Visa Procedure and Residence Permit

International Students

Before and After Arrival in Albania

Before Arrival: Student Visa After Arrival: Residence Permit
Before travelling to Albania

Student Visa — Type D

Students whose nationality requires a visa must apply for a Type D Student Visa before travelling to Albania.

Apply online through the official Albanian e-Visa system: https://e-visa.al/

Required Documents

  1. Document certifying the registration/admission to an educational institution in Albania.
  2. Documents that prove and certify the coverage of all living costs and tuition fees.
  3. Travel health insurance document for the duration of the visa.
  4. Document that provides proof of accommodation while in the Republic of Albania.
  5. Document that proves your knowledge of the Albanian language for carrying out your studies.
  6. Criminal Record / Good Character Document, legalized according to the regime with the relevant country which has issued this document.

Additional documents may be requested by Albanian authorities.

Application Process

  1. Complete the online visa application on the official e-Visa portal.
  2. Upload all required documents.
  3. Wait for preliminary review.
  4. Receive payment request, only after preliminary approval.
  5. Pay the visa fee as instructed through the system.
  6. Receive final decision by email.
  7. If approved, receive the electronic visa.

Processing Time

Usually 15–30 working days.

Apply from outside Albania

Visa applications must be submitted from outside the Republic of Albania.

Visa Fee Payment

The visa fee is requested only after the preliminary review of your application.

Important

Incomplete or incorrect applications may result in delays or refusal.

After arrival in Albania

Residence Permit for Students

International students who continue their studies in Albania must apply for a residence permit within the legal deadline.

Who Needs It?

All international students who stay in Albania for more than 90 days for study purposes must have a residence permit.

Apply Within 30 Days

Apply within 30 days after entering Albania.
You must already be in Albania to apply.

Apply Online

Through the official e-Albania platform:
https://e-albania.al

Important Warning

Failure to pay the fee and send the documents within the deadlines will result in immediate rejection of your application.

Required Documents

Prepare all documents before applying.

  1. Photocopy of valid travel document / passport.
  2. Recent photo (47x36 mm) taken in the last 6 months.
  3. Evidence of suitable accommodation in Albania (certificate / lease contract according to housing standards).
  4. Acceptance document from the host institution (Official Acceptance Letter from Barleti University).
  5. Evidence of sufficient financial resources for living in Albania for the required period.
  6. Proof of knowledge of the language of the study program or certificate for admission to a preparatory language course.
  7. Document for payment of fees imposed by the host institution.
Important:

Documents from the country of origin must be apostilled or legalized by the relevant authorities and translated into Albanian or English.

How to Apply — Step by Step

  1. Apply online on the e-Albania platform and complete the electronic form.
  2. Upload all required documents in the specified format.
  3. Preliminary review of your application by the authorities.
  4. If approved, pay the residence permit fee (you will receive the invoice by email). Pay within 24 hours.
  5. After approval, send the physical file by post within the deadline.
  6. You will receive a temporary electronic residence permit (valid up to 2 months) during the evaluation period.
  7. After final approval, you will be notified by email to appear in person at the Migration Office. Appear in person, prove your identity and apply for the biometric Residence Permit card.

Processing Time

The application review and decision are usually completed within up to 30 days.
You will be notified by email.

Validity of Permit

Residence permits for students are issued for:

  • 3–6 months
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 5 years

Duration depends on the type of permit granted.

Costs

Fees depend on the type and duration of the residence permit.
Official fees (PDF):
https://e-albania.al

Important Notes

  • Apply within 30 days after entering Albania.
  • Make sure all documents are clear, valid and legalized / apostilled.
  • Incomplete or incorrect applications may be rejected.
  • Use your personal email for all communication.
  • Keep copies of all documents and receipts.
  • Follow deadlines to avoid rejection of your application.