Start a Business in Albania from Turkey: Company Formation for Turkish Entrepreneurs

Albania and Turkey share strong economic ties, with Turkish investment representing one of the largest foreign direct investment sources in the country. Major Turkish companies already operate in Albania across banking (BKT, formerly acquired by Calik Holding), construction, energy, education, and retail.

Key advantages for Turkish entrepreneurs include visa-free entry for up to 90 days, a 15% flat corporate tax rate, low operating costs compared to Turkey, Albania's EU candidate status (with accession negotiations ongoing), and a strategic location connecting the Balkans with the EU market.

Common business activities from Turkish entrepreneurs include construction and infrastructure projects, food and beverage (restaurants, bakeries, Turkish cuisine), wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing (textiles, building materials), and education services.

Turkish nationals can enter Albania visa-free with a valid passport. No visa is required for short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

For business activities beyond 90 days, you will need to apply for a type D visa and a residence permit. The type D visa application should be submitted at the Albanian embassy or consulate in Turkey before travel.

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

Turkey ratified the Hague Apostille Convention in 1985 (in force since 29 September 1985). Albania acceded to the Convention in 2003 (in force since 9 May 2004). Documents exchanged between the two countries require only an Apostille stamp — no consular legalisation chain.

Documents that typically need an Apostille for company registration include:

• Passport copy
• Criminal record certificate (adli sicil belgesi)
• Power of attorney (if registering remotely)
• Company documents from Turkey (if establishing a branch)

In Turkey, Apostille stamps are issued by the Governor's Office (Valilik) of the province where the document was issued.

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). Registration is handled by the National Business Centre (QKB), established under Law No. 131/2015.

Turkish citizens can register either in person at QKB in Tirana, or remotely through a notarised and apostilled power of attorney given to a local representative.

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

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. See our VAT Declaration page.
• 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.
• Fiscal devices: all businesses making retail sales must use fiscal devices.

Check with us whether a double taxation treaty between Albania and Turkey applies to your situation.

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

Under Law No. 79/2021 "On Foreigners", Turkish nationals can apply for a business-related residence permit. Relevant permit types include:

• Self-employed unique permit: for company founders and sole traders
• Employment unique permit: if you work within your own company as a director or employee

The process requires a type D visa before entry (applied for at an Albanian consular representation in Turkey), followed by the residence permit application in Albania. The initial permit is valid for one year and renewable.

For detailed guidance, see our Albania Residence Permit Guide.

We assist Turkish entrepreneurs at every stage:

• Company formation: LLC or sole proprietor registration at QKB, including Apostille guidance
• Tax registration: NIPT, VAT, and employee registration
• Monthly accounting: bookkeeping, tax declarations, and payroll
• Annual financial statements: balance sheet and statutory filings
• Residence permit support: application preparation and follow-up
• Ongoing advisory: tax planning and compliance monitoring

Contact us via WhatsApp or phone for a free initial consultation.