Start a Business in Albania from Pakistan: Company Formation for Pakistani Entrepreneurs

Pakistani nationals require a visa to enter Albania for all passport types (national, diplomatic, service and special). Visa fees range from EUR 20 to EUR 35 depending on the type.

Albania offers an e-visa system at e-visa.al, which allows you to apply online without visiting an embassy.

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 Pakistani Citizens guide.

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

Albania offers Pakistani entrepreneurs a practical and cost-effective entry point into European markets. The country's EU accession process means progressive alignment with EU regulations, giving businesses registered here growing access to European standards and supply chains.

Key sectors for Pakistani entrepreneurs in Albania include:

• Trade and import/export: textiles, food products, consumer goods, and machinery are common trade categories between Pakistan and Southeast Europe.
• Restaurants and food services: Pakistani cuisine and South Asian restaurants have a growing presence in Albanian cities, particularly Tirana.
• Wholesale and retail: distribution of consumer products, electronics, and household goods.
• Manufacturing: small-scale manufacturing and assembly operations that benefit from Albania's lower labour costs and proximity to EU markets.

Albania's 15% flat corporate tax rate and competitive operating costs make it an affordable jurisdiction compared to other European countries.

Pakistan acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention with the Convention entering into force on 9 March 2023. This is a very recent accession, marked A**. We strongly recommend confirming with the Albanian embassy whether the Apostille is accepted for your specific Pakistani documents, as implementation may still be developing.

If the Apostille route is confirmed, the Apostille in Pakistan is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant designated authority.

Documents that typically need legalisation for company registration include:

• Passport copy
• Criminal record certificate (Police Character Certificate)
• Power of attorney (if registering remotely)
• Business background documentation

All documents in Urdu 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.

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

Pakistani 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.

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

All documents in Urdu must be accompanied by certified Albanian or English translations. Banks may conduct additional due diligence for non-EU nationals, so prepare clear documentation of your business background and source of funds.

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

We assist Pakistani 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 Apostille verification
• 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.