- In April 2020, the General Directorate of Taxes asked taxpayers to update their activity code when this was the reason for the rejection of applications for pandemic financial assistance.
- The obligation to keep registration data accurate, including the economic activity code, stems from Article 43 of Law No. 9920/2008 “On Tax Procedures” and remains in effect today, regardless of the specific context of 2020.
- Today, unlike in 2020, legal entities can also complete this update online, without needing to physically appear at the QKB.
- The code of activity affects not only various requirements but also the VAT rate, sectoral licenses, and tax incentives you may be eligible for.
In April 2020, the General Directorate of Taxes invited taxpayers whose applications for financial assistance had been rejected due to a mismatch between their activity code and their actual operations to update their registration data.
From our daily work we see that many businesses leave their code of activity as it was at the time of incorporation, even though their actual operations have changed over the years, and this creates problems later when they apply for a license, claim the reduced VAT rate, or undergo a tax audit.
How this request arose in 2020 and what remains valid today
The context of 2020, the mismatch with financial assistance
During the pandemic, many applications for financial assistance were rejected because the registered activity code did not match the taxpayer's actual activity description. This was the specific case that prompted the 2020 notice, but the problem itself—the outdated code—is not limited to financial aid and can come up at any time.
The legal basis remains: Article 43 of Law No. 9920/2008.
The obligation to notify any change in registration data, including the economic activity code, is provided for in Article 43 of Law No. 9920, dated 19.05.2008, “On Tax Procedures in the Republic of Albania,” as amended, and applies regardless of the specific circumstance that brought it to attention in 2020.
Every time there is a tax or financial change that affects your business, we notify you directly by email with a practical explanation.
Send me free notificationsWhy does it matter today?
How to update today, online for everyone
In 2020, natural persons updated online via e-Albania, while legal persons had to appear in person at the QKB counters. For several years now, the registration and amendment process at the QKB has been conducted entirely online for both categories, through an e-Albania account, and physical counters are no longer available for this service. For special cases or additional documentation, we recommend prior verification with the QKB.
How we handle this with our clients
When we take on a new client, we verify that their activity code matches the actual business, regardless of whether it has been changed for years, precisely to avoid future issues with licensing, VAT regulations, or inspections.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the code of activity (NVE) important?
Because it determines how the tax system recognizes you, what VAT rate or reliefs you can benefit from, and what licenses you need.
How do I update my activity code today?
Online, through your e-Albania account, whether you are an individual or a legal entity.
Does this change cost me anything?
Registration and basic updates at the QKB are free of charge. Check your specific case to see if additional documentation is required.
