Emigrating to Albania: Sun, beach and hospitality in the Balkans

Albania, a country with a fascinating history, breathtaking landscape and hospitable people, is attracting more and more emigrants. With its 2.8 million inhabitants spread over an area of 28,748 km², Albania offers both idyllic villages and vibrant cities.

A country full of contrasts and natural beauty

From the snow-capped peaks of the Albanian Alps to the turquoise shores of the Mediterranean, Albania offers an incredible variety of landscapes. Crystal clear rivers, wild gorges and picturesque coastal towns invite you to explore and relax.

Affordable living with a Mediterranean flair

Albania is a country with a low tax rate of 15% on income and profits. The cost of living is significantly cheaper compared to Western Europe. This means you can live a comfortable life in Albania on a relatively small budget.

Healthcare on the rise

The Albanian health system is changing and offers good basic care. In the larger cities there are modern hospitals and private clinics with English-speaking staff.

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Mother Teresa: From Skopje to Calcutta
Mother Teresa, the world-famous religious sister and Nobel Peace Prize winner, was born on August 26, 1910 in Skopje, now North Macedonia. At that time the city belonged to the Ottoman Empire and later Yugoslavia. Her family, who were ethnic Albanians, called her Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu.

Childhood and youth in Skopje:
Anjezë grew up in a Catholic family and was influenced by deep faith and compassion from an early age. She attended the Loreto Sisters’ school in Skopje and felt called to religious life at a young age.

Vocation and Mission:
At the age of 18, Anjezë entered the order of the Loreto Sisters and took the name Teresa. In 1929 she was sent to India, where she initially worked as a teacher in Darjeeling.

Founding of the Missionaries of Charity:
In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. The order was dedicated to helping the poorest of the poor, the sick, the dying and orphans. Mother Teresa herself lived in poverty and dedicated her life to charity.

Worldwide recognition:
Mother Teresa’s commitment to the poor and needy was recognized worldwide. In 1979 she received the Nobel Peace Prize for her work. She founded missions in over 120 countries and inspired countless people to engage in charity.

Death and legacy:
Mother Teresa died on September 5, 1997 in Calcutta. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003 and canonized in 2016. Her life and work are a lasting legacy of charity and compassion.

Albanian roots and national pride:
Although Mother Teresa spent most of her life in India, she never forgot her Albanian roots. She often spoke Albanian and maintained contact with her family and friends in Albania. In Albania itself she is considered a national hero and her work is recognized with great pride.

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Various visa options and residence permits

There are various visa options to emigrate to Albania. Depending on the purpose and duration of your stay, different visas are possible, e.g. the Schengen visa, the long-term visa or the D visa for pensioners.

Residency permit:

Visa: A visa is required for stays longer than 90 days.
Residence permit: If you are staying for one year or more, you must apply for a residence permit.
Required documents: passport, biometric photo, registration certificate, health insurance, proof of sufficient financial resources.

Albania – an ideal destination for emigrants

With its stunning scenery, affordable cost of living and friendly population, Albania offers an ideal destination for expats looking to start a new life in a sunny and hospitable country.

 

The most famous cities in Albania: Tirana, Durrës, Vlora Shkodra and Saranda, in detail Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania

With around 800,000 inhabitants, Tirana is the largest city in Albania and at the same time the political, economic and cultural center of the country. The city offers a varied and modern lifestyle with a variety of restaurants, cafés and bars that invite you to relax and unwind. Numerous museums, theaters and galleries offer a wide range of cultural offerings. Tirana also has many green spaces and parks that invite you to relax and unwind. The cost of living in Tirana is relatively cheap and the transport infrastructure is well developed.

Durrës, the charming port city by the sea

Durrës is the second largest city in Albania and, with around 200,000 inhabitants, an important port location. The city is also a popular seaside resort with long sandy beaches and turquoise sea ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. There are numerous restaurants and bars along the beach promenade that invite you to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine and the summer ambience. Durrës also has a historic center with Roman ruins that testify to the city’s ancient past. The cost of living in Durrës is cheap and the city offers an international atmosphere.

 

Vlora, the pearl of the Albanian Riviera

Vlora is an important port city in the south of Albania with around 100,000 inhabitants and is located on the beautiful Albanian Riviera. The city impresses with its beautiful seaside location and its long sandy beaches with crystal clear water. Vlora also offers a variety of historical sights, such as the Declaration of Independence of Albania, which was proclaimed in the city. Vlora is characterized by a calm and relaxed lifestyle and the cost of living is cheap.

Shkodra, the historic city in northern Albania

Shkodra is the fourth largest city in Albania with around 180,000 inhabitants and is located in the north of the country. The city is known for its beautiful old town with Rozafa Castle, which sits on a hill and offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding area. Shkodra has many museums and churches that testify to the city’s rich history and culture. The city offers a lively cultural life with numerous festivals and events. The cost of living in Shkodra is cheap and the city is an ideal base for exploring the Albanian Alps.

Saranda: horseshoe-shaped bay and turquoise sea
Saranda, the southernmost city in Albania, is located on the Albanian Riviera and is a paradise for beach lovers and nature lovers. The city impresses with its beautiful location on a horseshoe-shaped bay, turquoise sea and beautiful beaches.

Saranda’s highlights:

The Ksamil archipelago with its paradisiacal islands, the beach of Dhermi and the bay of Gjipe invite you to sunbathe and swim.

Visit the Lekuresi Castle for breathtaking views, explore the ancient city of Butrint (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and admire the Byzantine frescoes in the Zvernec Church.

Hike the trails of the Via Egnatia, explore the wild beauty of the Llogara National Park and take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon.

Try fresh fish and seafood in the harborside restaurants, enjoy Albanian specialties such as fërgesë and byrek, and taste the delicious raki.

The Blue Eye Albania is about 22 kilometres to the east of Saranda, in the south of Albania. The spring is located on the road between Saranda and Gjirokastra.

Conclusion:

Each of Albania’s largest cities has its own charm and advantages. Tirana offers a modern and vibrant lifestyle, Durrës is ideal for beach lovers, Vlora and Saranda impress with their fantastic locations on the Riviera, and Shkodra offers a rich history and culture. The quality of life in all four cities is good and the cost of living is significantly cheaper compared to Western Europe.

 

More Infos about Albania

Albania Citizenship Solutions

 

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GCI UNIT Worldwide is a division of TCME-Group Worldwide, one of the world’s leading professional corporate investment and foreign trade advisory firms, with a total of 17 divisions in various countries and headquartered in Malaysia.

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