Albania Long Stay Visa Type “D”

Foreign citizens who wish to stay in the Republic of Albania for more than 90 days within 180 days and need a residence permit must obtain a long-stay visa. This type of visa is issued either as a stamp visa or in electronic form. The long-stay visa is required for foreign citizens who intend to stay in Albania for a period longer than the validity of a short-stay visa. The long-stay visa is also a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit.

To apply for a long-stay visa, the foreign citizen must submit an application to the Albanian embassy or consulate in their home country or in the country of their legal residence. The application must be accompanied by a valid passport, a recent passport-size photograph, and other supporting documents. The supporting documents may include proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, proof of medical insurance, and a criminal record certificate.

Once the long-stay visa is issued, the foreign citizen can enter Albania and apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is issued by the Albanian immigration authorities and is required for stays longer than 90 days within 180 days. The residence permit may be granted for various purposes, such as work, study, family reunification, or retirement.

It is important to note that the long-stay visa does not guarantee the issuance of a residence permit. The issuance of a residence permit is subject to the approval of the Albanian immigration authorities and may require additional supporting documents and a personal interview. The foreign citizen must also comply with the relevant laws and regulations in Albania, including those related to employment, housing, health, and security.

The long-stay visa is an important requirement for foreign citizens who intend to stay in the Republic of Albania for more than 90 days within 180 days and need to obtain a residence permit. The visa application process may involve several steps and the submission of various supporting documents. The issuance of a residence permit is subject to the approval of the Albanian immigration authorities and compliance with the relevant laws and regulations.

Types of Albania Long Stay Visa Type “D”

• Visa for study purposes (D) : Albania Long Stay Visa (D) for study purposes allows students to enter Albania for educational programs lasting longer than 90 days. This visa is valid for up to one year, and it requires a letter of acceptance from an educational institution in Albania, proof of financial support, and proof of health insurance.
• Family Reunion Visa (D) : Albania Long Stay Family Reunion Visa (D) allows non-EU citizens who have family members residing in Albania to join them for an extended period. This visa is valid for up to one year and requires documentation proving the relationship between the applicant and the Albanian resident, as well as proof of financial support and health insurance.
• Visa for humanitarian or religious activities (D): Albania Long Stay Visa (D) for humanitarian or religious activities allows individuals to enter Albania for humanitarian or religious reasons. This visa is valid for up to one year and requires documentation proving the applicant's involvement in a humanitarian or religious organization, as well as proof of financial support and health insurance.
• Diplomatic visa or visa service (D): Albania Long Stay Diplomatic Visa or Visa Service (D) allows foreign nationals to enter Albania for diplomatic purposes, such as to work in a foreign embassy or consulate in Albania. This visa is valid for up to one year and requires a diplomatic note from the sending government, as well as proof of financial support and health insurance.
• Visa for seasonal employment purposes (D): Albania Long Stay Visa (D) for seasonal employment purposes allows individuals to enter Albania for temporary employment in specific sectors, such as agriculture or tourism, for a period of up to nine months. This visa requires documentation from the employer in Albania, proof of financial support, and health insurance.
• Visa for unpaid trainee. (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for unpaid trainees who wish to gain work experience in the country. To be eligible, the applicant must provide proof of acceptance into an Albanian company or organization for an unpaid internship or traineeship, as well as evidence of financial means to support themselves during their stay. The application process involves submitting the required documents.
• Visa for au pairs (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for au pairs who wish to work and live with a host family in the country. To be eligible, the applicant must provide proof of acceptance into an Albanian host family and evidence of financial means to support themselves during their stay.
• Visa for youth exchanges. (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for youth participating in cultural, educational, or sports exchanges in the country. To be eligible, the applicant must provide proof of acceptance into an Albanian youth exchange program and evidence of financial means to support themselves during their stay.
• Visa for research. (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for researchers who wish to conduct research in the country. To be eligible, the applicant must provide proof of acceptance into an Albanian research institution or program and evidence of financial means to support themselves during their stay.
• Visa as an employee. (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for foreign employees who have secured employment with an Albanian company or organization. To be eligible, the applicant must provide proof of their employment contract and evidence of financial means to support themselves during their stay. The visa is typically valid for up to one year and can be renewed if necessary.
• Visas for in-house transferees. (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for foreign in-house transferees who are temporarily transferred to an Albanian branch or subsidiary of a foreign company. To be eligible, the applicant must provide proof of their employment contract and evidence of financial means to support themselves during their stay.
• Visa for vocational training. (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for individuals who wish to undergo vocational training in the country. To be eligible, the applicant must provide proof of acceptance into an Albanian vocational training program and evidence of financial means to support themselves during their stay.
• Visa for athletes (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for foreign athletes who are participating in sports competitions or training in the country. The visa is typically valid for up to one year.
• Visa for for voluntary service (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for individuals who wish to participate in voluntary service in the country.
• Visa for highly qualified employees (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for foreign highly qualified professionals who have secured employment with an Albanian company or organization. The visa is typically valid for up to one year and can be renewed if necessary.
• Visa for self-employed people (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for self-employed individuals who wish to establish a business in the country.
• Visa for digital mobile workers (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for digital mobile workers who are employed by a foreign company and wish to work remotely in Albania. The Visa for digital mobile workers (D)is typically valid for up to one year.
• Visa for investors (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for foreign investors who wish to invest in the country. The Visa for investors (D) is typically valid for up to one year and can be renewed if necessary.
• Visa for contracting services (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for foreign contractors who have secured a contract with an Albanian company or organization. The Visa for contracting services (D) is typically valid for up to one year.
• Visa for the crew of vessels (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for crew members of foreign vessels who will be staying in Albania for an extended period of time. The Visa for the crew of vessels is typically valid for up to one year and can be renewed if necessary.
• Visa for use of owned immovable property (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for foreign individuals who own immovable property in the country and wish to stay for an extended period of time. The Visa for use of owned immovable property is typically valid for up to one year.
• Visa for pensioners (retired) (D): Albania offers a Long Stay Visa for foreign pensioners who wish to retire in the country. The Visa for pensioners (retired) is typically valid for up to one year and can be renewed if necessary.

Purpose and Eligibility for Albania Long Stay Visa Type D

The Albania Long Stay Visa Type D is designed for foreign nationals who plan to stay in Albania for more than 90 days. This type of visa is ideal for those who want to study, work, join family, or invest in Albania.

Here are some of the key purposes for which Albania Long Stay Visa Type D may be issued:

• Study purposes: If you plan to study in Albania for more than 90 days, you will need to obtain a Long Stay Visa Type D. You will need to provide documentation showing that you have been accepted into a recognized educational institution in Albania.
• Work purposes: If you plan to work in Albania for more than 90 days, you will need to obtain a Long Stay Visa Type D. You will need to provide documentation showing that you have secured employment with an Albanian company.
• Join family purposes: If you are a non-EU national and wish to join your family member who is an Albanian citizen or a foreign citizen holding a valid residence permit in Albania, you will need to apply for a Long Stay Visa Type D.
• Investment purposes: If you are a foreign national and plan to invest in Albania, you may be eligible for a Long Stay Visa Type D. You will need to provide documentation showing that you have invested a certain amount of money in the Albanian economy.

Supporting Documents Required for Albania Long Stay Visa Type D

Foreign nationals who wish to apply for an Albania Long Stay Visa Type D are required to submit the following supporting documents along with their visa application:

• Completed visa application form: A completed visa application form must be filled.
• Passport: The applicant must have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and at least two blank pages.
• Passport photos: Two passport-size photos must be submitted. The photos should be recent, color, and taken on a white background.
• Letter of invitation: If the purpose of the visit is to meet a family member or a friend, the applicant must provide a letter of invitation from the person hosting them in Albania.
• Employment contract or business registration: If the purpose of the visit is for work or business, the applicant must provide an employment contract or business registration.
• Health insurance: The applicant must have valid health insurance that covers the entire duration of their stay in Albania.
• Criminal record certificate: The applicant must provide a criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the country of origin.
• Proof of financial means: The applicant must provide proof of sufficient financial means to cover their stay in Albania. This can be in the form of bank statements, salary slips, or a letter from the applicant's employer.
• Certificate of accommodation: The applicant must provide a certificate of accommodation or a rental agreement to prove that they have a place to stay during their visit.
• Medical certificate: The applicant must provide a medical certificate stating that they are in good health and free from any contagious diseases.

Please note :- Additional documents, depending on the purpose of the visit and the individual circumstances of the applicant.

How to apply for Albania Long Stay Visa Type D?

To apply for an Albanian Long Stay eVisa Type D, you will need to follow these steps:

Determine if you are eligible: Check if your country of residence is eligible for an Albanian Long Stay eVisa Type D. You can find this information on the official website of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania.

• Gather your documents: You will need to prepare the following documents:
• A passport with at least three months validity beyond the validity of the visa you are applying for
• A completed online application form
• A recent passport-size photo
• Proof of health insurance valid in Albania
• A document proving the purpose of your stay in Albania, such as an employment contract, study certificate, or proof of accommodation reservation
• Proof of financial means to cover your stay in Albania

Submit your application: You can submit your application online through the official website of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania. Follow the instructions and fill out the application form with accurate information.

Pay the fee: The fee for an Albania Long Stay eVisa Type D is €120. You can pay the fee online using a credit or debit card.

Wait for processing: The processing time for an Albania Long Stay eVisa Type D can take up to 30 days. You will receive an email when your application is processed.

Collect your eVisa: If your application is approved, you will receive your eVisa via email. Print a copy of your eVisa and keep it with you during your travel to Albania.

Application Process for Albania Long Stay Stamp Visa Type D

When applying for an Albania Long Stay Visa Type D, foreign citizens who intend to stay in the Republic of Albania for more than 90 days within 180 days must follow a specific application process. The process typically involves the following steps:

• Fill out an application form: The application form can usually be found on the website of the Albanian Embassy or Consulate in your country. The form must be completed accurately and completely.
• Gather the required documents: The supporting documents required for an Albania Long Stay Visa Type D can vary depending on the purpose of your visit, but typically include a valid passport, a medical certificate, a criminal record certificate, proof of financial means, proof of accommodation, and any other documents required by the Embassy or Consulate.
• Schedule an appointment: Contact the Albanian Embassy or Consulate in your country to schedule an appointment to submit your visa application and supporting documents.
• Attend an interview: In some cases, applicants may be required to attend an interview as part of the visa application process.
• Wait for the visa decision: The processing time for an Albania Long Stay Visa Type D can take up to several weeks, so it is important to apply well in advance of your intended travel date. Once a decision has been made, the Embassy or Consulate will contact you to let you know whether your visa application has been approved or denied.

It is important to note that when foreign citizens are required to have a visa to obtain a residence permit, they must apply for the visa before arriving in Albania. The Albania Long Stay Visa Type D is usually issued in the form of a stamp visa in the passport.

Processing Time and Fees for Albania Long Stay Visa Type D

The processing time for an Albania Long Stay Visa Type D can take up to several weeks, so it is important to apply well in advance of your intended travel date. The specific requirements and procedures can vary depending on the purpose of your visit and the country where you are applying from.

Validity and Duration of Stay for Albania Long Stay Visa Type D

The validity and duration of stay for Albania Long Stay Visa Type D can vary depending on the specific visa type and individual circumstances of the applicant. Generally, the validity of a Long Stay Visa is up to one year, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the purpose of the stay.

The duration of stay is typically determined by the purpose of the visa and the issuing authority, and can range from a few months to one year. In some cases, the visa may be renewable for additional periods, subject to certain conditions.

It's important to note that holders of a Long Stay Visa must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of their arrival in Albania in order to extend their stay beyond the visa's expiration date. The residence permit can be valid for up to five years, subject to renewal.

Renewal or Extension of Albania Long Stay Visa Type D

Renewal or extension of Albania Long Stay Visa Type D is possible in some cases. However, the rules and requirements for renewal or extension can vary depending on the specific visa type and the individual circumstances of the applicant. Generally, holders of a Long Stay Visa must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of their arrival in Albania in order to extend their stay beyond the visa's expiration date.

In order to apply for a renewal or extension of the Long Stay Visa, the applicant must typically provide a valid reason for the extension or renewal, such as continuing their studies, working on a project, or other valid reasons. The application process usually involves submitting the required documents to the Albanian immigration authorities, including a valid passport, proof of financial means, and proof of the continued purpose of the stay.

It's important to note that not all types of Long Stay Visas can be renewed or extended, and that there may be specific requirements and limitations for each type of visa.

Frequently Asked Questions about Albania Long Stay Visa Type D