Start a Business in Albania from Egypt: Company Formation for Egyptian Entrepreneurs

Egyptian nationals holding a national passport require a visa to enter Albania. The visa costs EUR 35. Holders of diplomatic passports enter visa-free.

Albania offers an e-visa system at e-visa.al, which allows you to apply online.

For long-term business stays, a type D visa is required. The type D visa costs EUR 35 and must be obtained before entry. It is linked to a residence permit application.

For detailed visa and immigration guidance, see our Albania Visa for Egyptian Citizens guide.

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

Albania shares the Mediterranean basin with Egypt and offers Egyptian entrepreneurs a cost-effective entry point into European markets. The country's EU accession process means progressive alignment with EU standards, opening doors to a wider trade network.

Key sectors for Egyptian entrepreneurs in Albania include:

• Trade and import/export: Albania's position as a gateway to the Western Balkans creates opportunities for distribution of food products, textiles, building materials and consumer goods.
• Construction: the Albanian construction sector is active, with ongoing urban development and infrastructure projects.
• Tourism: Albania's growing tourism industry offers opportunities in hospitality, tour operations and related services.
• Restaurants and food services: Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine has a receptive market in Albanian cities.

Albania's 15% flat corporate tax rate and competitive labour costs make it an affordable jurisdiction for establishing a European business presence.

Egypt is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents from Egypt cannot be legalised with an Apostille stamp. Instead, a full consular legalisation chain is required:

1. Notarisation: the document is notarised by an Egyptian notary public or competent authority.
2. Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: the notarised document is attested by the Egyptian MOFA.
3. Albanian embassy or consulate: the attested document is legalised by the Albanian diplomatic representation covering Egypt.

Albania maintains diplomatic representation that covers Egypt. Check with the Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (punetejashtme.gov.al) for current contact details.

Documents that typically need legalisation for company registration include:

• Passport copy
• Criminal record certificate
• Power of attorney (if registering remotely)
• Business documentation (if relevant)

All documents in Arabic must be translated into Albanian by a certified translator.

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 properly 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.
• Monthly tax declarations: corporate income tax, withholding taxes, and social/health contributions. See Monthly Tax Declarations.
• Fiscalisation: all invoices must be issued through the national fiscalisation system.
• Annual financial statements: required for all LLCs. See Year-End Closing.
• Payroll: if you hire employees, payroll declarations are required monthly.

Check with us whether a double taxation treaty between Albania and Egypt 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.

Egyptian citizens must obtain a type D visa (EUR 35) 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.

Because Egypt is not in the Apostille Convention, the consular legalisation chain takes longer than a simple Apostille. We recommend starting document preparation at least 4-6 weeks before your planned company registration date.

The typical timeline:

1. Notarisation in Egypt: 1-3 business days
2. Egyptian MOFA attestation: 3-7 business days
3. Albanian diplomatic representation legalisation: varies
4. Certified translation into Albanian: 3-5 business days

We can help coordinate this process to minimise delays.

We assist Egyptian entrepreneurs at every stage:

• Visa guidance: orientation on the e-visa process and type D visa requirements
• Company formation: LLC registration at QKB, including document preparation and consular legalisation guidance
• Tax registration: NIPT, VAT, fiscalisation setup, and employee registration
• 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

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