Registering a new business in Albania today is easier than ever, thanks to the digitization of services. Since 2020, initial business registration has been carried out entirely online. through the e-Albania portal, and it is no longer offered at the physical counters of the National Business Center (NBC). This article guides you step by step – from choosing the registration form (sole proprietor or LLC) to the steps you need to take immediately after opening your business. Read on to learn how to open a business in Albania, what the differences are between a sole proprietor and an LLC, what the “unique permit” for foreigners is, what fiscalization involves, and what tax obligations (taxes in Albania) you have after registration.
Main business forms: Sole proprietor or LLC?
Individual
This is the simplest form of organization. The business is registered in the individual's name (the owner) and has no separate legal personality. As a natural person, you bear unlimited liability: the profits are yours, but the business's obligations are also personal obligations. This form is ideal for freelancers or very small businesses (e.g., a small shop, a craft business, or individual consulting services). The main advantages are a simpler registration and administration process, as well as favorable tax treatment for low revenues. Currently, small businesses with annual revenue up to 14 million lek benefit from zero corporate tax (until 2029), and those with revenue up to 10 million lek are also exempt from VAT. This means that a small sole proprietor can operate without paying income tax and without becoming subject to VAT until they exceed these thresholds – a major advantage compared to larger businesses.
If a self-employed individual earns 80% of their income from a single client or 90% of their income from fewer than three clients, then for tax purposes this income is considered employment income and is taxed as wages, not as business income.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
This is a trading company with a legal personality separate from its owners. It can have one or more partners (e.g., a family or business partners can set up an LLC together). The minimum required capital is nominal (100 lekë), but an LLC provides limited liability – partners risk only the company's capital and not their personal assets for the business's obligations. This form is preferred when the goal is business growth, larger investments, or when a clear separation of personal finances from business finances is required. The tax treatment also differs slightly: an LLC is normally taxed at a 15% corporate income tax rate on its net profit, and if the profit is distributed to partners as dividends, an 8% dividend tax is also applied to the distributed amount. In practice, at high profit levels, the effective tax rate for an LLC can be lower than for an individual (who, above a certain threshold, pays up to 23% on high income). However, for revenues up to 14 million lek, LLCssmall LLCs also enjoy a zero profit tax rate until 2029, just like individuals.
In addition to LLCs, Albanian legislation also recognizes other legal forms of companies, such as partnerships in commandite, general partnerships, and joint-stock companies (JSCs). However, due to their rarer use in everyday practice and their complexity, these forms are not covered in this article, as they exceed its scope.
How to choose the right form?
It depends on your circumstances: if you're in business on your own, with little capital and minimal risk, registering as a sole proprietor may be more advantageous at first. The procedures are simpler and the annual administrative costs (e.g., accounting) are usually lower. On the other hand, if you expect to have several partners, expand quickly, or want to keep your personal assets separate from the business's, then an LLC is the right solution. Remember that you can start as a sole proprietor and later, when the business grows, convert it into an LLC. – but this involves additional procedures. Therefore, think carefully from the start. (“Sole proprietor or LLC?” is a key question every new entrepreneur must answer right from the beginning.) If you're undecided, consult an economist or financial advisor to make the most informed decision.
Preparations before recording
Once you have decided on the business structure, the preliminary steps will help you prepare for a successful registration:
Choose the business name
Think of a unique and meaningful name, as it must be registered as such with the QKB. Check to ensure the name isn't already in use by an existing business (you can search the QKB online portal). For limited liability companies, the name usually ends with the abbreviation “sh.p.k.”.
Address and purpose of the activity
You must have a physical address where the activity will be carried out (even if it's just your home office as a freelancer). Also, clearly define the purpose of your business (e.g., “IT consulting,” “retail clothing sales,” “marketing services,” etc.), because you will declare it during registration.
Create an account on e-Albania
If you don't have one yet, register as a user on the e-Albania government portal. Using the portal is mandatory because the business registration application will be made. there Make sure your personal information (e.g., phone number, email) is up to date, as registration notifications will be sent to you electronically.
Required documents
For natural person, the preliminary documentation is minimal – practically all you need is your ID card (and a notarized power of attorney only if someone else is registering it in your name). For an LLC, several basic documents must be prepared before applying online: the Articles of Incorporation and the company's Articles of Association (if these two are not drafted as a single document). Also, the person authorized to register (if it is not the partner/administrator themselves) must have a power of attorney. It is best to have these documents ready electronically (scanned), as you will upload them during the application.
Electronic signature
For the registration of a LLC, it is required that the electronic application be signed with an electronic signature of valid. This means that you (or the authorized person making the application) must obtain an electronic certificate (eID or token) for digital signing. If you don't have one yet, you can apply on e-Albania to get a signature. electronic. For an individual, an electronic signature is not currently required during the application process (authentication with e-Albania credentials as an individual is considered sufficient for your self-declarations). However, since more and more services are requiring digital signatures, it is advisable to obtain one as soon as possible. For initial registration, you can also use electronic signature Temporary, valid for 14 days, used only for this purpose.
Considerations for foreigners
If you are a foreign national who wants to register a business in Albania, check your residence status. Registering an Albanian company can also be done by non-residents, but to actually operate the business within Albania you need the Unique Permit. This is a special permit that simultaneously grants you the right to reside and work in Albania. The application is submitted online via e-Albania (the “Application for a Unique Permit” service) and enables foreign nationals who wish to stay and work here to obtain the corresponding permit. So, if you are, for example, a foreign consultant without Albanian citizenship, plan to obtain the Unique Permit in parallel with registering your business. Also, in these cases you may need a Personal Number from the Civil Registry (to obtain a NIPT as a registered individual). It is advisable to consult an immigration expert or legal advisor for these specific procedures.
If you are registering a natural person and you are not Albanian, the best way is to issue a Power of Attorney (authorization) to a foreign national, who will carry out the procedures on your behalf. Also, if you are the administrator of the company being established (regardless of whether you are also a partner or whether the partners are Albanian citizens), you must issue a power of attorney to an individual who is an Albanian citizen.
If the power of attorney is issued to a notary in Albania, it is valid. However, if the power of attorney is issued to a notary abroad, it must then be legalized with apostille seal.
Step-by-step registration process (online)
All business forms are registered in the Commercial Register at the QKB, and since 2022 this is done exclusively online. Below you will find instructions for the two main cases: registering a natural person and registering an LLC. Although the basic steps are similar, there are some important differences in the documents and form completion.
How to register a Individual (small business)
Log in to your account on e-Albania.
After logging in as a citizen, go to the Electronic Services section and search for the QKB service named “Application for the initial registration of natural person”(For convenience, you can use this service link directly if you're logged in.).
Fill out the electronic form.
Click the “Use” button on the service page and begin filling out the form step by step. The form requests information such as your personal data (as the applicant and as the entity being registered – for a natural person these are the same), the business address, the trade name of the business you are registering, the object of the activity (you will select from a classification list), and any other required information. Section “D” of the form is particularly important – there you will declare additional information required for tax registration and social security registration and statistics. These include: estimating your projected annual turnover, the number of employees (if you will have any from the start), the types of taxes you register for (e.g., income tax, VAT if you will be a VAT-registered business, social contributions if you are self-employed, etc.) as well as the NVE code (Nomenklatura e Veprimtarisë Ekonomike – a statistical code for your main activity).
Fill in this information carefully and accurately, as it will be used by the Tax Administration and other institutions to register you in the relevant schemes.
Submit the application
After you have completed all the required fields and uploaded the only required document (e.g., the notarized power of attorney if you are applying on behalf of someone else), click the “Send” button on end. The system will ask you for a final confirmation. For an individual, no electronic signature is required – by submitting online, the application is considered signed by you.
Confirmation and NIPT
After submission, the electronic application is forwarded to the QKB processors. Within a maximum of 24 hours (1 business day), you will receive an electronic notification of approval (or the reason for refusal in case of problems) . If everything is in order, within one business day your business will be registered. You will be issued a Unique Identification Number (NUIS/NIPT) – this is your business's tax registration number, which serves as your ID for all purposes (taxes, banking, etc.). You can download the registration extract (electronic certificate) from the e-Albania portal itself after approval, or physically pick it up at the QKB offices if you prefer. Initial registration is free of charge (there is no registration fee).alprofitconsult.al. You are now officially an individual taxpayer in Albania!
How to register a Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The process for registering an LLC is also online, but the form and requirements differ somewhat to accommodate legal entities:
Log in to e-Albania
Log in with your personal (individual) account. Even though you are registering a legal entity, the application is made by you as the authorized natural person. Find the service “Application for the Initial Registration of General Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, and Simple Partnerships” (this is the service for registering any company merchant).
Completion of the company form
Click “Use” and begin filling out. You will be asked for: company information (proposed name, registered address, objects of activity, legal form – e.g. “LLC”), the partners' details (the owners' names and the percentage of capital they hold), the administrator's details (the person who will manage the company – it can be you or someone else), and the share capital. You will declare the amount of capital and whether it has been paid or not at the time of registration. If the capital is paid before registration, you must have a bank mandate or a notarial certificate for the deposit of of him and you will upload this document to the system.
Uploading the necessary documents
After you have filled in the fields, the system will ask you to upload the documents: the Articles of Incorporation and the Company's Statute (if you have drafted them as two separate documents, upload both; if they are in a single document, upload that), bank mandate/proof of capital (if the capital has been paid in advance), the act appointing the bodies (if you have a separate resolution for appointing the administrator or other bodies, otherwise the information included in the articles of association is sufficient), the authorization/power of attorney (if a third party is submitting the application on your behalf), and an identification document (e.g., passport or ID of the legal representative signing the applicationThe system provides instructions for each required document. Make sure your documents are in accepted formats (PDF, JPG, etc.) and within the allowed size limits.
Electronic signature of the form
This step is critical for LLCs! Before submission, the application must be electronically signed by you (or by the person who authorized). The e-Albania portal will guide you through using your digital certificate (electronic ID or token) to sign the online form. Without the electronic signature, the application is not considered valid and will not be submitted at all. So, make sure you have installed and activated the signing tool (the required plugin or application) before you begin this step, and follow the steps to sign the form. Once the signature is successful, you will be able to finalize submitting the application.
Processing and approval
After submission, the QKB reviews the documents. The official registration time is within one business day from the moment of receipt. application. In practice, the response often comes within a few hours or by the end of the day. If the documents are in order, the registration will be approved and your company will receive “active” status on the commercial register. Here too, you will automatically be assigned a NUIS (NIPT) for your new company. Through e-Albania you can download the company extract, which includes the key information (company name, NIPT, owners, administrator, capital, date of registration, etc.). Registration is free; there is no fee. application Now you have a legally registered company ready to operate.
Automation of other records
Please note that as part of the application, the QKB system has also obtained the necessary information for your registration with the Tax Administration and the Social Security Institute. This means that you do not need to make a separate tax registration after obtaining the NIPT – it has been completed simultaneously. For companies, at the time of initial registration, the Beneficial Owners Registration is also completed if the partner structure is simple (e.g., partners individuals). Thus, the single form has also included information on who the company's ultimate beneficiaries are (a beneficial owner is defined as any individual who controls over 25% of the capital). This fulfills the legal obligation for the Beneficial Owners Register without the need for a separate application (in cases of direct ownership). Note: If the ownership structure is more complex (e.g., a foreign legal entity as a partner), a separate application for beneficial owners may be required within 40 days. For most new businesses this is not an issue, but be sure to verify.
Congratulations – you've just taken the first big step! Your business is registered. What happens next? Below we've outlined 10 key steps after initial registration that help you fully operationalize your activity and remain in compliance with the law.
10 steps to follow after initial registration
Even after you have obtained the NIPT and the business extract, there are a number of practical and legal tasks that must be completed in the days and weeks following registration. These steps are necessary to actually operate the business (e.g., making payments, issuing invoices, paying taxes, etc.) as well as to avoid fines or problems later on. Below are the 10 key steps after opening a new business:
Opening the business bank account
With the newly obtained NIPT, the first practical step is to open a bank account in your business's name. Even if you are a sole proprietor, you must open a separate account in the business's name. For an LLC, a bank account is mandatory – among other things, you'll need it to deposit the registered capital (if you haven't done so already) and to make business payments. When you go to the bank, bring with you: the business registration extract, your identification document, and (if it's an LLC) the decision appointing the manager or any additional document the bank requires. Once the account is opened, deposit the declared capital (e.g., if you established an LLC with 100,000 lekë of capital, deposit that amount into the account).
Tip: Use your business account only for business activities; this greatly helps with accounting and, in the event of tax audits, clearly distinguishes business transactions.
Registration on the tax portal (e-Filing) and tax filing
After registration, your business is automatically registered as a taxpayer with the General Directorate of Taxes (DPT). However, you must access your online tax account to file periodic returns. Albania uses the electronic tax filing portal, historically known as e-Filing (efiling.tatime.gov.al). Currently, you can log in to this portal using your e-Albania account credentials (due to system integration). After logging in, link your NIPT to your account (if you are a natural person, it may appear automatically; for an LLC, you must add the company's NIPT to your profile). This will allow you to view and complete tax returns online. Monthly/quarterly tax obligations depend on the type and size of your business, but may include: the VAT return (if you are a VAT-registered business), sales and purchase books (monthly for VAT-registered businesses), the social security and payroll tax return (if you have employees, monthly), etc. Even if you're a very small sole proprietor with no VAT and no employees, you still need to file the turnover return (quarterly for the small business profits tax) and then the annual balance sheet/return at the end of the year. Don't neglect this step – put filing deadlines on your calendar and always submit your returns on time, even if you have zero activity. The Tax Administration penalizes late filings with fines, so being disciplined from the start saves you money. (If you don't feel confident about the process, our AlProfit Consult team offers comprehensive tax return filing and tax administration services, allowing you to focus on your business while we handle the legal procedures.)
VAT registration (if necessary)
Not all new businesses must register immediately as VAT taxpayers. The current law (2025) sets the mandatory VAT registration threshold at 10 million lekë in annual turnover. This means that if you anticipate your turnover for the first 12 months will exceed 10,000,000 lek, then you must apply for VAT registration as soon as you exceed this threshold (or before you exceed it, on a voluntary basis). If your turnover is expected to stay below the threshold, you can remain outside the VAT scheme (and you won't calculate or pay VAT on your invoices). This is typical for most freelancers and very small businesses. However, if your business involves B2B (business-to-business) supplies or you plan to expand, it may be advantageous to voluntarily register even below the threshold to benefit from VAT credit on purchases. How do you register for VAT? – via the e-Albania portal, with an electronic application to add VAT tax liability. This is a service you can find on e-Albania (search for “Request for addition of tax liability – VAT”). Fill in the information, and within a few days the DPT will register you. After registration, you must start issuing VAT invoices and filing monthly returns. If you're not sure when to take this step, consult with an accountant.
Preparation of the invoicing system – Fiscalization
Albania has implemented the new e-invoicing system for invoices, which will affect how you invoice your clients. E-invoicing is the process of issuing electronic invoices with an electronic signature and reporting them in real time to the tax authority. Taxes. Each invoice generated receives a Unique Identification Number (NIVF) from the tax system, as proof that it has been successfully reported. So, instead of the old invoice pads, invoices are now generated either by certified computer programs or directly through applications provided by the tax authorities (e.g., the SelfCare application or e-Fatura). What do you need to do? – First, obtain an electronic certification for fiscalization (these are special certificates you get from the Tax Directorate, different from your personal electronic signature).
The application is made online through the tax portal (e-Filing), in the fiscalization section, where you will generate the private key and certificate for your business. Second, choose a software solution for issuing invoices. Many businesses use certified financial software (there are plenty on the market), while small businesses can also use the free portals offered by the tax authorities (e.g., the SelfCare portal to issue invoices manually online). Even a small cash-only store must issue its individual cash receipts as tax invoices (usually via a cash register or a tablet with software connected to a fiscal printer).
Make sure to get your invoicing system up and running before you make your first sale: legally, every transaction after the start of operations must be accompanied by a fiscalized invoice. Failure to issue invoices leads to heavy fines. At this point, it may be useful to seek advice from an IT specialist or accountant to choose the right fiscalization solution.
For general questions about fiscalization – how it works, who it affects, etc. – you can also refer to our article on the subject. question and answer on Taxation, where we have clarified the key terms.
Registration in social security and health insurance schemes
As a new taxpayer, you have obligations not only for taxes but also for social security and health insurance contributions. At the time of initial registration, you declared on the form whether you would be self-employed and the number of employees. (if you knowi) This information has been automatically forwarded to the insurance authorities, but you need to take concrete steps for the payments:
For the individual (with no other employees)
You are considered self-employed in your business and must pay contributions as such. Currently, contributions for the self-employed are calculated on a specified minimum monthly reference salary (e.g., in 2025 the minimum gross monthly wage is X lek, and you will pay ~23% of it for social security each month). You must register (either online or at the tax office) to obtain your personal contribution number and receive payment information. Many of these are now managed by the DPT itself through the electronic monthly declaration (the DPF form for social security contributions). If you have indicated to the QKB that you will be self-employed, expect the obligation to file your monthly contributions to appear in your e-Filing account. Complete it and pay it at a bank within the deadlines.
For LLCs and legal entities
If you are the sole partner and also the company's administrator, you can choose whether or not to draw a salary from the company. Legally, an administrator who is also an owner is not required to take a minimum salary, but if they do not, they must pay social security contributions as a self-employed individual (as above). Many owners choose to treat their director salaries through the company (e.g., setting a minimum monthly salary for themselves and paying contributions through the company). This can be advantageous for earning pension and health insurance benefits. The choice is up to you – you can consult an accountant about the financial implications.
Employee registration (if you have any)
If you plan to hire staff from the outset (e.g., you have a store and one salesperson), you must register the employees in the system before they start working. Registration is done online through e-Albania (the “Declaration of Employment Relationships” service). You must declare the employment contract, salary, start date, etc. Each new employee must be declared no later than the day of hire. Then, each month you will submit the declaration for payment of contributions and payroll taxes (as part of the monthly declaration) and will transfer the contributions to the appropriate account. Failure to declare employees on time results in fines from the Labor and Tax Inspectorate, so complete this step carefully.
Equipped with the necessary licenses or specific permits (if required)
Registration with the QKB gives you the right to conduct business in general, but depending on the nature of your business, additional permits or licenses may be required to operate legally.
Examples: If you open a pharmacy, you must obtain a pharmaceutical license from the Ministry of Health; if you open a bar or restaurant, you need a sanitary authorization (hygienic-sanitary license) and an environmental permit for noise; if you provide physical security services, you need a specific license, etc.
Albania has a unified licensing system through the QKB (a single window), called the Licensing Center (NARU), and many applications are submitted electronically. Visit the QKB website (the licenses section) or the e-Albania portal to see if your activity requires a license or sub-license. A special category is also environmental permits and the municipal license to operate: for example, for a shop, you usually need to obtain a development permit from the municipality (also known as a location permit), which includes approval for the sign (the business advertisement), working hours, etc. The procedure varies from one local authority to another, so contact your municipality/municipal government. The golden rule: get informed about your sector – it's better to spend a little time now securing the necessary permits than to face business closure or fines later.
Fulfillment of local obligations (local taxes and fees)
In addition to central taxes (such as VAT, profit tax, etc.), businesses also have certain local taxes administered by the municipality where they operate. These usually include: Sign tax (advertising) – if you've placed a sign with your business name on the façade; cleaning and infrastructure tax – usually calculated based on the area of the premises you use; temporary greening fee or other local fees. Many of these are small, but they must be paid. As a procedure, after obtaining the NIPT, go to your municipality's Local Taxes Directorate or check if the municipality has an online portal. Declare the start of your business activity within that municipality's territory, your address, and the area of your premises. The municipality will calculate your annual and periodic obligations. For example, for the sign – you often pay an annual fee based on its dimensions (e.g., X lek per m² of the sign); for cleaning – a monthly fee based on the square meters of the premises, etc. Local tax payments are usually made quarterly or annually. Failure to pay these obligations can result in overdue invoices with interest when an inspection is conducted. Therefore, get this aspect in order as soon as you start working.
Register of Beneficial Owners (for companies)
As we briefly mentioned above, Albanian law requires every commercial company to register and update the data of its beneficial owners – that is, the natural persons behind the company's ownership. If you are a company with only individual partners, then the beneficial owner is you or those individuals (since you directly own the shares). When the initial registration with the QKB was made, you probably provided this information as part of that. application. In any case, it's important to make sure your company is also registered in the Register of Beneficial Owners (RPP).
You can verify this by logging into the e-Albania portal to the “Beneficial Owners Extract” service – there you can generate the extract for your NIPT, which shows who has been declared a beneficial owner. If (for any reason) you have not yet completed the initial registration of beneficial owners, you must do so within 30 days of the company's registration. The procedure is again online: an application on e-Albania called “Initial Registration of Beneficial Owner.” You will declare the personal data of the beneficial owners (e.g., in a LLC with one partner, that partner is the beneficial owner; in an LLC with two partners each holding 50%, both are beneficial owners). Caution: Failure to declare beneficial owners within the deadline may result in a substantial fine. After the initial registration, any changes (e.g., in partnerships) must be reflected within 30-40 days. Therefore, remember to maintain this register whenever there are changes in the company's ownership structure.
Device with the official business seal (optional, but recommended)
Although Albanian law no longer requires a stamp for private companies, in practice many businesses choose to have a stamp bearing the company's name and NIPT. The stamp often gives documents like contracts, invoices, signed offers, etc., a more official appearance. To equip your business with a stamp, simply go to one of the offices that produce stamps (there are many such shops in every city). Bring a copy of the business registration certificate with you so that the stamp's contents are accurate (the company's full name, legal form, e.g. “Ltd.” and the NIPT). Within minutes you'll have your seal for a modest cost. Use the seal when signing official documents – e.g., contracts with third parties, tender bids, etc. For fiscalized invoices, a seal is not required, as the electronic signature replaces it. However, a dry seal with your logo or name can also serve as a marketing element (e.g., to brand the letterheads and invoices you issue).
Accounting Organization and Professional Consulting
The final, but no less important, step is to ensure that your new business has a proper financial system from the very beginning. This includes setting up accounting systems (even a simple Excel spreadsheet or financial software where you record income and expenses), keeping invoices and purchase/sale documents, and tracking cash flow. As a new entrepreneur, your main focus will be on growing the business, but don't overlook the financial side. Often, hiring an economist or engaging an accounting firm from the start is the smartest investment—it saves you time, money, and stress in the long run. A professional will remind you of your obligations and deadlines, keep your books in order, and advise you on how to optimize taxes within the legal framework. If you're still not ready for a full-time employee, you can use outsourced services from companies like ours. AlProfit Consult offers dedicated packages for new businesses, where a professional team handles accounting, payroll, tax filings, and provides you with periodic financial consulting. This guarantees you peace of mind and allows you to focus on growing your business. Don't hesitate to contact us. contact If you need assistance, the first consultation is often free and carries no obligation.
Practical examples: How it is applied in real-life situations.
To better illustrate everything that has been said, we present three common scenarios and how an entrepreneur would follow the steps in each case:
Arbeni – Freelancer in the IT field
Arbeni is a young programmer who decides to work independently by offering web development services to clients both inside and outside the country. Since he initially works alone from his home and expects relatively modest revenue, he chooses to register as a sole proprietor. The online procedure took only one day and cost nothing. He declared an expected annual turnover below 10 million lek, so he did not register for VAT (his international clients don't request VAT invoices anyway). After registering, Arben opened a business bank account where clients can pay him by transfer. He was also issued a fiscalization certificate to issue electronic invoices for every service he performs – for example, when he completes a project for a client in Germany, he issues the fiscalized invoice in euros without VAT (using the special export code). servicesAs a self-employed individual, Arbeni reports social security contributions on the tax portal every month and pays contributions based on the minimum wage. He also submits turnover statements every quarter and the annual statement at the end of the year, where he reports his net profit. Since his profit falls below the taxable threshold, he doesn't pay income tax thanks to relief policies. Arben decided not to spend immediately on an accountant, but carefully records all invoices and expenses himself. Along the way, he realizes that administrative time is increasing, so after a year he plans to hire an accounting service (even part-time) to help him with the paperwork while he focuses his energy on coding and expanding his clientele.
Marjeta – Clothing store in town
Marjeta is passionate about fashion and decides to open a clothing boutique in her city. She finds a space for rent downtown and plans to start alone at first, with the option to expand in the future. After consulting, Marjeta chooses to register as a sole proprietor (small business), because at the outset her annual turnover is expected to be around 8–9 million lek – below the VAT threshold. This gives her the advantage of not charging customers VAT and not paying income tax for several years. She completed the registration procedure online, where she also declared the store's address and the business activity “retail trade of textiles.” After obtaining the NIPT, Marjeta opened a bank account and ordered a POS terminal from the bank to accept cards (optional, but useful for the store). She also registered her business name (“ModaMarje”) as a trademark on the store's sign, and paid the annual sign tax to the municipality. Before the official opening, Marjeta made sure to obtain the hygiene and sanitation permit – an inspector came to verify the store's conditions (the restroom, lighting, etc.) since customers would be coming there. For invoices, Marjeta decided to buy an electronic cash register integrated with the fiscalization system; this way, she records every in-store sale on the register and prints the invoice with a QR code as required by law. Financially, Marjeta operates with daily cash receipts, which she deposits in the bank from time to time. She records daily sales and expenses (rent, purchases of goods from suppliers, electricity/water, etc.). Since she doesn't have strong accounting knowledge, she has hired an accounting firm to keep her books and prepare her quarterly statements. The firm has advised her to be careful because if the business does well and turnover exceeds 10 million lek, she must immediately register for VAT. This happened in the second year – Marjeta proudly saw that sales had crossed the threshold, so she applied for VAT and began issuing invoices with 20% VAT and filing monthly returns. Also, as business grew, she hired a full-time sales associate—whom she registered with the tax authorities and for whom she pays wages and contributions every month on schedule. Her business is growing steadily, and now, as a VAT-registered taxpayer with employees, Marjeta is grateful she invested in proper financial management from the start – this way she has avoided problems and can soon consider opening a second store. (this time perhaps as an LLC).
John – a foreign consultant who opens companies in Albania
John is an American citizen who wants to offer business consulting services in the Albanian market and the region. He decides to establish a 100% LLC in Albania with foreign capital under the name “Balkan Biz Consulting shpk.” John completes the initial registration process easily online (through an authorized Albanian acquaintance, since the interface is in Albanian). He prepares the founding act and the articles of association in English, then officially translates them into Albanian for the registration. Once the company is registered and the NIPT is issued, John opens a business bank account at a Albanian bank and transfers the initial capital. The next and most important step for John is obtaining the Unique Permit – without it he cannot stay in the country for more than 90 days or work legally. He applies for the Unique Permit as a self-employed individual, submitting the required documents (proof of business registration, the rental agreement for his residence, health insurance, etc.). Within a few weeks, John is issued the license that grants him both residence and work permits simultaneously. Now he can act as his company's administrator without any restrictions. John hires a local accountant to assist him with Albanian tax matters, since the tax legislation here is completely different from the American one. With the accountant's help, John ensures that his company meets deadlines: He files insurance declarations every month (John pays himself a minimum salary as administrator and contributes to insurance), files VAT returns (his services are VAT-taxed because he consults for local businesses), and issues fiscalized invoices for every consulting contract. Within the first year, John collaborates with AlProfit Consult for more advanced advisory services – he seeks to optimize his tax structure so as not to pay taxes twice (in Albania and the US). Thanks to the double taxation avoidance agreement between the two countries, we find the solution for John to be taxed primarily in Albania at local rates (15% corporate tax and 8% dividend tax when he withdraws the profitss) and that this will be recognized in the U.S. John is pleased that he chose Albania for the expansion of his business – the procedures were relatively quick and the costs low compared to other countries, and he has found a market where his services are in demand.
Our Goal and Free Initial Registration
Why does AlProfit exist?
Our goal, our why, is simple: to help businesses and our clients save time and money. We believe every entrepreneur should focus on growing their business while we take care of the more complex parts – accounting, taxes, and financial advisory.
Initial registration and 1 month free
For every new client who wants to start collaborating with us, we offer free initial registration along with one month of complimentary service. This means you can try our services, see how we operate, and be confident that you've chosen the right financial partner.
Our subscription models
We have created subscription packages tailored to the size and needs of the business:
- Start – for small businesses or freelancers.
- Standard – for growing companies that need more support and reporting.
- Premium – for businesses seeking full assistance and strategic advice.
Our minimum price starts at 15,000 Lek per month. All our services are offered at a fixed monthly rate, with no hidden fees and annual renewal. Our packages include:
- Preparation of financial statements,
- Tax returns,
- Periodic financial counseling,
- Online and in-person support.
There is no separate fee for consultation or the preparation of the statements – everything is included in your package.
Conclusion
Starting a business in Albania in 2025 is an achievable process for anyone who carefully follows the necessary steps. From registering your business in Albania to managing your daily obligations, this guide aims to give you a complete overview of what lies ahead. Remember that getting started is half the battle: putting legal, tax, and financial procedures in place from the outset will save you a lot of headaches later. This article addressed dilemmas such as “how to open a business in Albania,” the difference between a sole proprietor and an LLC, the aspects of fiscalization and taxes in Albania for new businesses, as well as the practical steps after registration (from opening a bank account to obtaining unique permits for foreigners).
If you still feel unsure or overwhelmed, remember that you're not alone on this journey. As a new entrepreneur, you have plenty to focus on developing your idea—so you can leave the technical matters to the professionals. AlProfit Consult is here to support you with our expertise in tax services, accounting, and consulting. You can take advantage of our free resources on the website (e.g., the FAQ and guidance section, which is regularly updated with legal changes), or contact us contact Directly for a consultation.
Wishing you success in your new venture! Every great business started small – with good planning and passion, you too can turn your idea into a success story. We wish you every success and stand ready to help you every step of the way, from registration to financial advice for growing your business.