How To Extend Your Visa in Albania

1) Key Terms: Extension or Residence Permit?

Under Albanian law, short stays (visa or visa-free) follow the 90 days within 180 days rule.
A visa/stay extension is allowed only under exceptional circumstances, and you must apply
before your stay expires. Decisions are typically issued within 3 working days.

If you plan to stay in Albania for more than 90 days, the correct process is to apply for a
residence permit.
For nationals who require a visa, this usually involves a Type D (long-stay) visa + residence permit procedure.

2) Who Can Apply for a Visa Extension?

According to the law, extensions can only be granted for:
force majeure (e.g., natural disasters),
humanitarian reasons (e.g., urgent medical treatment), or
serious personal circumstances (unexpected, verifiable issues).
Wanting more time for tourism is not an eligible reason.

• Force majeure: Flight cancellations, border closures, natural disasters, or state-imposed delays.
• Humanitarian reasons: Hospitalization or documented urgent medical treatment.
• Personal grounds: Unforeseen, serious, and well-documented personal or family issues.

Tip: The more solid and verifiable your reason is, the better your chances.

3) Where and When to Apply

Applications are submitted to the Regional Directorate of Border and Migration responsible for your area of residence.
Timing is crucial: submit your request before your stay expires; once submitted, you may legally remain in the country while your application is being processed.

If you entered via Tirana and are staying there, you’ll apply at the Tirana office.
You can locate your responsible office through
this official resource.

4) Required Documents (Sample List)

• Passport with entry stamp or record of entry date.
• Application form (available at the office or online).
• Supporting evidence for your reason (e.g., doctor’s note, flight cancellation, official letter).
• Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or hotel booking).
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
• Travel health insurance (recommended, sometimes required).
• Translations & legalization: Foreign documents may need Albanian translation,
  be issued within the last 6 months, and apostilled/legalized if applicable.

Fee: Exceptional stay extensions are generally free of charge.
(If a biometric residence card is issued, there may be a separate card fee.)

5) Step-by-Step: Extending Your Stay

1. Define your reason: It must fall under force majeure, humanitarian, or significant personal grounds.
2. Gather all documents: Passport, application, proof of accommodation, finances, and supporting evidence.
3. Apply in person: Visit your local Regional Directorate of Border and Migration before your stay ends.
4. Wait for the decision: Typically issued within 3 working days. You may remain in Albania during processing.
5. Outcome: If approved, you can stay for the granted extension period; if denied, leave before your stay expires or apply for a residence permit.

Warning: Applications submitted after your stay expires are usually rejected and may result in an overstay fine.

6) Alternative: Applying for a Residence Permit

If you plan to switch from a short visit to a long-term stay, the proper route is a residence permit.
Many visa-free nationals can start the process within the first 30 days of entry through
e-Albania and then finalize it at their local migration office.

Residence Permit – Quick Overview

1. Create an e-Albania account and select “Residence Permit / Unique Permit”.
2. Upload documents (purpose: work, study, family, retirement, property, etc.).
3. Book an appointment and bring originals to the Directorate.
4. Pay the biometric card fee via Albanian Post or online portal.
5. Receive your residence card.

Bonus: US, EU, and Kosovo citizens can receive a residence permit valid for up to 5 years on their first application.

7) Special Note for US Citizens

US passport holders can stay in Albania for up to one year without a residence permit.
To remain beyond that, you must apply for a residence permit through your regional Directorate.
The first permit may be granted for up to 5 years.

8) Fees & Processing Times

• Visa/stay extension (exceptional): Free of charge. Processing time: 3 days.
• Residence permit fees: Vary by purpose and nationality.
  Recent official notices show that US/EU/Kosovo citizens can get a 5-year permit for about 12,000 ALL in service fees, while other categories (e.g. family reunification) may cost around 4,500 ALL.
  Biometric card fees are separate.
• Document rules: Foreign documents generally require Albanian translation, must be issued within 6 months, and sometimes need Apostille or legalization.

9) Common Mistakes to Avoid

• “I just want to stay longer for tourism”: This isn’t an acceptable reason. Apply for a residence permit instead.
• Applying at the last minute: Collecting evidence takes time — start early.
• Not declaring your address: You usually must report your address within 10 days of arrival (check exemption lists by country).
• Missing translations or apostilles: These cause unnecessary delays or rejections.
• Overstaying: Overstays may lead to fines and future entry bans.

10) FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Albania part of Schengen? Do my days here count toward my Schengen 90/180 limit?

No. Albania is not in the Schengen area, and days spent here do not count toward your Schengen allowance.

My flight was canceled. Can I extend my stay?

Yes, if you provide official documentation. This falls under force majeure.

I’m a student — should I extend my stay or apply for a residence permit?

Students should apply for a residence permit instead of a short-stay extension.

I need to stay more than 90 days and I’m from a visa-required country. What do I do?

You’ll typically need a Type D (long-stay) visa before entering Albania, followed by a residence permit application inside the country.

Is address registration mandatory?

In most cases, yes — you must register your address within 10 days of arrival, unless your nationality is exempt.

11) Official References

• Law on Foreigners No. 79/2021 (EN)
• Residence / Unique Permit procedures and fees (Ministry of Interior)
• US Embassy in Albania – Entry & Residence
• Ministry for Europe & Foreign Affairs – Visa regime for foreigners

This article is for informational purposes only. Final interpretation and enforcement belong to the Albanian authorities.