For entrepreneurs looking to expand from Turkey to the Balkans, Albania has become one of the most attractive markets in recent years. With simple company establishment procedures, 15% standard corporate tax, and 0–5% tax incentives in certain sectors, it offers an extremely competitive environment for both SMEs and technology companies looking to scale.
Factors Making Albania Attractive for Turkish Investors
Albania’s approach to foreign investors is shaped by the goal of aligning with European Union norms. The legal framework is fundamentally based on the Commercial Companies Law and the Foreign Investment Law.
In this framework, some fundamental principles favoring foreign investors stand out:
- Equal treatment for domestic and foreign investors: Foreigners have the same protection in ownership and investment rights as local entrepreneurs.
- Property rights and expropriation protection: The prohibition of arbitrary expropriation and compensation guarantees reduce investment risk.
- “One-stop” operation: Company registration, tax number, some licenses, and notifications can largely be conducted through the National Business Center (NBC/QKB), from a single center and partially online.
A simpler process compared to bureaucracy in Turkey, low entry costs, and predictable tax rates make Albania a strategic base, especially in areas such as IT, tourism, agricultural processing, logistics, and light manufacturing.
Types of Companies in Albania: What is the Most Practical Option for Foreign Entrepreneurs?
The legal regulations allow for multiple types of companies. The most commonly used ones from the perspective of foreign investors are:
Limited Liability Company – Sh.p.k. (LTD)
Sh.p.k. is the most common and practical company form, very similar to a limited company in Turkey.
- Usage area: SMEs, start-ups, consulting, trade, software, logistics, etc.
- Liability: The liability of partners is limited to the capital they contribute.
- Capital: It is possible to open a company with very low, symbolic capital in practice (many sources indicate this practical application).
- Number of partners: Can be established with a single partner or multiple partners.
- Foreign partner: 100% foreign partnership is possible; your company or yourself in Turkey can be a partner.
Due to these flexibilities, the most logical starting form for Turkish entrepreneurs wishing to invest in Albania is generally Sh.p.k. (LTD).
Joint Stock Company – Sh.a.
- Usage area: Banking, insurance, large-scale industry, structures planning to go public.
- Capital: Significantly higher capital and stricter management-control rules compared to Sh.p.k.
If you are not planning large-scale production or financial institutions, it would be more rational to start with Sh.p.k. instead of Sh.a.
Sole Proprietorship – Person Fizik
- Structure: No minimum capital, in the format of a sole proprietorship.
- Liability: Unlimited; all personal assets are liable for business debts.
- Eligibility: Only individuals with legal residency in Albania can register under this status.
Person Fizik is not suitable for foreigners without residency permits; in this case, Sh.p.k. should be preferred again.
Step by Step Company Establishment Process for LTD (Sh.p.k.) in Albania
1. Company Name Selection and Eligibility Check
The first step is to determine a unique trade name and check it through the National Business Center (NBC/QKB).
- The name eligibility inquiry usually concludes within 1 business day.
- When approved, a name reservation document is issued; with this document, you can submit your establishment application.
2. Preparation of Establishment Documents
The main documents included in a standard Sh.p.k. establishment package are:
- Articles of Association (Company’s Articles of Incorporation)
- Founders’ Resolution (Establishment decision)
- Decision on the appointment of administrator(s)
- Copies of passports/identities of founding partners and administrators
- Bank receipt showing capital commitment or investment
There are two critical points for all documents coming from abroad:
- Documents must be translated into Albanian,
- Notarization (and if necessary, apostille) must be obtained.
At this stage, a professional corporate service provider or law firm can expedite the process regarding both legal address and if necessary nominee director and bank account opening.
3. Company Registration Through NBC/QKB
The prepared application package is submitted to the NBC along with the establishment form.
- After the eligibility review, the company is registered within a few days.
- Once registration is complete, the company’s registration certificate is issued.
- The state registration fee is approximately 100 EUR.
Notary and translation costs create additional expenses per document; in practice:
- Notary: Approximately 50–100 EUR per document
- Translation: Approximately 20–50 EUR per page
4. Tax, Social Security, and Related Registrations
After the company is registered, it is necessary to complete the tax and social security aspects:
- Tax registration and TIN: Registering with the tax administration to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN).
- Social insurance: If you will employ workers, registration with the social insurance institution as an employer and obtaining a workplace insurance number is mandatory.
- Sectoral licenses: Additional licensing and permit processes may be required in areas such as finance, construction, telecom, tourism, health, education, and pharmaceuticals. The duration of these licenses can vary from a few months to 12 months depending on the activity.
Accounting, Reporting, and Language Obligations in Albania
Albania has established a structure that is compatible with international standards in financial reporting.
- Companies prepare their financial statements according to IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards).
- Mandatory basic financial statements:
- Balance sheet
- Income statement
- Cash flow statement
- Notes
- All official accounting and reporting must be in Albanian.
- Documents must be prepared and approved by a licensed accountant.
Therefore, especially in structures managed from Turkey, working with a bi-directional accounting and tax team that understands both Albanian tax legislation and consolidation needs in Turkey provides a significant advantage.
Corporate Income Tax (CIT) in Albania: Rates and Principles
Taxation Principle: Worldwide Income
Albania adopts the principle of worldwide taxation for corporate income tax:
- Resident companies: Taxed on all income worldwide in Albania.
- Non-resident companies: Only pay tax on income earned in Albania.
Residency is generally determined by the legal center or the actual management center of the company being located in Albania.
Standard Corporate Tax Rate: 15%
The general corporate income tax (CIT) rate is 15%.
- The tax base is calculated on the annual net profit remaining after deducting commercial profits, legally accepted deductions, expenses, and amortizations.
- If you have a Sh.p.k. established in Albania and earn income in Turkey or other countries, these incomes may also fall under the declaration scope (within the framework of double taxation prevention agreements).
Discounted Tax Rates and Sectoral Incentives
Albania aims to attract investors by applying 0–5% corporate tax in certain scales and sectors.
0% Corporate Tax (For Small Businesses)
Small-scale taxpayers below a certain turnover threshold can benefit from a temporary corporate tax exemption:
- Individual traders, freelancers, and small businesses with gross annual income of up to 14 million ALL (approximately 135,000 EUR)
- Can benefit from 0% profit tax advantage until 31.12.2029.
This regime offers an attractive entry point, especially for single-person or micro-scale consulting and service companies.
5% Corporate Tax Applicable Sectors
Albania reduces the corporate tax rate to 5% in certain sectors deemed strategic. Notable incentives by 2025 include:
- Software Development / Software Production & Development: 5% CIT until 31.12.2025.
- Agricultural Cooperatives: 5% CIT until 31.12.2029.
- Agritourism: Businesses obtaining agritourism certification according to relevant legislation, 5% CIT until 31.12.2029.
- Automotive Industry: 5% CIT for taxpayers engaged in automotive production and related activities until 31.12.2029.
This scope creates significant tax advantages, especially for:
- Software and technology companies in Turkey establishing a nearshore development office in Albania,
- Businesses planning investments in agriculture, food processing, or rural tourism,
- Automotive supply companies wanting to manage their supply chain from the Balkans.
Since most of these regimes are time-limited (for example, deadlines of 2025, 2029), it is essential to check the latest regulations and establish long-term projections accordingly when planning investments.
Other Important Taxes: VAT, Dividend, and Withholding Taxes
Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Standard VAT rate: Approximately 20%.
- VAT registration threshold: VAT liability becomes mandatory if annual turnover exceeds 5 million ALL (approximately 40,000 EUR).
For companies working primarily in exports, VAT can generally be neutralized through refund mechanisms; however, due to its impact on cash flow, having a well-managed accounting team is critically important.
Dividend Tax
A withholding tax is applied on profits distributed to shareholders from companies. Foreign partners are also subject to this withholding.
In terms of dividends and other withholdings, Albania’s double taxation prevention agreements with different countries play a critical role. Your company in Turkey can optimize its overall tax burden when receiving dividends from its subsidiary in Albania thanks to these agreements.
Strategic Advantages and Considerations for Turkish Entrepreneurs
Let’s summarize the picture for Turkish entrepreneurs considering establishing a company in Albania:
- Simple and fast company establishment process: Thanks to the NBC system, it is possible to establish Sh.p.k. within a few days.
- Low corporate tax: The standard rate is 15%, but there are advantages that drop to 5% in target sectors such as IT, agritourism, and automotive, and even down to 0% for small businesses.
- Low minimum capital: Symbolic capital is practically sufficient for establishing Sh.p.k.
- Equal treatment for foreigners: High level of protection in terms of ownership and investment rights.
- Regional access: A strong logistical position for access to the Balkans, EU market, and Adriatic line.
On the other hand, as in any advantageous market, there are some risks and challenges:
- Language and legislation: Official accounting and legal processes are conducted in Albanian; the need for translation and local consultancy is inevitable.
- Tax planning: The 5–15% CIT in Albania, 0–5% incentives, and your tax obligations in Turkey should be considered together; looking from a single country perspective can lead to wrong decisions.
- Permits and residency processes: If you will be physically present in Albania as a partner or manager, residency and work permits must be properly arranged.
How Corpenza Can Assist You in This Process?
Establishing and operating a company in Albania may seem simple on paper, but in practice, it requires managing many aspects simultaneously, such as company establishment, tax planning, payroll, residency permits, and compliance with multiple country regulations.
As Corpenza, on a European and global scale:
- Company establishment and structuring: Selection of Sh.p.k. or Sh.a. structure if necessary in Albania, drafting of articles of association, partnership and shareholder agreements, end-to-end management of NBC application and registration processes.
- International tax planning: Designing an optimized tax structure for your group by considering Albania’s 15% standard CIT and 0–5% incentives along with your obligations in Turkey and other countries.
- Accounting, payroll, and compliance: IFRS-compliant, Albanian accounting records; management of local payroll, social security, and VAT processes.
- Personnel leasing and posted worker models: Developing legally and tax-optimized solutions for sending personnel from Turkey to Albania or from Albania to other countries through employer of record (EOR) and posted worker structures.
- Residency permits and mobility: Residency/work permits for company partners and key employees, planning residence for family members.
Thus, we help you establish an integrated structure that is not only familiar with Albanian legislation but also with group-level tax and legal risks.
Conclusion: Albania Can Be a Strong Balkan Base with the Right Structuring
Albania offers serious opportunities for Turkish entrepreneurs with simple company establishment processes, 15% corporate tax, and incentives that drop to 5% in areas such as IT, agritourism, and automotive. The 0% profit tax regime for micro and small businesses is also a significant advantage for companies looking to open a trial Balkan office.
However, as with any international expansion, when taking this step, you must plan:
- Your company structure,
- Your tax and accounting arrangements,
- Your personnel and residency permits
as a whole. Working with a professional team not only accelerates your business setup in Albania but also significantly reduces potential tax and compliance risks you may encounter in the future.
Legal Disclaimer: This text is prepared for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice in any way. Since tax rates, incentives, and legislation in Albania and Turkey can change frequently, it is essential to check current official sources and relevant country tax administrations before making investment or company formation decisions and to obtain advice tailored to your specific situation from a qualified professional. Corpenza or the author cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from decisions made based on this text.
