Start a Business in Albania from China: Company Formation for Chinese Entrepreneurs

Albania has attracted growing Chinese investment in sectors such as construction and infrastructure, mining and natural resources, energy (including renewable energy), telecommunications, and wholesale trade and import/export.

The country sits at a crossroads between the EU (Albania is in accession negotiations) and the wider Mediterranean region, providing access to European and Middle Eastern markets. Operating costs, including labour, rent and utilities, are substantially lower than in Western Europe.

Corporate income tax in Albania is 15% on profits. The Albanian government has signalled openness to foreign direct investment, and Chinese nationals benefit from a visa-free entry arrangement that simplifies initial business exploration.

Chinese nationals holding a national passport can enter Albania visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days. This visa-free regime allows you to explore business opportunities, meet potential partners, and begin the company registration process without a prior visa application.

For long-term business stays beyond 90 days, a type D visa is required. This visa must be obtained from an Albanian embassy or consulate before entry and is typically linked to a residence permit application.

Source: Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (punetejashtme.gov.al) -- verified October 2026.

China acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention with the Convention entering into force on 7 November 2023. Because China's accession is relatively recent and marked A** (accession), we recommend confirming with the Albanian embassy or consulate whether the Apostille is accepted for your specific Chinese documents.

Documents that typically need legalisation for company registration include:

• Passport copy
• Criminal record certificate
• Power of attorney (if registering remotely)
• Proof of business background or company documents (if transferring a structure)

All documents in Chinese must be translated into Albanian by a certified translator. Translations themselves may also need to be notarised. Because Chinese documents use non-Latin script, banks and government offices may require additional certified translations.

Source: HCCH Apostille Convention Status Table (hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41) -- verified October 2026.

The most common structure for foreign entrepreneurs is a Limited Liability Company (SHPK -- Shoqeri me Pergjegjesi te Kufizuara). Registration is handled by the National Business Centre (QKB), established under Law No. 131/2015.

You can register in person at QKB in Tirana or remotely through a notarised and legalised power of attorney given to a local representative. The process typically takes 1-2 business days once all documents are submitted.

For a full guide on the LLC registration process, see our How to Open an LLC in Albania page.

After company registration, your business must register with the Albanian tax authorities. Key obligations include:

• VAT registration: mandatory if annual turnover exceeds ALL 10 million (approximately EUR 90,000). See our VAT Declaration page.
• Fiscalisation: all invoices must be issued through the national fiscalisation system (self-invoicing platform).
• Monthly tax declarations: corporate income tax, withholding taxes, and social/health contributions. See Monthly Tax Declarations.
• Annual financial statements: required for all LLCs. See Year-End Closing.

Check with us whether a double taxation treaty between Albania and China applies to your situation -- this could affect how business profits and dividends are taxed across both countries.

For ongoing accounting support, see our Monthly Accounting and Outsourced Accountant services.

Non-EU nationals, including Chinese citizens, must obtain a type D visa before applying for a residence permit in Albania. Under Law No. 79/2021 "On Foreigners", relevant permit types for business owners include:

• Self-employed unique permit (leje unike per punonjes te vetepunesuar): for company founders and sole traders
• Employment unique permit: if you plan to work within your own company as a director or employee

The initial permit is typically valid for one year and renewable. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

For detailed guidance on the residence permit process, see our Albania Residence Permit Guide.

Albanian banks will require standard documentation for opening a business account, including the QKB registration certificate (ekstrakti i QKB-se), company statute, identification documents of directors and shareholders, proof of registered business address, and a source of funds declaration.

Because Chinese documents use non-Latin script, banks may require certified Albanian or English translations of all supporting documents. We recommend preparing these translations in advance to avoid delays.

Major banks operating in Albania include Banka Kombetare Tregtare (BKT), Raiffeisen Bank Albania, OTP Bank, and Credins Bank.

We assist Chinese entrepreneurs at every stage:

• Company formation: LLC registration at QKB, including document preparation, Apostille verification, and certified translation coordination
• Tax registration: NIPT, VAT, fiscalisation setup, and employee registration with the tax authorities
• Monthly accounting: bookkeeping, tax declarations, and payroll in compliance with Albanian accounting standards
• Annual financial statements: balance sheet, income statement, and statutory filings
• Residence permit support: type D visa and permit application preparation
• Ongoing advisory: tax planning, regulatory updates, and compliance monitoring

Contact us via WhatsApp or phone for a free initial consultation. We respond in English.