Opening a company in Albania: everything you need to know about administrative procedures and legal assistance.
If you are considering starting a business in Albania, the first step is to legally register a company with the National Business Center (QKB).
This process involves preparing the required documentation, choosing the appropriate legal structure, and following the administrative procedures established by Albanian law.
Although the registration process has been simplified, professional legal and tax assistance is essential to avoid mistakes and ensure a safe and compliant start for your business.
In this guide, we will explain in detail how to successfully establish a company in Albania and how the Notary and Legal Office Elida Magani & Partners can assist you at every stage of the process.
Do you need assistance to start a company in Albania?
Contact the Notary and Legal Office Elida Magani & Partners for professional advice and full support at every stage of the process. Booking an appointment at our office in Tirana is easy and fast.
The benefits of setting up a company in Albania for foreign entrepreneurs
Albania offers a favorable business environment, increasingly attractive for foreign investors, combining tax advantages with low operating costs and a simplified company registration process. One of the main benefits is the low corporate income tax rate, currently set at 15% for commercial companies, and as low as 5% for small businesses.
Additionally, the country’s geographical proximity to the European Union, ongoing infrastructure development, and open opportunities in strategic sectors such as tourism, energy, and information technology make Albania an attractive destination for setting up a company.
Another key advantage is the flexibility of the labor market and the availability of a skilled workforce at competitive costs. All these factors, combined with favorable legal conditions for foreign investors, create a secure and reliable foundation for launching new business ventures.
Types of business entities in Albania: choosing the right legal form
Before registering a company in Albania, it is important to choose the legal structure that best suits your business needs. Albanian law provides for several types of business entities, each with specific characteristics and advantages.
Limited Liability Company (Sh.p.k.)
This is the most common form for small and medium-sized businesses. The minimum share capital is symbolic, while the liability of shareholders is limited to their invested capital. The incorporation process is simple and costs are low.
Joint Stock Company (Sh.a.)
Suitable for large businesses or companies with multiple shareholders. It requires a higher minimum share capital and has a more complex management structure, but offers broader opportunities for investment and financing.
Branch of a Foreign Company in Albania
Foreign companies can register a branch in Albania to carry out economic activities. Branches do not have separate legal personality but operate on behalf of the parent company..
Sole Proprietorship
The simplest form for individuals wishing to conduct business in their own name. No minimum capital is required, but the owner is personally and fully liable for business obligations.
Not sure which legal form suits your needs?
Rely on the expertise of our Notary and Legal Office Elida Magani & Partners in Tirana to safely carry out the initial assessment necessary for starting your business in Albania.
Legal and administrative procedure for setting up a company in Albania
Setting up a company in Albania is a structured process that follows several mandatory administrative steps to ensure the legal validity of your business activity. Registration is carried out through the National Business Center (QKB), which provides an online platform for applications and documentation.
The main steps of the process are:
- preparation of the incorporation documents (articles of association, company statute, and declarations from directors and shareholders);
- choosing the legal structure of the company;
- submitting the application to the National Business Center (QKB) and obtaining the NIPT (Tax Identification Number);
- fiscal registration with the tax authorities for VAT and social security contributions;
- opening the company’s bank account and depositing the initial share capital (when required).
Although the registration process may seem straightforward, professional legal and tax support is strongly recommended to avoid mistakes that could lead to application rejections, registration delays, additional costs, or future legal issues.
Contact now our office in Tirana and request a free, no-obligation quote.
Costs and timelines for opening a company in Albania
Opening a company in Albania involves affordable costs compared to the European average and a relatively fast registration process.
Depending on the chosen legal structure and the nature of the business activity, costs may include:
- registration fees with the National Business Center (QKB);
- costs for preparing the legal documentation;
- expenses for professional legal and tax consulting;
- other taxes related to specific activities (e.g., licenses, environmental certificates, etc.).
For a Limited Liability Company (Sh.p.k.), administrative fees are low, and the registration process is typically completed within 5 working days from the submission of complete documentation.
For larger structures such as Joint Stock Companies (Sh.a.) or branches of foreign companies, timelines and costs may vary depending on the complexity of the case.
How the Notary and Legal Office Magani & Partners can assist you
The process of establishing a company requires a thorough understanding of Albanian legislation and experience in handling administrative and tax procedures. The Notary and Legal Office Elida Magani & Partners offers a complete range of services for individuals and businesses wishing to open a company in Albania.
Our services include:
- Consulting on selecting the most suitable legal structure based on your business objectives.
- Accurate drafting of documentation (articles of incorporation, company statute, legal declarations) in compliance with current legislation.
- Assistance with registration procedures at the National Business Center (QKB).
- Tax advisory services for corporate obligations, VAT, and social security contributions, in collaboration with our team of accountants.
- Support with opening a business bank account and managing initial operational procedures.
- Fast and transparent solutions, with clear cost estimates from the outset.
Through our professional approach and extensive experience, we help you avoid mistakes and ensure a successful start for your business in Albania.
Contacting us for information is easy and can be done via phone, email form or a message via WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about setting up a company in Albania
Is it mandatory to have a registered office address to establish a company in Albania?
Yes, every company registered in Albania must have an official legal address, which is used for correspondence and tax purposes.
Can I open a company in Albania without being a resident?
Yes, foreign citizens can establish a company in Albania without residency, but they must appoint a legal representative in the country.
How long does it take to register a company in Albania?
In most cases, the registration process is completed within 5 working days from the submission of complete documentation to the National Business Center (QKB).
Is a minimum share capital required to open a company?
For Limited Liability Companies (Sh.p.k.), the minimum capital is symbolic. For Joint Stock Companies (Sh.a.), a higher minimum capital is required by law.
Can I complete all registration procedures online?
Yes, applying and registering a company with the QKB can be done online, but professional assistance is strongly recommended to avoid mistakes. Correcting inaccuracies later can be time-consuming and delay the start of your business activities.
The Notary and Legal Office Elida Magani & Partners provides clear and transparent cost estimates from the very beginning, avoiding unexpected expenses and ensuring an efficient process.