Frustrated by the unpredictable costs and bureaucratic hurdles of starting a company abroad? You’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs and digital nomads eyeing Albania as a base in 2025 are searching for clear, actionable data on company formation and ongoing maintenance costs. This guide delivers exactly that—no guesswork, just hard numbers and practical strategies to help you minimize state-imposed burdens and keep more of your hard-earned capital.
Company Formation Costs in Albania (2025): What to Expect
Albania’s most common business entity for international founders is the Shoqëri me Përgjegjësi të Kufizuar (SH.P.K.), equivalent to a Limited Liability Company. Here’s a precise breakdown of the average creation costs in Albanian Lek (ALL), based on the latest data:
| Cost Item | Amount (ALL) |
|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 100 |
| National Business Center (QKB) registration fee | 100 |
| Publication in the Official Bulletin | 1,000 |
| Notary fees (founding act & statutes) | 3,000 |
| Legal/lawyer fees (average) | 35,000 |
| Municipality registration fee | 800 |
| Total Average | 41,000 |
Case in Point: If you’re forming a standard SH.P.K. in 2025, expect to invest around 41,000 ALL (approx. €400) upfront. The lion’s share is legal fees—an area where savvy founders can sometimes negotiate or shop around for better rates.
Annual Maintenance Costs: Staying Compliant Without Overpaying
Once your company is up and running, annual maintenance costs in Albania range from 30,000 ALL to 70,000 ALL (approx. €290–€670) depending on your choices for legal and accounting support. Here’s the breakdown:
| Annual Cost Item | Amount (ALL) |
|---|---|
| Mandatory accounting services | 25,000 |
| Annual tax declaration filing fee | 2,000 |
| Municipality business license renewal | 3,000 |
| Optional legal retainer (recommended) | 20,000 |
Pro Tip #1: Accounting is non-negotiable—Albanian law requires annual filings. However, legal retainers are optional. If you’re comfortable navigating routine compliance, you can keep annual costs closer to the 30,000 ALL minimum.
Pro Tip #2: Negotiate bundled services with local providers. Many accountants offer packages that include tax filing and license renewals, potentially reducing your overall spend.
Checklist: Minimizing Your Company’s Fiscal Footprint in Albania
- Shop around for legal and notary services—fees can vary significantly.
- Confirm all registration steps with the National Business Center (QKB) to avoid repeat filings.
- Consider handling simple renewals and filings yourself if you have prior experience.
- Review your need for a legal retainer annually—don’t pay for services you don’t use.
Key Takeaways for 2025: Albania’s Company Costs at a Glance
- Formation: Expect to pay around 41,000 ALL for a standard SH.P.K. in 2025.
- Annual Maintenance: Budget between 30,000 and 70,000 ALL, depending on your appetite for DIY compliance and legal support.
- Optimization: The biggest savings come from negotiating legal fees and streamlining annual services.
For more details on procedures and up-to-date regulations, consult these official and expert resources: