Last updated 2026-05-04
Family reunion visa to Albania
Family reunification visa, Family visa
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Granted to foreign nationals wishing to join their family members residing in Albania for an extended period. Requires proof of family ties, evidence confirming the family member’s suitable accommodation in Albania, and proof of employment and sufficient income to support the applicant.
Eligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Family member, relative, partner
Time frames and cost
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 3 months to 1 year
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
A long-term visa is granted for activities exceeding 90 days that require the applicant's continuous presence in Albania. It is issued for a maximum duration of 1 year.
3 months
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
During this period, the visa holder must enter the country and apply for a residence permit. The online request for a residence permit to the regional authorities responsible for the border and migration must be made within 30 days after entering Albania. Residence permit for family reunification purposes is issued with a validity period of 1 year.
Not applicable
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
A long-term visa cannot be extended. Residence permit renewal is a subject to the approval of the competent authorities. The application for renewal must be filed no later than 60 days before the expiration of the current residence permit.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
Double-entry
The ability to enter the country only twice during the visa's validity period. This is typically used for transit visas and when multiple entries are required within a short timeframe, such as during travel to multiple countries.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
The applicant specifies the required number of entries on the visa application; however, responsible authorities make a decision, which may vary depending on provided documentary evidence and other factors. A visa may be issued for single, double, or multiple entries.
from 15 days to 1 month
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Decisions on visa applications are taken within 15 calendar days from the date of acceptance of the visa application. In exceptional cases this time limit may be extended up to 30 days. The visa application is submitted online via a specialized digital platform, developed by the Albanian government. The applicant has the option to select either a digital or a stamped visa, based on their preferences.
€100 (~$118) - for adults
€50 (~$59) - for children 6–12 years old
free - for children under 6 years old
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Fees may be waived or vary depending on the applicant's nationality, marital status, age, and specific purpose of the visit. Visa fees for minors aged 6 to 12 are reduced to half of the standard adult visa fee. The visa fee does not apply to: - children under the age of 6; - holders of diplomatic and service passports in compliance with and in application of the principle of reciprocity; - humanitarian cases; - cases where there is a reciprocity agreement at the government level. Consular fee is the official charge for processing a visa application by an embassy or consulate of the country and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, the cost of permits or other documents, postal or courier delivery, and others.
Documents
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
Mandatory
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Photograph
Must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), in color, clear, and sized 47x36 mm. The face should occupy 70-80% of the image, printed on high-quality, matte paper with a plain, light background. Hair must not cover the eyes or eyebrows. Headwear is not permitted unless worn for religious or medical reasons, and the full face must remain visible.
Visa application form
Online visa application form, completely filled by the applicant.
Photocopy of a valid passport
Issued less than 10 years ago, with a validity period exceeding the duration of the visa by at least 3 months and with at least 2 blank pages. Requires photocopy of the pages with notes of interest for the trip, including previous or current visas.
Supporting
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Invitation
Invitation from a family member, accompanied by a photocopy of their identification document or residence permit.
Proof of family ties
Certificate issued less than 1 month before the visa application from the relevant authorities in the country of origin, verifying the family relationship. Or a notarial declaration or contract from cohabiting individuals, indicating cohabitation for over 12 months, accompanied by personal certificates proving the civil status of the partners with no marriage relationship.
Additional
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Current immigration or residence status
Residence permit confirming the right to legally reside in the country of residence, valid for more than 12 months. The validity of the residence permit must exceed the duration of the visa by at least 3 months.
Bank statement
Bank statement reflecting the transaction history for the last 12 months.
Parental consent
Declaration, in accordance with legal requirements, confirming the consent of a parent or a legal guardian for the minor's travel.
Proof of employment
Documents proving that the host is employed or self-employed and has sufficient funds to support the applicant in Albania.
Proof of accommodation
Documents confirming that the foreign host has suitable accommodation in Albania, meeting housing requirements (notarized photocopy of the lease contract or any document showing property ownership).
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
Requirements
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
Visa Information
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
English international
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
D, BF
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Long-term
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Family reunion visa
Sources
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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