News: Company Formation and Registration Services in Albania

Albania is a Balkan nation situated in South-Eastern Europe The population of Albania is close to three million people. The coastal Albania borders the Adriatic and Ionian sea in the Mediterranean. Albania is bordered by Kosovo (northeast), North Macedonia (east), Greece (south), Italy (west) and Montenegro (north-west). Albania is part of the ancient Greek, Roman and Ottoman empire culture. The capital of Albania is Tirana. The official currency is the Albanian Lekë (ALL). The official language spoken is Albanian, although Italian, English, Greek and Macedonian are understood by citizens.

The country is a unitary parliamentary constitutional republic with an upper middle-income economy. The Republic of Albania is a member of the United Nations, World Bank, UNESCO, NATO, WTO and many more. Albania supports the free movement or transportation of capitals, incomes, private property or investments as they are all protected by law. The authority responsible for the incorporation and formation of companies is the Albanian Commercial Registry.

Benefits of Company Formation in Albania

• Easier company incorporation process in Albania;
• Double taxation treaties (signed with over 35 countries);
• Low corporate income tax rate (reduced rate for companies with an annual turnover of less than €60000);
• Lower labour costs compared to other European nations;
• Strategic location (access to Europe and the Balkan peninsula);
• No foreign exchange controls.

Business in Albania: Taxes

• Corporate tax rate - 15%;
• Companies with an annual turnover of less than €60,000 and €36,000 have a tax rate of 5% and 0% respectively;
• VAT tax rate - 20%
• Tax exemption for foreigners registering their companies in Albanian free zones (the first five years) and 7% reduced the tax rate for the next five years;
• No VAT or customs duties on imports.

The following are taxable profits in Albania, they include income and dividends, interest, rent, copyright or intellectual rights, administrative costs, technical conditions, installation services and other related activities, as well as performances of musicians, actors, athletes and many more.

Bookkeeping in Albania

Annual returns filing - Yes

Statutory audit - Yes

Report requirements - Yes

Accounting is required annually;

Modifications to the company's structure and other related legal matters regarding the process of acquisition or merger, and so on requires a shareholders’ meeting. The decisive vote for any transformations is considered legitimate. 

Registration of a company in Albania: Types of Companies

• Limited Liability Company (LLC) - SH.PK
• Fast Nominee LLC - Shelf Company
• Free Zone LLC - AFC
• Joint Stock Company (JSC) - SH.A
• Foreign company - Branch or representative office

It is important to note that Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most common choice of company type in Albania because this legal entity provides a platform for a sole proprietorship, a flexible corporate structure and limitation of personal liability.

Company Registration Requirements in Albania

• Founders can be one or more partners;
• A minimum of one shareholder is required;
• A minimum of one director is required;
• Notarization of incorporation documents;
• Registration certificate and Unique BIN (Business Identification Number);
• Initial capital deposit in the bank with a bank statement;
• Registration with the relevant authorities (tax, employment/labour, social security authorities).

How to register a company in Albania: The registration process

Step 1. Law and Trust works with the client to get the company’s name and activity approval from the Commercial Registry of Albania;

Step 2. Law and Trust with the client to secure the Memorandum of Association (MOA);

Step 3. Law and Trust collects, prepares and files the necessary incorporation documents on behalf of the client to the relevant authorities for approval;

Step 4. Law and Trust works with the client to open a corporate bank account in Albania;

Step 5. Law and Trust deliver the certificate of incorporation personally to the client or via courier service.

Albania Company Formation FAQs

How long does it take to register a company in Albania?

It takes from four weeks to completely register a company in Albania. It is also possible to purchase a ready-made company between two to four weeks.

How much does it cost to register a company in Albania?

The cost of registering a company in Albania is $3570. the total cost includes the preparation of legal documents, company registration, payment of all taxes and fees at the time of registration and legal address for the company (a year).

Can I start a business without registering it in Albania?

It is not possible to start a business in Albania without registration, a license is required to operate or run a business in Albania.

Do I need a local address to register a company in Albania?

Yes, it is required to have to a registered address in Albania to complete the necessary company registration and formation process.

How can I register a company name in Albania?

The registration of a company name begins with the filing of the appropriate documents, Law&Trust helps with preparation and compilation of the necessary documents ensuring it meets the requirements set out by the commercial registry with regards to the approval of a company name.

WHY INCORPORATE WITH LAW&TRUST INTERNATIONAL?

Benefits of company registration, formation, and incorporation service with Law&Trust International in Albania include:

Full range of related services: Provision of a full range of legal, corporate, government, and business intelligence related services in Albania. A detailed overview of our services includes full legal support of the company registration procedure, obtaining a legal address, interaction with the official government authorities of the jurisdiction, state fees, legal address of the company for a year, production and registration of company stamps and advising the client as part of the registration process. Opening a bank account and the cost of this service are discussed during the consultation.

Professionals and expertise of Law: Worldwide registration and legal maintenance of companies, accounting services, and audit, tax planning and optimization, trademark and patent registration. Law and Trust provide the client with the best company incorporation services.

Domestic service: Law&Trust ensure our services cover every region, area or state in Albania. Be rest assured that no matter where the new company intends to incorporate in Albania, we’ve got the location covered.

Free initial advice: Free consultation from the lawyers of Law&Trust International regarding strategies or the provision of services for analyzing and developing a legal position on an issue the client raises in Albania.

Confidentiality: Law&Trust makes use of modern technological features to keep the records and details of every client safe.

Efficiency and productivity: Strategically providing up to date personalized services to help your business succeed.

READY FOR COMPANY INCORPORATION?

If you are interested in registering and incorporating a company in Albania, contact Law & Trust International by simply sending an email or call now to take your business to the next level!