- The allure of retirement in Albania stems from its attractiveness and affordable lifestyle.
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Albania’s pristine waters and sandy shores have bestowed upon it the nickname ‘The Maldives of Europe’.
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 mere vacationing. Its appeal encourages visits lasting much longer. Its affordability remains a draw. cost of living is becoming an increasingly appealing choice for British retirees.
Jenny Stevens, who holds the position of executive editor at International Living , a guide to retiring and investing overseas, shares with MailOnline: "Although Albania hasn’t made it onto the main radar for most people, it deserves more attention. Firstly, it is stunning — boasting a coast that many argue surpasses those of several well-known locations." Italy Or Croatia, where the value concerning the cost of living is exceptional.
In the meantime, the specialist group at Magic Towns A guide to moving to Albania mentions that they receive queries from British citizens nearly every day.
Sara Alimehmeti, an editor at Magic Towns, shares her insights: "We observe that the combination of affordable living costs, pleasant climate, high standard of living, and notably low taxes is very appealing to expatriates overall. Recently, we've noticed a particular interest from British citizens—our belief is that this trend correlates with their concerns about potential future tax hikes in the United Kingdom."
For UK pensioners considering this move, here’s your complete guide to the top spots to reside in Albania, information on obtaining a visa, details about property expenses, and an overview of their 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 subsequently apply for a residency permit via the e-Albania website. For this process, you generally must provide documentation of housing, proof of adequate finances, and evidence of health insurance.'
To obtain the visa, retirees must show evidence of a 'minimum regular monthly pension income of £1,011/$1,271 or 120,000 Albanian lek,' according to William.
When discussing tax benefits, the specialists at Magic Towns indicate that for international retirees living in Albania, 'income derived from pensions – whether they be state-funded, privately managed, or sourced internationally – generally remains exempt from taxation.'
Politics and culture
Albania experienced a totalitarian communist regime 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 chief of state alongside a prime minister serving as the head of government. Edi Rama currently holds the position of prime minister and has done so since 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 population 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 misconceptions rooted in the past. When people hear 'Albania,' many either have no thoughts or recall it as a former Communist stronghold—wondering if not much has changed. However, Albania became a democracy back in the 1990s. It’s an inviting destination offering a great standard of living at affordable costs."
The nation boasts 'the largest number of coffee shops per person globally,' according to Sara from Magic Towns, who also mentions its strong connections to the United Kingdom, including direct flights to London Heathrow, Luton, and Stansted airports, along with routes to Birmingham and Manchester originating from Tirana Airport.
Where to Live and Housing Options
The specialists at Magic Towns highlight that Albania’s real estate market provides a wide array of choices, ranging from exclusive modern condo developments to traditional Ottoman residences and early 20th-century Italian-inspired properties. According to them, Tirana—the capital—along with the coastal areas of Vlorë and Saranda, 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 extensive healthcare and educational opportunities. It stands out as an excellent option for those seeking retirement; particularly for individuals fond of staying active through frequent visits to local cafés, eateries, pubs, and engaging in 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 between €250-€500/£207-£415/$261-$523. The cost of property varies from €1,500-€3,000/£1,247-£2,495/$1,569-$3,139 for each square meter.
Vlorë
Sara elaborates: "Vlora is a seaside town located on the renowned Albanian Riviera and serves as an ideal location for those seeking retirement near the ocean. The city boasts expanding communities of foreign residents, recently constructed waterfront pathways, and convenient proximity to many of Albania's stunning shores. While Vlora is less bustling compared to Tirana, it offers all necessary amenities alongside its urban core. During summertime, the atmosphere becomes more vibrant yet can get quite busy due to both visitors and local crowds."
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, rents 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 towns. Additionally, Sarande boasts direct ferry service to Corfu, Greece. The winter months see less activity since it functions primarily as a seasonal getaway.'
Cost: The cost varies depending on how close you are to the sea, with beachfront homes reaching prices of €1,200-€2,500/£998-£2,079/$1,255-$2,616 for each square meter. Typically, rent is about 20-30 percent less expensive compared to Tirana.
Cost of living
According to Numbeo The average cost of living in Albania is about half that of the UK, with rents being up to 70 percent cheaper. Additionally, the cost of living in Spain—a favored place for British retirees—is approximately 11 percent lower compared to the UK.
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 coffee typically costs less than €1/83p/$1.05.
She mentions that a pair might easily manage with spending between €250-€400/£207-£332/$261-$418 each month on food, based on how they live. Meanwhile, utilities like electricity, water, and internet typically amount to approximately €100/£83/$104 monthly.
Healthcare
At William Russell, William elaborates: "In Albania, healthcare is provided universally through a system financed by both compulsory and optional payments, with additional support from the government budget."
He cautions that the 'standard of public healthcare can differ' and amenities might be scarce beyond Tirana.
The expert points out that private healthcare has experienced substantial expansion, with facilities typically offering a superior level of care.
He suggests that retirees buy individual global healthcare coverage and look into relocating to places where medical services are readily accessible, unlike many rural regions.
'We simply fell for the warmth of the people 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 years spent in a village near the port city of Durrës. The couple relocated from Bloomington, Indiana, in 2020 at around 70 years old. In an interview with MailOnline, Deborah shares, "Upon our arrival, we encountered so much warmth, affection, and camaraderie. It was these qualities along with the natural splendor of the land that truly captivated us."
James shares: "People here are extremely friendly towards those coming from different parts of the world. My wife and I purchased our home from some brothers who were incredibly kind to us since we're an elderly pair. Not long ago, about two weeks back, we experienced a massive flood which ruined the motor of my car. Feeling quite overwhelmed financially, I mentioned, 'I can’t afford this at present.' In response, one of them offered, 'Don't worry; I’ll take care of it. You can just repay me when 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 additional animals around the area.
Deborah shares, "In everyone's yards, plenty of fruits and veggies are cultivated, making the small shops selling produce incredibly fresh. Our selection includes oranges, lemons, kumquats, pomegranates, and olives. Arugula grows throughout the year, along with beautiful roses."
James comments, "Albania is among the most stunning destinations you will visit. Within just an hour’s journey, you’ll encounter immense diversity. Move another hour ahead, and you’ll discover yet another distinct landscape. In our small village, you can easily reach the remains of a Byzantine church by walking."
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