Moving to Albania

Situated in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, Albania is blessed with pristine Adriatic and Ionian coastlines and the imposing Albanian Alps. Albania transitioned rapidly from Ottoman rule to a sovereign kingdom, only to be occupied by Italy and Germany in World War II. From the aftermath of the war to the early '90s, Albania was a member of the Eastern Bloc under socialist governance, and it is now navigating the complexities of transitioning to a new economic model.

Today, Albania is charting its own path in the face of many economic pressures. Many expats moving to Albania are attracted to the country’s lower cost of living and the rich cultural experiences on offer here.

Living in Albania as an expat

Although it is not necessarily an expat hotspot, those who have relocated to Albania speak positively of the gorgeous beaches and sunny weather. Albania is a relatively safe country, though petty crimes such as pick-pocketing do occur in major cities. Driving in Albania can be harrowing, and road accident rates are high compared to other European countries.

The Albanian government has been working hard to align its economy with that of the EU and rehabilitate its Western image. Currently campaigning for EU accession, Albania is a member of prominent international organisations such as the UN and NATO.

More foreign businesses have migrated to Albania in recent years, and this has created some employment opportunities, especially in the areas of energy, textiles, and transport infrastructure. The tourism industry is also rapidly expanding and has become one of the country’s main sources of income. Nevertheless, agriculture remains the most significant sector, employing almost 40 percent of its labour force. Chief agricultural products include wheat, olives and olive oil, fruit and various other produce.

Accommodation in Albania is quite cheap compared to the rest of Europe. Many expats invest in property here, considering the prices are so low. In many of Albania’s rural areas, older 20th-century housing can still be found. In larger cities, apartment blocks are reasonably common, while freestanding and semi-detached housing is quite scarce.

The public transport system in Albania is often unreliable and generally not well maintained. Buses operate in the city but tend to run late, while the train system can be unreliable. That said, public transport is usually quite cheap, and you can save a lot by using it. Getting around by car is fairly easy, although some roads are badly maintained, signage is not always up to standard, and disregard for traffic laws is common. You are advised to drive defensively in Albania.

Although efforts have been made to improve healthcare in Albania, the sector remains poor and underfunded. Healthcare is mainly public and free, but private institutions have popped up more recently. Expats are advised to get international insurance to cover the costs of private healthcare.

Cost of living in Albania

Although this has begun to change, Albania is a comparably cheap country to live in. With low housing prices, affordable food and cheap utilities, your biggest expenses as a foreigner would be international schooling and private healthcare. The capital, Tirana, is listed as 103rd out of 226 cities on Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living Survey. Other similarly ranked European cities include Stockholm, Sweden and Athens, Greece.

Families and children in Albania

The state of education in Albania is gradually improving, but it is still hampered by mismanagement. As the local curriculum is taught in Albanian, expats moving to the country largely choose to send their children to international schools, which are mostly found in Tirana.

Albania is a beautiful country with a rich history. Expat families can spend their time hiking in the Alps, taking in the astounding scenery, or they can explore what the cities have to offer. With museums scattered in interesting spots throughout the country, you can learn much about the local history. You should be sure to take a trip to some of the country’s secluded beaches or natural hot springs during your time in the country.

Climate in Albania

Albania has a Mediterranean climate with dry, mild summers and wet winters. Summers (June to September) in the capital spike to around 88°F (31°C), while winters (November to March) can sometimes see the temperature dip to freezing.

Though Albania is a somewhat unusual destination for expats, those who do take the plunge will find that an adventure awaits them. If you’re moving to Albania and earning in foreign currencies, you can live especially well, but any newcomer can explore this Southern European country’s beauty and unique aspects.

Fast facts

Population: Almost 3 million

Capital city: Tirana

Neighbouring countries: Albania is a coastal country bordered by Greece to the south, Macedonia to the east, Kosovo to the northeast and Montenegro to the north.

Geography: The coast of Albania extends along the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. The majority of the country’s landscape is mountainous and there is a multitude of rivers as well as both natural and man-made lakes.

Political system: Parliamentary republic

Major religions: Islam, Roman Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity

Main languages: Albanian

Money: The Albanian Lek (ALL) is divided into 100 qindarkas. As a foreigner in Albania, you should be able to open an account at a bank of your choice. ATMs are plentiful in most major cities, though they are rarer in smaller towns.

Tipping: Tipping is not expected, but is appreciated.

Time: GMT+1

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. European-style plugs with two rounded pins are used.

Internet domain: .al

International dialling code: +355

Emergency contacts: 127 (ambulance), 128 (fire), and 129 (police)

Transport and driving: Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road. Albanian drivers can be aggressive, and some roads need maintenance. Buses and trains are common and popular modes of public transport.