals strongly advise it for legal protection. Notary fees vary by notary and document complexity — contact a local notary for a current quote. The documents must be uploaded to QKB within 30 days of signing.

Additional Document Costs for Foreign Founders

If you are a foreign national, you may need to factor in additional costs:

• Apostille or legalization — foreign documents (such as passports or powers of attorney) may need to be apostilled in your home country. Fees vary by country.


• Certified translation — documents not in Albanian must be translated by a certified translator. Translation costs depend on language pair and document length.


• Power of attorney — if you cannot be present in Albania for the registration, a notarized power of attorney allows a representative to act on your behalf. This must also be apostilled if issued abroad.

For a complete walkthrough of the registration process itself, see our guide on how to start a business in Albania.

Capital requirements are one of Albania's most business-friendly features:

Sole Proprietorship

There is no minimum capital requirement for a sole proprietorship. You can register as a sole proprietor with zero upfront capital.

LLC (SHPK)

The statutory minimum share capital for an SHPK is symbolic — among the lowest in Europe. The capital does not need to be deposited before registration; it can be paid in after the company is formed. Contributions in kind (equipment, property) are also permitted but require a valuation report from an independent expert, which adds to costs.

While the legal minimum is very low, keep in mind that a higher share capital may be prudent if you plan to:

• Apply for bank financing — banks will look at your capitalization


• Participate in public procurement or tenders


• Work with suppliers or partners who assess financial solidity


• Seek investor confidence

For more on choosing between business structures, see sole proprietorship vs. LLC in Albania.

Accounting is one of the most significant ongoing costs for any business in Albania. Albanian tax law requires proper bookkeeping, and most businesses — especially those run by foreigners — rely on a professional accountant.

What Bookkeeping Covers

Monthly bookkeeping typically includes recording all business transactions, maintaining ledgers, preparing documents for tax declarations, and ensuring compliance with Albanian Accounting Standards (SKK) or IFRS, depending on your company's size and classification.

Factors That Affect Cost

Bookkeeping fees depend on several factors:

• Business structure — an LLC generally requires more complex bookkeeping than a sole proprietorship


• Transaction volume — more invoices and bank transactions mean more work


• Number of employees — payroll processing adds to the workload


• VAT registration — VAT-registered businesses require additional monthly declarations


• Industry — some sectors have specific reporting requirements

Sole proprietorships with low turnover may qualify for simplified bookkeeping, which is less expensive. LLCs are subject to full double-entry bookkeeping regardless of size.

To understand what is included in a typical engagement, see our outsourced accountant service page.

Beyond bookkeeping, you will need to file various tax declarations with the Albanian tax authorities. These are typically handled by your accountant, but they represent a distinct cost category.

Monthly Tax Declarations

Monthly tax declarations include income tax withholdings, social and health insurance contributions, and other applicable taxes. These are filed through the tax administration's online portal.

VAT Declarations

If your business is VAT-registered — which is mandatory once your 12-month turnover exceeds the threshold set by law, and also mandatory regardless of turnover for certain categories (importers reselling goods, regulated professionals, and hospitality businesses) — you must file monthly VAT declarations. Check the current VAT registration threshold with the General Directorate of Taxes.

Payroll Declarations

If you have employees, payroll declarations cover wages, social insurance, and health insurance contributions. These are filed monthly.

Annual Filings

At the end of each financial year, you will need to prepare financial statements and an annual closing balance sheet. These are more complex and typically cost more than monthly declarations. The annual corporate income tax declaration is also due after the fiscal year ends.

Source: General Directorate of Taxes — tatime.gov.al. Verify current deadlines, rates, and thresholds directly with the tax authority.

Every business in Albania is required to issue fiscalized invoices for all transactions. Fiscalization is regulated by Law No. 87/2019 and subsequent amendments.

What You Need

• Electronic certificate — issued by AKSHI (National Agency for Information Society). Check the current annual fee and processing time at AKSHI's website. The certificate must be renewed before it expires.


• Certified invoicing software — you can use either commercial software or the free Self-Service Portal provided by the tax administration at efiskalizimi-app.tatime.gov.al (suitable for businesses with a low volume of invoices).


• Internet connection — invoices must be transmitted in real time. If connectivity is lost, invoices must be fiscalized within the timeframe specified by the tax administration — check the current rules at tatime.gov.al.

Cost Considerations

If you use the free government portal, your only direct fiscalization cost is the electronic certificate. If you opt for commercial invoicing software, costs vary by provider and features. Some accounting firms include fiscalization setup in their service packages — ask your accountant whether this is included.

Non-compliance with fiscalization carries significant penalties under Albanian law. Make sure your fiscalization is set up correctly from the first day of operations.

Not every business needs a license beyond QKB registration, but many sectors require additional permits. The cost and complexity depend entirely on your industry.

Common License Categories

• Food and hospitality — hygiene-sanitary certificates, fire safety approvals, and municipality permits may be required


• Construction — construction licenses issued by the relevant authority


• Transport — transport operator licenses


• Tourism — tourism and travel agency licenses


• Professional services — certain professions (legal, medical, engineering) require professional licenses or registrations with their respective chambers


• Environmental permits — businesses with environmental impact may need Type A or Type B environmental permits

License fees, application procedures, and processing times vary. Some are issued at the national level (through the National Licensing Centre or line ministries), while others are issued by municipalities. Check which licenses apply to your specific activity before you begin operations.

For more detail on the licensing landscape, see our business license guide.

Every business registered in Albania must have a registered address (selia) declared at QKB. This does not necessarily mean you need a full office lease, but you do need a legitimate address.

Options and Cost Ranges

• Home address — if your municipality and building regulations allow it, you can register your business at your home address. This has no additional cost but may not be suitable for all business types.


• Virtual office / registered address service — some providers offer a registered address without a physical office space. Costs vary by provider and city.


• Shared office or coworking space — available in Tirana and other major cities, typically on a monthly subscription. Costs depend on location and amenities.


• Traditional office lease — monthly rent depends heavily on the city and neighbourhood. Tirana is the most expensive market; other cities are substantially cheaper.

When budgeting, remember that your registered address is public information on the QKB register. If you change it later, you will need to file an amendment — which is free at QKB but requires updated documentation.

After your business is up and running, several recurring costs ensure you stay compliant with Albanian law:

• Monthly bookkeeping and tax filing — your largest ongoing professional cost (see the bookkeeping and tax declarations sections above)


• Social and health insurance contributions — mandatory for all businesses with employees, and for self-employed administrators of LLCs. Contribution rates are set by law and adjusted periodically — verify current rates with the General Directorate of Taxes


• Electronic certificate renewal — the AKSHI certificate for fiscalization must be renewed annually


• Annual financial statements — preparation and filing of financial statements and the closing balance sheet each year


• Beneficial ownership declaration — required under Law No. 112/2020, this must be filed and kept up to date at QKB


• Local business tax — municipalities levy an annual business tax that varies by location and turnover bracket. Check with your municipality for the applicable rate


• License renewals — any sector-specific licenses or permits that expire must be renewed, with associated fees


• Bank account fees — monthly maintenance fees for your business bank account vary by bank

These costs are predictable and should be part of your annual budget. A good accountant will remind you of upcoming deadlines and ensure nothing is missed.

Many foreign entrepreneurs budget for registration and accounting but overlook several costs that can catch them off guard:

• Late-filing penalties — missing a tax declaration deadline results in fines and interest. Even a single late filing can cost more than a month of accounting fees. The specific penalty amounts are set by the Tax Procedures Law — verify the current schedule at tatime.gov.al


• VAT registration surprises — if your turnover crosses the mandatory VAT threshold and you fail to register, the tax authority can retroactively apply VAT, including penalties. Monitor your turnover carefully


• Bank account opening delays — Albanian banks conduct due diligence on foreign founders, and the process may take longer than expected. Some banks may require additional documentation or charge higher fees for non-resident account holders


• Translation and apostille costs abroad — if you are managing your Albanian company from overseas, routine document needs (powers of attorney, shareholder resolutions) each require translation and apostille, which accumulate over time


• Accountant switching costs — if you start with an unqualified or unreliable accountant and need to switch mid-year, the new accountant will need time to review and potentially correct previous records. Choosing the right accountant from the beginning saves money long-term


• Mandatory employee costs — if you hire staff, remember that employer-side social and health insurance contributions are on top of the gross salary. Factor these into your hiring budget


• Changes to QKB registration — while initial registration is free, any changes (address, administrator, activities, capital) require filing amendments. The amendments themselves are free at QKB, but you may need notarization for certain changes

The choice between a sole proprietorship and an LLC affects both your startup and ongoing costs. Here is a general comparison:

A sole proprietorship is cheaper to set up and maintain, but offers no liability protection — you are personally liable for all business debts. An LLC costs more to operate but protects your personal assets. For a detailed comparison, see sole proprietorship vs. LLC in Albania.

If cost is your primary concern and your business activity is low-risk, a sole proprietorship may be the right choice. If you want liability protection or plan to take on partners or investors, forming an LLC is worth the additional expense.

While some costs are unavoidable, there are practical ways to keep your overall expenses lower:

• Use the free QKB online registration — apply through e-Albania to avoid intermediary fees for the registration step itself


• Start with the right structure — choosing between a sole proprietorship and an LLC based on your actual needs prevents costly restructuring later


• Hire a qualified accountant from day one — this may seem like an added cost, but an experienced accountant prevents penalties, missed deductions, and compliance problems that cost far more to fix


• Use the free fiscalization portal — if your invoice volume is low, the government's Self-Service Portal avoids the cost of commercial invoicing software


• Get your NACE code right the first time — registering with the wrong activity code can lead to licensing issues or tax complications. Research your NACE code carefully before registration


• Understand your tax obligations early — read our guide to the Albanian tax system so you can plan for VAT, income tax, and social contributions before they become surprises


• Prepare all documents before starting — incomplete applications cause delays. Have identity documents, translations, apostilles, and powers of attorney ready before you begin


• Consider a virtual address — if you do not need physical office space, a registered address service can be substantially cheaper than leasing an office

Navigating business registration and ongoing compliance in Albania — especially in a language you may not speak — can be time-consuming and stressful. Ekonomist Pro provides professional accounting and business administration services tailored to foreign entrepreneurs and companies operating in Albania.

What We Offer

• Business registration support — guidance through the QKB registration process for both sole proprietorships and LLCs, including document preparation


• Monthly bookkeeping — full compliance with Albanian accounting standards, adapted to your business size and complexity


• Tax declarations — timely filing of all monthly and annual tax obligations


• Fiscalization setup — assistance with electronic certificate procurement and invoicing configuration


• License and permit guidance — identification of which licenses your business needs and support through the application process


• Ongoing compliance management — we monitor deadlines, renewals, and regulatory changes so you do not have to