Republic of Albania · study
Residence Permit for Studies (Albania)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
If you have been admitted to study at an Albanian institution, this residence permit lets you live in Albania for the length of your course.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - the Border and Migration Police examine complete requests within published timelines; confirm current processing on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - application and card fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Tied to your course and renewable while enrolled - confirm current validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
Albania grants a residence permit for study to non-EU nationals admitted to an accredited educational institution, applied for through the e-Albania portal under the Law on Foreigners (Law 79/2021) and issued by the Border and Migration Police. You evidence your enrolment, means of support and accommodation. It is tied to your course and renewable while you study. On its own it is not a direct settlement route, though lawful time can contribute toward permanent residence, and many students move to a Unique Permit afterwards. Albania is an EU candidate, not an EU member.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓You are admitted to an accredited educational institution in Albania.Border and Migration Police, Ministry of Interior (Albania) - Law 79/2021 ↗
- ✓You can evidence enrolment, means of support and accommodation for the study period.Border and Migration Police, Ministry of Interior (Albania) - Law 79/2021 ↗
- ✓You hold a valid passport and attend the biometric appointment for the card.Border and Migration Police, Ministry of Interior (Albania) - Law 79/2021 ↗
- ✓You are not subject to grounds for refusal under the Law on Foreigners.Border and Migration Police, Ministry of Interior (Albania) - Law 79/2021 ↗
Common blockers
- !No admission to an accredited Albanian institution.Border and Migration Police, Ministry of Interior (Albania) - Law 79/2021 ↗
- !Inability to evidence means of support or accommodation.Border and Migration Police, Ministry of Interior (Albania) - Law 79/2021 ↗
- !Expecting study alone to be a fast settlement route, which it is not.Border and Migration Police, Ministry of Interior (Albania) - Law 79/2021 ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and recent photographs.Border and Migration Police, Ministry of Interior (Albania) - Law 79/2021 ↗
- ·Proof of admission or enrolment from the institution.Border and Migration Police, Ministry of Interior (Albania) - Law 79/2021 ↗
- ·Evidence of means of support and accommodation.Border and Migration Police, Ministry of Interior (Albania) - Law 79/2021 ↗
- ·Documents uploaded through the e-Albania portal as required.Border and Migration Police, Ministry of Interior (Albania) - Law 79/2021 ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm your admission to an accredited Albanian institution and that you can evidence means and accommodation.
Build the evidence pack
Gather your admission letter, proof of means, accommodation evidence and passport.
Submit through the official channel
Apply through the e-Albania portal, attend the biometric appointment at the Border and Migration Police, and pay the fees.
After approval
Renew while you remain enrolled and consider a Unique Permit after graduation if you want to stay.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Residence Permit for Studies (Albania) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Residence Permit for Studies (Albania).
Border and Migration Police, Ministry of Interior (Albania) - Law 79/2021 · verified
Matches these professions
Also explored by
Compare Republic of Albania with
Related routes
Unique Permit (Leje Unike)
If you are a non-EU national working in Albania, the Unique Permit is the main route - one card combining work and residence, and it includes a remote-work sub-category.
Family Reunification (Albania)
If a close family member already holds residence in Albania, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work while I study?+
Work rights for students can be limited and may need separate authorisation. Confirm what is permitted on the official e-Albania page.
Does study lead to settlement?+
Not on its own, though lawful time can contribute toward permanent residence. Confirm the current rule on the official e-Albania page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor →