The draft law “On some amendments and additions to Law no. 79/2021 on foreigners” aims to improve the legal framework for foreigners who enter and reside in the territory of the Republic of Albania. The objective is to ensure a more efficient, fair, and accessible system through the use of digitalization in the management of migration.
📌 What does the draft law introduce as new?
✅ Expansion of legal definitions:
In addition to the extended description of the existing definition “highly qualified worker,” the draft law also introduces new terms such as “investor,” “self-employed,” and “domestic worker.” The latter is defined as a foreigner employed by a household to perform domestic tasks or similar services, in accordance with Albanian legislation.
✅ Free movement for EU citizens:
Nationals of the member states of the European Union and members of their families shall have the right to move and reside in Albania without the need for a residence permit or a single permit, provided that certain specific conditions are met.
✅ New document “Residence card for family members of EU citizens”:
When family members of a citizen of the European Union are not EU citizens themselves, they shall be issued a specific document: “Residence card of a family member of a citizen of the EU.”
✅ Registration certificate – a legal novelty:
Citizens of the EU who stay in Albania for more than 3 months must register online with the relevant authority within 3 months from the date of arrival. After registration, they will be issued a registration certificate.
✅ Faster procedures for residence permits:
The deadlines for examining applications for the issuance of unique residence permits are limited to a maximum of 4 weeks from the application date – a step towards efficiency and transparency.
✅Differentiated treatment according to categories of foreigners:
The draft law recognizes different legal treatments based on the purpose and status of the foreigner’s stay, offering clear and standardized procedural guarantees for each case.
📍 The draft law recognizes different legal treatments based on the purpose and status of the foreigner’s stay, offering clear and standardized procedural guarantees for each case.
