How to Get Citizenship by Investment in Albania

render of Albanian apartments for sale in Jale, Albania

Albania is no longer a secret. With its stunning coastline, booming tourism industry and increasingly investor-friendly policies, the country has quickly become a hotspot for those looking to secure a foothold in Southern Europe, leading many foreign nationals to ask: is it possible to get Albanian citizenship by investment?

 

Albanian Citizenship by Investment

While Albania doesn’t currently offer a formal citizenship-by-investment program like Malta or the Caribbean states, there is a clear, government-supported pathway for economic contributors to receive fast-tracked residency, with the possibility of ultimately gaining citizenship. This route hinges on demonstrating long-term value to the country, and that’s where high-quality real estate investment plays a key role.

two albanian passports on a red albanian flag
If you’re researching Albanian citizenship by investment, we’ve got good news for you – there are plenty of options and this guide will walk you through the process

If you’re wondering whether investing in a premium property like those in Folie Village can help you work toward an Albanian passport, the answer is: yes – under the right conditions.

 

Does the Albanian Golden Visa Actually Exist?

Let’s address one of the biggest myths up front: Albania does not officially have a “Golden Visa” program. But that doesn’t mean serious investors are out of options.

Instead, Albania’s government has created multiple legal pathways through which foreign nationals can acquire citizenship over time, particularly if their contributions to the Albanian economy are deemed significant. The Ministry of Interior has gone on record stating that foreign investors may qualify for Albanian citizenship by naturalization after making meaningful economic or cultural investments – including real estate development.

So, while you won’t find an “Albania Golden Visa” webpage on an official government site just yet, you can still obtain citizenship under Article 9 of the Albanian Citizenship Law, which allows the Council of Ministers to grant citizenship to foreigners “whose acceptance is considered of special interest to the Republic of Albania.”

arch with scaffolding and sky in background
Is there such a thing as the Albanian golden visa? Can you invest in Albanian real estate to get Albanian citizenship?

This means that investors, entrepreneurs, and property buyers who make significant contributions – especially in sectors like tourism, construction, or cultural development – can submit an Albanian citizenship application under this clause. This isn’t just a theory. It’s already happening in practice.

 

Albania Citizenship Requirements: What You Need to Know

To gain Albanian citizenship through investment, applicants should generally:

  • Have legally resided in Albania for at least five years
    Pass a basic Albanian language test
  • Demonstrate clean criminal records and lawful income
  • Prove economic contribution to the country through investment

This final point – your economic impact – is where Folie Village enters the picture.

view of beach
One key aspect of investing in Albanian real estate to get the Albanian passport is finding the ideal spot to purchase beachfront property, and Jalë, known for its breathtaking beach and exclusive villas, is the perfect option

Folie Village is more than just a luxury real estate development. It’s part of a broader initiative to transform the southern Albanian coastline into a world-class destination for tourism, lifestyle, and international living. By purchasing property here, you’re not just buying a home – you’re directly contributing to Albania’s development, creating jobs, attracting foreign attention and improving infrastructure in one of the most desirable regions of the country.

That’s exactly the kind of contribution the Albanian government seeks to encourage.

 

Albania Citizenship Benefits

Obtaining Albanian citizenship opens up a world of opportunities. You’ll gain access to:

  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 120 countries, including most of Europe
  • The ability to live and work in Albania without restrictions
  • Potential access to regional treaties and trade zones, like the CEFTA
  • A favorable tax regime for foreign residents

For those who already love spending summers in Albania, or for investors seeking a foothold in an emerging EU candidate country, the Albanian passport by investment approach is one of the most forward-thinking strategies available in the region today.

 

Why Albanian Property Investment is the Smartest Route

There are various ways to meet the Albania citizenship requirements, but none are quite as tangible, enduring and personal as real estate. Investing in Folie Village puts your money into a promising market and creates roots, allowing you to participate in the local economy and build a solid case for long-term residency and citizenship.

render of Albanian apartments for sale in Jale, Albania
Citizenship by investment in Albania is a great idea if you’re looking for property that will provide you with long-term return on investment in an up and coming country that offers beautiful views

While the Albanian government does not publish a fixed investment threshold, most experts agree that an investment in the €100,000–€250,000 range – especially if it’s tied to job creation, tourism infrastructure, or other high-priority development goals – strengthens an applicant’s case.

Properties in Folie Village meet all these criteria. Strategically located in southern Albania, our villas, apartments and resort-style units are designed with long-term value in mind – both for your portfolio and for your lifestyle. By owning property here, you’re making a clear statement: you’re investing in Albania’s future.

 

Starting Your Citizenship by Investment in Albania Journey

If you’re considering starting the Albanian citizenship application process, the best place to begin is by securing long-term residency through real estate investment. Over time, this can evolve into full citizenship via naturalization, especially if your investment demonstrates clear benefit to the Albanian economy.

The rules around Albanian citizenship by investment may still be maturing, but one thing is clear: the door is open. Albania is welcoming foreign investors who are ready to commit to the country, especially through long-term, economically meaningful projects.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat on the Ionian coast or a strategic investment in the next European hotspot, Folie Village offers a powerful combination of luxury, location, and legal clarity – helping you build a future that could come with not just a beautiful view, but a passport too. Get in touch and book a consultation with our team today to discover your next home – and first step towards citizenship – in Albania.

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