Disclaimer: Visa regulations change frequently. The information provided here is for guidance only. Always confirm the latest requirements with the official immigration authority or embassy of your chosen country before applying.

Albania Student Visa

Complete guide to studying in Albania. Get detailed information about requirements, fees, and the application process.

Type D (Long-Stay) National Visa

📋 Required Documents

A valid national passport or equivalent travel document that remains valid for at least three months beyond the intended duration of stay in Albania. The passport must contain at least two completely blank pages for visa stamps and should not be damaged or tampered with in any way. For students from specific countries, additional passport validity requirements may apply, so consulting the respective Albanian embassy is crucial.
The fully completed and signed national long-stay visa (Type D) application form, which can typically be downloaded from the official website of the Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs or obtained directly from the Albanian embassy or consulate. This form must be completed accurately in either Albanian or English, with all sections filled truthfully and completely. Any discrepancies or incomplete information may result in application delays or rejection.
Recent passport-sized color photographs meeting specific international standards: typically 35x45mm with a light background, showing the applicant's full face without head coverings (unless for religious purposes), and taken within the last six months. Most embassies require two to four identical photographs, though this may vary by diplomatic mission.
An official, unconditional letter of acceptance from a recognized Albanian higher education institution. This document must be issued on official university letterhead, signed by authorized personnel, and specify the program of study, degree level, duration of the program, and exact start and end dates. The institution must be accredited by the Albanian Ministry of Education and Sports, and the letter should confirm that the student has met all academic requirements for admission.
Comprehensive proof of accommodation arrangements in Albania for the entire duration of studies. This can be demonstrated through a notarized rental agreement, university dormitory confirmation letter, or a notarized invitation letter from a host (if staying with relatives or friends) accompanied by the host's identity documents and proof of property ownership or rental rights. The documentation must include the complete address, contact information, and duration of the accommodation arrangement.
Thorough evidence of sufficient financial means to cover all expenses throughout the study period without requiring public assistance. This typically includes recent bank statements (covering at least the previous six months), scholarship award letters, sponsorship declarations with supporting documentation, or proof of student loans. The required amount varies but generally should demonstrate the ability to cover tuition fees plus living expenses estimated at approximately 30,000-40,000 Albanian Lek per month, though specific financial thresholds should be verified with the respective Albanian embassy.
A valid international health insurance policy providing comprehensive medical coverage throughout Albania for the entire duration of the intended stay. The insurance must cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, repatriation, and should have a minimum coverage of €30,000. The insurance certificate must clearly state the policy number, coverage dates, and specific benefits, and should be translated into English or Albanian if originally issued in another language.
An original criminal record certificate or police clearance certificate issued by the competent authorities in the applicant's country of permanent residence. This document should be recently issued (typically within three to six months of the visa application) and may require authentication through apostille certification or legalization by the Albanian embassy, depending on the applicant's country of origin. For applicants who have resided in multiple countries for extended periods during the previous five years, additional police certificates from those countries may be required.
Academic transcripts and diplomas from previous educational institutions, typically requiring official translations into Albanian or English by certified translators, and possibly authentication through notarization or apostille certification depending on the specific requirements of the Albanian embassy and the educational institution.
Proof of paid visa application fees, typically in the form of a payment receipt from the Albanian embassy or consulate where the application is submitted. The exact payment method varies by diplomatic mission and may include bank transfers, cash payments, or certified checks.
A detailed curriculum vitae or resume outlining the applicant's educational background, work experience, and relevant qualifications, particularly when applying for graduate or postgraduate programs where academic and professional background is thoroughly evaluated.
For minor applicants (under 18 years of age), additional documentation including birth certificates, notarized parental consent letters for travel and residence, and copies of parents' identification documents are required to ensure compliance with child protection regulations.

⏱️ Processing Time

The standard processing period for a Type D National Visa application typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks from the date of submission of a complete application dossier at the Albanian embassy or consulate. However, this timeframe can vary significantly based on multiple factors including the applicant's country of origin, the specific Albanian diplomatic mission processing the application, the time of year (with longer processing times during peak application periods before academic semesters), and the completeness of the submitted documentation. Some embassies may offer expedited processing for an additional fee, though this is not universally available. After entering Albania with the Type D visa, students must initiate the residence permit application process at the Regional Directorate of Border and Migration Police corresponding to their place of residence within 30 days of arrival. This secondary application process typically requires an additional 4 to 6 weeks for processing, during which students may receive temporary documentation confirming their legal status while the application is under review. Applicants should note that the overall process from initial visa application to receiving the final residence permit can extend to 3-4 months in total, necessitating careful advance planning well before the intended program start date.

Average processing time for student visa applications

💰 Visa Fees

The visa application fee structure varies considerably depending on the applicant's nationality and the specific Albanian diplomatic mission where the application is submitted. Type D national visa fees typically range from approximately 60 to 120 USD (or equivalent in local currency) when applied at Albanian embassies or consulates abroad. Upon arrival in Albania, the residence permit application involves additional fees payable to the Albanian immigration authorities, currently set at approximately 10,000 Albanian Lek (ALL) for the initial permit application. Additional costs may include mandatory health insurance premiums (ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 ALL annually depending on coverage), document translation and authentication fees (typically 2,000-5,000 ALL per document), notarization costs, and potential courier charges for document submission. Students should budget for potential biometric data collection fees (if applicable) and possible additional administrative charges throughout the application process. Fee structures are subject to periodic revision by Albanian authorities, so verifying current rates with the relevant embassy and immigration office is essential before application submission.

Current student visa application fee

💼 Work During Study

International students holding valid Albanian residence permits for study purposes are legally permitted to engage in employment under specific conditions. During regular academic sessions, students may work up to 20 hours per week, provided they obtain formal authorization from the Regional Directorate of Border and Migration where their residence permit is registered. This authorization requires submission of an employment contract or formal job offer from an Albanian employer, proof of maintained full-time student status, and demonstration that employment activities will not interfere with academic responsibilities. During official university holidays and semester breaks, students may work full-time without the 20-hour restriction, though notification to immigration authorities is still recommended. Employment in certain sensitive sectors may require additional permits or be restricted altogether. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to retain work privileges, and any changes in employment status should be reported to immigration authorities. It's important to note that work authorization is typically granted on a case-by-case basis, and students should not assume automatic approval for employment upon receiving their residence permit.

🏛️ Immigration Authority

The primary immigration authority responsible for student visas and residence permits in Albania is the General Directorate of Borders and Migration (Dhoma e Përgjithshme e Kufinjve dhe Migracionit), which operates under the Ministry of Interior. This central authority oversees policy development and coordination of immigration matters nationwide. Practical application processing, however, is handled by various Regional Directorates of Border and Migration Police located throughout Albania's administrative regions, where students must submit their residence permit applications based on their place of residence. For the initial Type D visa application, authority rests with Albanian diplomatic missions (embassies and consulates) abroad, which evaluate applications and make preliminary assessments before forwarding recommendations to central authorities in Albania. The entire immigration system operates under legal frameworks established by Law No. 79/2021 'On Foreigners' and subsequent implementing regulations, with periodic updates published in the Official Gazette of Albania.

🔗 Official Links

📝 Eligibility Summary

Non-EU/EEA international students planning to pursue academic studies in Albania for periods exceeding 90 days must obtain a Type D Long-Stay National Visa prior to entry. This visa serves as the initial entry document and must be converted into a formal residence permit (Leje Qëndrimi) through the General Directorate of Borders and Migration within Albania shortly after arrival. The fundamental eligibility criteria mandate that applicants must first secure official admission into a fully accredited Albanian higher education institution, whether public or private, recognized by the Albanian Ministry of Education and Sports. Applicants must demonstrate comprehensive financial stability throughout their intended study period, proving they possess sufficient resources to cover tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation costs, and other incidental expenditures without resorting to public funds or unauthorized employment. Furthermore, applicants must hold valid international health insurance coverage that remains effective throughout their stay in Albania and provide a clean criminal record certificate from their country of origin or any country where they have resided for more than six months during the previous five years. The application process involves meticulous document preparation, potential interviews at Albanian diplomatic missions, and adherence to specific procedural timelines that vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the specific Albanian embassy or consulate handling the application.

📅 Visa Validity

The Type D National Visa initially grants entry to Albania for a period typically aligned with the first academic year, usually up to 12 months. After entry, students must apply for a residence permit (Leje Qëndrimi) at the local Directorate of Border and Migration, which is generally issued for one-year intervals corresponding to the academic calendar. This residence permit must be renewed annually throughout the duration of the academic program, with each renewal requiring demonstration of continued enrollment, satisfactory academic progress, maintained financial means, and valid health insurance. The renewal process should be initiated at least 30-45 days before the current permit's expiration to avoid legal status complications. For programs longer than one year, students receive temporary residence permits that are renewable annually upon proof of continued academic enrollment and compliance with all immigration regulations. Upon program completion, the residence permit typically remains valid for a short grace period (usually 30-60 days) to allow for departure or application for status change.

🎓 Post-Study Options

Upon successful completion of their studies, international graduates have several pathways to extend their stay in Albania. The most common option involves converting the student residence permit to a work permit, which requires securing formal employment with an Albanian company that provides sponsorship. This process typically involves the employer demonstrating that no suitable Albanian or EU candidate is available for the position, though exceptions exist for high-demand professions and graduates of Albanian institutions. Alternatively, graduates may apply for a temporary residence permit for job seeking, which is typically granted for up to 12 months, allowing time to secure appropriate employment. Graduates pursuing entrepreneurial activities may qualify for a business visa or entrepreneur residence permit, subject to specific investment and business plan requirements. Those admitted to further education in Albania can apply to extend their student status. In certain cases, graduates may qualify for family reunification permits if they have immediate family members who are Albanian citizens or legal residents. Each of these pathways has distinct requirements, processing times, and validity periods, necessitating careful planning well before the student permit expiration.

🏠 Path to Permanent Residency

The pathway to permanent residency in Albania typically requires five consecutive years of continuous legal temporary residence immediately preceding the application. For former students, time spent holding a student residence permit generally counts toward this requirement at a reduced rate, with each year of student status typically counting as six months toward the five-year permanent residency threshold. After completing studies, applicants must transition to a different temporary residence category (such as employment, business, or family reunification) to continue accumulating qualifying residence time. Additional permanent residency requirements include demonstrating stable and regular financial resources sufficient to support oneself and dependents without social assistance, possessing valid health insurance, demonstrating basic proficiency in the Albanian language (A2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), passing a integration test on Albanian society and culture, and maintaining a clean criminal record both in Albania and country of origin. Successful permanent residency grants indefinite permission to reside in Albania, though it does not confer all the rights of citizenship. After maintaining permanent residency for five additional years, applicants may become eligible to apply for Albanian citizenship through naturalization, subject to additional requirements including enhanced language proficiency and comprehensive knowledge of Albanian history and civic structure.