Retire in Albania: The Ultimate Guide to Living Like It's Paradise in Europe – Visa, Healthcare & More

• The allure of retirement in Albania stems from its attractiveness and affordable lifestyle.
• EXPLORE FURTHER: The reality of the £50 charge for a water bottle on Ryanair revealed

The clear waters and sandy shores of Albania have bestowed upon it the nickname 'Europe's Maldives'.

And it's fast becoming one of the continent's top tourist destinations with international visitor arrivals soaring by 56 per cent between 2019 and 2023, according to the World Tourism Organisation .

However, for others, this Balkan nation holds an allure that extends beyond a mere vacation. Its appeal encourages stays longer than just holidays due to various factors. Its affordability continues to be one of them. cost of living is becoming an increasingly appealing choice for British retirees.

Jennifer Stevens, who serves as the executive editor at International Living A Guide to Retiring and Investing Abroad" shares with MailOnline, "Albania hasn’t caught the attention of the general public just yet, but it deserves more recognition. Firstly, it is stunning — boasting a coastlines that many people claim surpasses those found elsewhere. Italy Or Croatia, where the cost of living offers an exceptional value.

In the meantime, the specialist group at Magic Towns , a handbook for moving to Albania, mentions they receive queries from British citizens nearly every day.

Sara Alimehmeti, an editor at Magic Towns, elaborates: "We observe that the combination of affordable living costs, favorable climate, high standard of living, and notably low taxes makes these locations very appealing to foreign residents. Recently, there has been a notable interest from British nationals—our sense is that this trend correlates with concerns over potential future tax hikes in the United Kingdom."

For retired Britons considering this move, here’s your complete guide to the top spots to reside in Albania, along with information on obtaining a visa, housing expenses, and an overview of the healthcare system...

Visas and tax perks

British pensioners have access to 'a special retirement visa offered by Albania for individuals who aren’t from the EU/EEA,' according to William Cooper, the marketing director at an expat company. William Russell .

He states: "The first step involves acquiring a 'D' visa, allowing for an extended stay during the processing of your residency application."

'Once completed, you can apply for a residency permit via the e-Albania website. For this application, you generally must provide documentation of housing, proof of adequate finances, and health insurance coverage.'

To obtain the visa, retirees must show evidence of a 'consistent monthly pension income totaling at least 120,000 Albanian lek (£1,011/$1,271)', according to William.

When discussing tax benefits, the specialists at Magic Towns point out that for international retirees living in Albania, 'earnings from pensions—whether they come from state, private, or foreign sources—are generally exempt from taxation.'

Politics and culture

Albania experienced a communist dictatorship from 1946 through the early 1990s. During this period, it remained isolated and was referred to as the ' North Korea of Europe'.

Much has evolved since those times, and today Albania operates as a parliamentary democracy featuring a president as the head of state alongside a prime minister serving as the head of government. Edi Rama currently holds the position of prime minister, having assumed this role in 2013.

Albania is a secular nation without an officially recognized religion; however, the 2023 census carried out by Institute of Statistics , 53 percent of the populace identifies as Muslim, 16 percent as Christian, 17 percent as having no religious affiliation, and 16 percent as not declared.

Jennifer from International Living explains to MailOnline, "Albania faces the challenge of obsolete misconceptions. When people hear 'Albania,' often their only thought might be something like, 'Wasn't that once a communist stronghold—has it changed?' However, Albania has been a democracy since the early 1990s. It's an inviting destination offering a great standard of living at quite affordable prices."

The nation boasts 'the greatest density of coffee shops per person globally,' according to Sara from Magic Towns. She also mentions that it maintains strong links to the United Kingdom, offering non-stop services to London Heathrow, Luton, and Stansted airports, along with routes to Birmingham and Manchester departing from Tirana Airport.

Where to Live and Housing Options

Experts from Magic Towns highlight that Albania's real estate sector provides a wide array of choices, ranging from exclusive modern condominium developments to traditional Ottoman residences and early 20th century Italian-inspired properties. According to them, Tirana—the nation’s capital—as well as the coastal areas of Vlorë and Sarandë, present excellent opportunities for those looking to retire.

Tirana

In Sara’s interview with MailOnline about magical towns, she shares: “Being the capital city, Tirana boasts superior facilities, numerous modern developments, as well as ample healthcare and educational opportunities. It stands out as an excellent option for those looking to retire and lead an energetic life filled with vibrant cafes, dining spots, pubs, and various cultural activities.”

Cost: According to Magic Towns, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically ranges from approximately €400-€700/£332-£582/$418-$732 per month, whereas outside the central area, it tends to be more affordable at about €250-€500/£207-£415/$261-$523 monthly. In terms of property values, they vary between €1,500-€3,000/£1247-£2495/$1,569-$3,139 for each square meter.

Vlorë

Sara elaborates: "Vlore is a seaside town situated on the renowned Albanian Riviera and serves as an ideal location for those seeking retirement near the ocean. The city boasts an expanding international population, features a recently constructed waterfront pathway, and offers convenient proximity to several of Albania’s top shoreline attractions. Compared to Tirana, Vlore is more tranquil yet retains all essential amenities within its urban core. During summertime, the atmosphere becomes more vibrant; however, this period also brings about larger crowds from both tourist groups and local visitors."

Cost: The cost varies depending on how close you are to the seaside, with beachfront homes potentially costing between €1,200-€2,500/£998-£2,079/$1,255-$2,616 for each square meter. Typically, rental prices here are about 20-30 percent less expensive compared to those found in Tirana.

Saranda

'Saranda is the most temperate of the trio and has long appealed to retirees,' clarifies Sara. She continues, 'It shares a vibe akin to Vlorë, offering beautiful ocean vistas and that pleasant ambiance typical of beachside communities. Additionally, Saranda enjoys convenient ferry connections directly to Corfu, Greece. During winter months, however, things quiet down significantly since it primarily serves as a summer getaway.'

Cost: The cost of properties near the seaside varies; however, those right at the water’s edge can be priced between €1,200-€2,500/£998-£2,079/$1,255-$2,616 for each square meter. Typically, rental prices here are about 20-30 percent less compared to what you would find in Tirana.

Cost of living

According to Numbeo The average cost of living in Albania is 50 percent less compared to the UK, with rents being up to 70 percent cheaper. Additionally, the cost of living is 11 percent lower in Spain, which is a favored location for British retirees.

Sara mentions that dining at an average-priced restaurant might set you back anywhere from €8-€15/£6.65-£12.48/$8.37-$15.70 per person, whereas a cup of coffee typically costs less than €1/83p/$1.05.

She mentions that a pair might easily allocate between €250-€400/£207-£332/$261-$418 each month for food expenses, varying based on their way of life, whereas utilities like electricity, water, and internet typically amount to approximately €100/£83/$104 monthly.

Healthcare

At William Russell, William elaborates: "In Albania, the healthcare system is universally accessible and primarily supported through both compulsory and optional payments, with additional funding from the government."

He cautions that the 'standard of public healthcare can differ' and amenities might be restricted beyond Tirana.

The expert points out that private healthcare has experienced substantial expansion, with facilities often offering a superior level of care.

He suggests that retirees buy individual global health coverage and look into relocating to places where medical services are readily accessible, unlike many rural regions.

'We simply fell for the charm of the locals and the allure of the landscape.'

The welcoming nature of Albania's inhabitants is among the factors contributing to Deborah and James Riley's contentment during their retirement. The couple, who are both over 70 years old, relocated from Bloomington, Indiana, to a village near the port city of Durrës in 2020. In an interview with MailOnline, Deborah shares, "Upon our arrival, we were met with genuine warmth, affection, and camaraderie. It wasn’t long before we developed a deep appreciation for the locals as well as the scenic landscapes."

James shares: "People here are extremely warm towards individuals from different nations. My wife and I purchased our home from some brothers who have been incredibly kind to us since we're an older couple. About two weeks back, we experienced a massive flood which ruined the engine of my car. When I mentioned that I didn’t have sufficient funds at the moment, one of them responded with 'Don't worry about it; I’ll cover it for you. You can repay me whenever you’re able.'"

They mention that they manage with just $7/£5.56 per day for food, covering sustenance not only for themselves but also for their four pets and stray animals around the area.

Deborah shares, "In everyone’s yards, plenty of fruits and veggies are thriving, making the small shops selling produce really fresh. Our selection includes oranges, lemons, kumquats, pomegranates, and olives. Arugula grows throughout the year here as well, along with beautiful roses."

James remarks, "Albania is among the most stunning destinations you will visit. Within just an hour’s journey, you’ll encounter remarkable diversity. Move another hour ahead, and you’ll discover yet more contrasts. In our small village, you can easily reach the remains of a Byzantine church by walking from your doorstep."

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