Guides · Albania

Work permit renewal in Albania

Written from published rules on 28 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Agjencia Kombëtare e Punësimit dhe Aftësive (National Agency for Employment and Skills). Rules here vary, so check carefully.

Renewing an Albanian work permit involves submitting an application to the relevant regional office of the National Agency for Employment and Skills. Applicants must demonstrate that they continue to meet the original eligibility requirements for their specific professional category.

Your timing

It is standard practice to initiate the renewal process at least 30 to 60 days before the current permit expires. This allows sufficient time to account for administrative processing periods and potential requests for additional documentation.

Start 45 days ahead

Standard administrative processing for work-related residency documents in Albania typically spans several weeks.

The process

  1. 1Verify the current specific requirements for the renewal category on the official National Agency for Employment and Skills portal.
  2. 2Obtain and complete the official renewal application form provided by the regional employment office.
  3. 3Prepare the necessary supporting documents, ensuring all foreign documents are translated and legalized if required.
  4. 4Submit the application package to the regional employment office corresponding to the place of employment.
  5. 5Pay the application fee as instructed by the regional office upon submission.
  6. 6Monitor the application status and collect the renewed permit once notified by the authorities.

What to bring

  • Valid passport
  • Current work permit
  • Employment contract or proof of continued employment
  • Proof of registration with the tax authorities
  • Completed application form
  • Proof of payment of the renewal fee

Who handles it

Agjencia Kombëtare e Punësimit dhe Aftësive (National Agency for Employment and Skills)

https://akpa.gov.al/

Fees for work permits are set by government decree; applicants should confirm the exact amount in Albanian Lek (ALL) with their local employment office as fees may be adjusted annually.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Failure to maintain a valid employment contract during the interim period can jeopardize the renewal.
  • Documentation that is not properly translated into Albanian or lacks necessary apostille/legalization may be rejected.
  • Missing application deadlines can result in the requirement to re-apply from the beginning, which may include leaving the country.

Sources

This guide is based on one official source.

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