Start a Business in Albania from the Philippines: Company Formation for Filipino Entrepreneurs

Filipino nationals holding a national passport require a visa to enter Albania. The visa costs EUR 30. Holders of diplomatic passports enter visa-free.

Albania offers an e-visa system at e-visa.al, which allows online applications.

For long-term business stays, a type D visa is required. The type D visa costs EUR 30 and must be obtained before entry. It is linked to a residence permit application.

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

Filipino professionals and entrepreneurs bring particular strengths to several growing sectors in Albania. The combination of Albania's EU accession path, its low operating costs, and the Filipino workforce's reputation for English proficiency and service excellence creates distinct opportunities:

• Healthcare staffing and recruitment: Albania's healthcare sector faces workforce challenges. Filipino healthcare professionals are internationally recognised, and staffing agencies connecting Filipino talent with Albanian and European healthcare facilities can find a niche here.
• BPO and outsourcing services: Albanian IT infrastructure is developing, and English-proficient BPO operations can serve European clients from Albania at lower costs than Western Europe.
• Restaurants and food services: Filipino cuisine and food concepts have potential in Albania's growing restaurant scene, particularly in Tirana and tourist areas.
• Trade and import/export: consumer goods, electronics, and food products between Southeast Asia and Southeast Europe.

Albania's 15% flat corporate tax rate and competitive labour costs provide a cost advantage for service-based businesses.

The Philippines acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention with the Convention entering into force on 14 May 2019. The Philippines' accession is marked A**. We recommend confirming with the Albanian embassy whether the Apostille is accepted for your specific Filipino documents.

In the Philippines, Apostilles are issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Documents that typically need legalisation for company registration include:

• Passport copy
• NBI Clearance (National Bureau of Investigation) or Police Clearance Certificate
• Power of attorney (if registering remotely)
• Business documentation (if relevant)

All documents in Filipino/Tagalog must be translated into Albanian by a certified translator. Most official Filipino documents are also issued in English, which may simplify the translation process.

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 apostilled 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 the Philippines applies to your situation -- this could affect how business profits and service fees are taxed across both countries.

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

Filipino citizens must obtain a type D visa (EUR 30) 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 opening a business account. You will need 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.

Many official Filipino documents are issued in English, which may simplify the bank's review process. Documents in Filipino/Tagalog must be accompanied by certified translations.

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

We assist Filipino 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 DFA 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.