Retiring in Albania as an American
As of our last check, Albania offers a dedicated retirement route: the Residence permit for retirement (pensioner residence permit).
The income requirement is on the low side, so a typical pension is more likely to clear it. Applicants must show annual pension income of at least 1,200,000 ALL, roughly 12,000 euros a year or about 1,000 euros per month.
Pensioners with sufficient stable income and valid health insurance may apply for a residence permit for retirement, applying online through the e-Albania portal with proof of accommodation and funds.
Verified against howalbania.com, last checked 2026-07-03.
The verified fields
Applicants must show annual pension income of at least 1,200,000 ALL, roughly 12,000 euros a year or about 1,000 euros per month.
Pensioners with sufficient stable income and valid health insurance may apply for a residence permit for retirement, applying online through the e-Albania portal with proof of accommodation and funds.
Before you act on this
Visa rules, income thresholds and processing practice change, sometimes with little notice. This page reflects what we could verify on the dates shown, for US citizens. Albania does not set different rules per nationality for the standard retirement route, but the income proof format and supporting documents vary. Always confirm the current requirements with the official immigration authority or a licensed immigration adviser before making plans, and treat the linked source as the authority, not us.
See how Albania scores overall
The visa is one of six axes. RetireScore 77/100, ranked 8 of 55 countries on the default weights.